Hi...I am 46 and looking back I realize that I have had anxiety/panic for as long as I can remember... of course gradually increasing to the point where I am at now.....but until the last few years or so didn't realize what it is that causes my symptoms... other than my spouse I don't tell anyone about it...along with my many phobias seeing a doctor is high on the list. I'm looking forward to this program and am hoping to learn a great deal!
Thanks to everyone for their replies..I came by this site the other day by googling anxiety cures...started reading it and thought it made sense ....I'm sick of avoiding things and running from my thoughts.Writing down my negative thoughts already has opened my eyes to how much I "fret" over things without trying to look on the positive side..or at least that its not going to be "that bad". The doctor's visit next week...thinking negative thoughts.....now I try to replace them with reality thoughts..its just a dr.s visit....It's not going to kill me...etc...When I read that some people actually do things to make them feel similar to having a panic attack it hit me that although I've had hundreds of them I havent passed out and I'm still alive so how bad are they? At least there's not an elevator at her office! haha. One thing at a time.
Well the big day ...docotor's visit...is tomorrow...My anticipatory anxiety is high today...Everytime it comes in my mind I have been trying to ask the 10 questions and write the answers down. Its not easy to calm down ...the negative thoughts seem overwhelming. I want to go...but I'm scared ..its been along time...the "what ifs" are horrible. But, even though the thought of just not going is there ...(I have tried this before..made appt's then cancelled) I'm pretty sure I'm going no matter what, because when I've chickened out before I felt immediate relief ...short-lived....followed by even more anxiety. So wish me luck...and thank-you so much for this forum. I have been reading a lot of the posts, they are very informative and enlightening.
.
Hi again... Thank you all so much for your kind comments and hepful hints. Having people who really understand makes me feel less lonely with this struggle. I am so glad I found this place. Not that I would wish anxiety on anyone! I did go to the dr. It is very strange...I was pretty good in her office...even laid down and let her examine my abdomen....got req's for ultrasound/bloodwork. Talked about my anxiety..I mentioned this program..she didnt say anything. I felt good driving to work. Then, about an hour into work I lost it...I couldn't hardly walk.. I had to "hug" the walls in the hallways..that old "off-balance " feeling for hours and hours. I tried to ask the 10 questions and do the breathing. I tried to tell myself over and over that it wasn't real, just my nerves playing tricks on me. Hiding it from my co-workers and residents of course. ( I work in a Senior's home.) I came home exausted, both mind and body...my legs get so sore when I walk like that. Cried and cried. Got mad at my anxiety. I hate being this way. Fought with myself most of the night over whether or not I would go to work tonight... the "what-ifs" etc. Called in sick this am.. I know...avoidance .... but I can't go there. Am going to see the dr. again and take her up on her offer of medications. And continue with this program. I keep telling myself it is just a "setback"....but I don't understand why. Has anyone experienced this? Any any thoughts of what meds are the best?
Thank-you all so much for your feedback. I feel better today...slept well last night...am seeing the doctor Monday coming.
Red...Thank-you for your thoughts. Do you fear going to the doctor too? (you write that you need to build up courage )
Shadowkins....Thanks for your reply too. What do you take that has helped? Are we allowed to ask that? You're right..I do not want to to be dependant forever on meds but I think I need something to help me for a while ...Being unsteady like that for hours was awful.
Davit....your knowledge of these meds is incredible!! Very helpful! I wrote down those names to take with me.What a great picture of you on your horse with the mountains in the background. Of course I am assuming that is you and your horse! lol.
Anerol...you're right about the stress level...my life is changing so much...my children are growing up..only one left at home, and although I have a job my whole "purpose" was about raising my kids. My hubby is really good..but no, he doesn't understand my anxiety..I don't either for that matter..so that does cause some strains. I would like to see a therapist...I will ask the dr. about that .Do you see a therapist? I want to ask about a support group too...anyone have experience with them?
Sunny123....I agree, and will continue with the CBT..you give me great hope to be both panic/drug free someday.
I just read some of the newer posts here and the ones form Pheonix remind me of myself many years ago..it started as worrying all the time and one fear seemed to lead to another. I think you gave great advise to her Davit.
I went to the dr. this am. It went very well. We discussed various meds and she was impressed by my list..thanks again Davit...
I have citalopram ..and lorazepam if needed..I guess the first week can be rough. Its not easy for me to take meds ...I don't like the idea of fiddling with my mind...but I am so sick of the anxiety I have decided to try them. I realize that I will look out for every symptom of the side effects for the first while.I hope the anxiety doesnt get too bad ...
Over the weekend I started reading chapter3. Its very interesting the corelation between animal and human behaviour. I have never thought about fear in that way before.I glimpsed at the next pg. about Learned Fears..will get into that in a litttle while...I'm still working on the 10 questions for each negative thought....
I am pretty new here too..3 weeks now.My test results were the same as Red's, so I was a little skeptical at first..but I am so glad that I found this spot...the people here really understand and give great help. I am also a military spouse who used to pride herself on her strength( being able to pick up, move and start over in new places across the country every few years). A part of me still feels like I'm weak, that I should be able to "snap out of it" whenever I want. I also feel like I have let my husband down by not being as strong as I think he would like. Like I used to be.
Rememeber...You are not alone! I have been asking the 10 questions to my negative thoughts and its really helping me see how unrealistic my fears can be. And how many negative thoughts I have in one day.. I never realized I thought that way so much. Since I've learned about the cycle of fear I see how much they contribute to panic episodes. I guess its all about educating ourselves.
What an inspirational success story . I am going to use your quote ."Wow...that used to make me really anxious and now its nothing to me." in my mind as my goal...
Thanks
Just wanted to let you all know that I'm reading the forums and doing my diary but am finding the side effects of the celexa taxing...I hope its only a week or so... I had to call in sick..again....which worries me...I only got this job in Feb. Take care my friends.
Thanks for the replies. Yes, I will get a dr's note for my absensess, and like my husband says...its not that bad...the worst thing that could happen is I lose this job, but when I get better I will find another one. That makes me feel much more relaxed. I am calmer in the sense that I am exhausted... but at the same time my anxiety is high when I am upright. sitting and laying I'm fine. Weird! Its a strange feeling for me. Previously when I was really anxious I felt energetic.. but now I can barely keep awake....maybe its me trying to fight the drugs cause I am so scared of them? Just a thought.
Davit-enjoy your cake! What flavour is it? Hope your infection clears up soon!
I'm going to post a note to Valppomommy now..to show support for another newcomer and to tell her how great this place is!
It’s been a while since you were active on this site. Please extend your session below
You have been logged out due to inactivity.
Please sign back in.
We use cookies to help us learn about how our platform is used and how we can improve your experience. To
learn more please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
