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I look up the street and I just feel sick to my stomach, I'm a prisoner I'm scared to leave my home, I walk to the mail box and back that's it. My wife does all the shopping along with working full time. I even sold my vehicle because dr said not to drive I've had too many panic attacks. I'm on Zoloft 62.5mg and Valium 20mg and no relief. It's making me depressed. I drove a school bus for 20 years and then I hurt my back and I'm on disability but not driving anymore at only 46 is depressing and I don't know if I will ever get to drive again.
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tess33005 Aj1970
Posted
Hi AJ
Sounds like you're developing agoraphobia as well as all the anxiety.
Have you discussed this with your doctor, because I think you should.
Love Tess xx
lisalisa67 Aj1970
Posted
lisalisa67
Posted
BellaLuna Aj1970
Posted
Hi AJ,
I feel for you so much, I am in a huge battle with crippling anxiety and every time i leave my house even with my husband who used to be my safe person I panic like crazy.
I am on valium too, was on 20mg daily, just increased to 22mg but to be honest the impact has not been that favorable, I am wondering if you have been on it for some time, you could be tolerant to it which is why you get no relief or maybe it's just not the med for you, I am not sure about zoloft but one thing I can tell you is that whilst medication can relieve anxiety it cannot ever resolve it and it will never sure agoraphobia.
Are you getting any therapy? I know it's hard when you can't get out but I know that some therapists will come to you or work with you via skype or phone, I appreciate that it doesn't come cheap though.
I know you are scared and lost, I know what that fear feels like but there is only one way through it and that is to gradually face it, it is the hardest, most frightening and exhausting thing you will ever do and it will take time but it will work.
The intention at first is not to go out with no panic, the intention is to feel the panic and allow it, don't shrink from it because then it becomes your master, in time you do learn that panic cannot harm you, it feels horrible, unbearable at times but it wont hurt you.
I am going to send you a message because there are some books I would really like you to read, I cannot post the names of books on the open forum because it will lead to my post getting moderated but you can get these either in hard copy or audio and I really feel they will help you to start your recovery.
I also feel you need to discuss new meds with your doctor, I have been terrified of new meds for so long but I am finally going to discuss it with the doctor this week because honestly what is there to lose? If what you are on isn't working then it makes sense to try something different although please do not stop your current meds without consulting with your doctor about how to do it safely.
You can do this AJ, you don't believe me now but you really can, I got bad last November, I didn't think I could survive it but I did improve and yes I am in a relapse now but I hold tight to the belief that I can once again get better and so can you, it's just finding the right support and taking those first steps to facing fear.
I will message you now about those books.
tess33005 BellaLuna
Posted
deirdre._03652 BellaLuna
Posted
Lovely xxxxx
Psyched_Out_Kim Aj1970
Posted
I was on Zoloft for years, and never heard of the dose you're on. I'm wondering if it's simply not enough, because people typically start at 50 mgs. Some might break it in half for the first week, but either way, the dose is small. Your dose is slightly above a starter dose, so maybe an increase is needed.
I'm in a similar boat as you, but I haven't left my bedroom since March, with the exception of the bathroom and doctor visits. This is the first time that I honestly regret stopping Zoloft, and am too afraid to start again after 5 years.
Best of luck to you.
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