New to this anxiety thing :(

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi all, it’s really nice to have a forum I can turn to. I am freaking out to be honest. All of the sudden I started feeling very nervous and worried about the small things and activities in life - like driving, being out, being home, getting lost.. Not sure why this is happening because I’m 40 years old

And never experienced this. Any ideas?? My Dr. listened to me and diagnosed me with anxiety. He put me on Zoloft and I’m on a day 2.... still panicking and still overly worried. I take Xanex in between to supplement until the Zoloft kicks in. How long before I feel better?? This is really awful. 

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5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Gigi, I was told and it was true for me that it can take 6 to 8 weeks to feel almost like yourself. But you may improve on some aspect sooner than that. This is a slow med which means it takes its good old time to get into your system. Some people have higher anxiety when first starting out because it is one of the side effects. I will never regret going on this med , it gave me my life back. You will have good days and occasional bad ones but it is totally worth it.
    • Posted

      Very encouraging Brenda. What does are you on? I’m in 25 - very low. Did you also have the fear and worry? It’s excessive for me and almost to where I cannot work. Thank you for replying - means so much. 
    • Posted

      I started on 50, went to 75 and now 100. My anxiety was really bad but it crept up on me slowly. It started with me getting anxious to leave the house but after i would pass a certain point i was ok, but then it progressed to the point that i wouldnt leave the house and then the health anxiety kicked in when my husband had a heart attack. From there it blossomed or should i say became a monster.
  • Posted

    Gigi,

    My heart breaks for you. I’ve been on Zoloft for 6 weeks and I can give you hope that it gets better. I’m on 50 ml. I too have anxiety, for decades now, don’t know why I waited until now to get help. 

    The med kicked in and while I may up my dose, I’m now doing so much better.  I struggle with panic, shallow breathing then other stuff kicks in. Honest, it’s magic to be able to take a “real” deep breath and relax. I find going for walks greatly helps me.  My counselor helps and coming clean to my family, telling them about my struggles helped too. I was ashamed for so long and didn’t want to talk about panic.  When I started reaching out to people I realized I wasn’t alone. You will too, so many good folks on this site. Med side effects will lessen over time. Best wishes for deep breaths. - x kat

    • Posted

      Hi Kat - thank you so much. This is scary and so foreign to me. I worry all day long and that’s so not me. I’ll continue the path and hope for the best. Sometimes it’s too much to handle but I have lots of family - thank God. 

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