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Unbearable Agitation - how or what can i do to cope?

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caroline50055
caroline50055

Dear All  i've posted something on a similar theme and had some useful responses from people including purpledoberman. However due to my inability to cope with medication I am at my wits end.

I have unipolar depression but it comes with tremendous anxiety, in fact I think the anxiety initially dominated and it is still extremely strong althought the depression is really bad too. For a while now I have had a feeling ot terrible internal agitation and turmoil and a feeling of crawling under my skin mainly in my legs - this seems to be all day now - it is unbearable but I have to bear it. It is like akathisia but without the urge to keep moving around. However I do wring my hands, massage my feet etc or keep turning over in bed when I am still as the internal tension is tremendous. I am not sure how much longer i can cope - I get hot flashes with the tension. If it was depression on its own it would be easier but this makes the long days ever more unbearable. It is too strong for relaxation techniques to make even a small dent in it. I am having CBT but that is not helping and has made some things worse. Walking can make it seem worse. I cannot imagine days feeling like this it is like torture and I am very frightened for my state of mind. I have even thought about admitting myself to hospital but that terrifies me and the environment would likely make everthing worse let alone the prescribed medication. Any advice - I really cannot think of anything and am so stuck.

I take a sleeping tablet but that only helps for a short while and I wonder if they are increasing the problem? The trouble is I would need to withdraw very slowly and would probably suffer in the meantime.

C

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • jmcg2014
    jmcg2014 caroline50055

    Posted

    i dont take meds either, for me they are no use, i prefer therapy, its safer and every bit as effective as meds - and can make for a better recovery than meds can give
  • tonia_2003
    tonia_2003 caroline50055

    Posted

    Have you ever thought that you could have restless leg syndrome since you feel the need to move them? My mom has it and it drives her nuts. I know what you mean about the hospital because I just got out last week and I couldn't even sleep. I had to take something to sleep. They changed my meds and I'm on Prozac and titrating down off of Paxil. Paxil is a bad drug to come off of. So im getting side effects from both. The Prozac causes even more anxiety. It's one of the side effects. I've had the akathesia also and that is torturous. I have OCD, as it runs in my family on my mom's side and just found out my grandfather on my dad's side had it and my grandmother also. My daughter inherited it too. Mental illness is just like a physical illness. It's hard to deal with. I have a hard time eating and I've lost weight and I'm worried about that.
    • caroline50055
      caroline50055 tonia_2003

      Posted

      Hi Tonia - no, It is not restless leg it is more the whole body. I am sure it is because I have such tremendous internal tension and anxiety. I also feel quite shaky. Did you self admit to hopital and are u in the UK. What did they give you to sleep? What gave you akathisia. I agree mental illness is very had to deal with - today feels so bleak. I wish you well with the titration  - I've heard Paxil is very difficult to get off. I am worried because I don't think I hve any reserves left - I have been fighting this for so long and it is not getting better.
  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 caroline50055

    Posted

    What is a typical day for you? What do you do with your time? 
    • caroline50055
      caroline50055 lisalisa67

      Posted

      My days are very small as I am too low and anxious to be able to cope with much. Most of the time I am inside on the computer. I live on my own so that does not help. Some days it is a challenge getting washed and changed. It is really bad but medication frightens me and adds to my anxiety greatly. I have had some bad side effects and been put off - particularly as if I had some really bad effects no one would know or be able to help at the time as I am on my own. Advice is to get out and do more but it can be impossible for me.
  • Guest
    Guest caroline50055

    Posted

    What makes you feel less anxious and more comfortable?
    • caroline50055
      caroline50055 Guest

      Posted

      Unfortunately nothing at the moment. Whatever I do I feel anxious and uncomfortable - that is what is so firhghtening for me as there is no escape from it.
    • Guest
      Guest caroline50055

      Posted

      Do you have a therapist or a counsellor or someone who is trained to help?
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