Does anyone else suffer from anxiety?

GreenEyedGal

Lately, I have had really bad anxiety. I get it when I'm out alone with the baby, either driving or even just cruising down the aisles of Target. When my husband and I are out grocery shopping and it's super crowded with people. When I just feel overwhelmed by work. The other day, I was baking and the butter rolled out of the pan, which caused for the sugar to burn and cause smoke...yep, I was freaking out.

I wasn't always like this and I hate it. It has caused me to rarely go out and enjoy life. I told my husband that I think I need to take some anxiety medicine or do something because I can't live like this.

Does anyone else suffer from anxiety or do you know someone who does? What helps you calm down?

DavezWife

being on p4 support or BCP for cycling sends me into a tizzy. HUGE anxiety, panic modes, etc. I especially get worked up about 6pm or so, no idea if I'm just tired, or what... but it's a pattern. Sometimes it helps me just to know the REASON why I'm feeling like that, and allow myself to just ride it out.

BUT... mine seems to be induced and limited to these meds. I do acu for IVF prep, and she is aware of this funk and does points to help. I think it does help me. (hint: seach "Community Acu" in your area - much cheaper and just as effective for this kind of stuff)

I will admit to having a small stash of ativan when I'm just spent, but I don't use it that much. I have a couple family members that have GAD/Depression and the daily use of Lexapro or Celexa seem to be two anti-depressants that work well with those that have anxiety issues. FWIW, both are mod to heavy on the anxiety symptoms, and pretty light in the depression area. Minor dysthymia, really. 

My grandmother, whom I'm growing to be alike more and more every day.... gets REALLY worked up about stuff, and she takes valium here and there, and goes on and off zoloft. She's learned a lot of relaxation techniques from her doctor, and will literally remove herself from a freakout situation (100 ppl in a room talking loud, etc) and go have "deep breaths" (i.e. pursed lip breathing technique) and just "center" herself. For 84 and frazzled, she does ok with this.

You could learn some simple mediation techniques, learn DBT techniques for those with PTSD, and more.

I don't think most people get how icky it can be to feel like that. It's not easy. I'm sorry you're going thru it.

;-(

hooliface

I have suffered from anxiety for about 5 years now.   It was right about the time I turned 30 and my uncle and boss died on the same day....they were both pretty young and married to high school sweethearts.    It sent me into a tail spin and it was horrible from that point on.

At first I did not know what it was at all.    I was having really bad time going to sleep, staying asleep, eating, was having major bowel issues, etc. I would try to calm myself but it did not work at all.    I went to the dr. and told her that I was dying!   They did a total workup on me....like brain scans and everything.

It was just anxiety all along.    I went on paxil and HATED it.   I gained 30 pounds from it.   I would workout like a nut and still no weight lost.   I switched to Lexapro and really love it.  I have been on 10mg daily for about 4 years total.

I took it while pregnant and my little one turned out fine.    I plan on staying on it as it makes me a WAY better person then without.   I must agree with davez that BCP makes me a mad person.   DH just last night said I was being "snooty" !!!!

12 more days of the pill and I am done.....but thank god for lexapro.   I hope this gets better for you.   I know how hard it can be and it is really no joke.

If you want to chat more, pm me. 

kittylove

I suffer from it and have since a pre-teen. It was really bad when it first started and then through teens and college was under control. When I got pg with DS all that changed. I came home from the hospital and told my husband I was afraid to leave DS and go pee because he might die. I wouldn't sleep (even with DH watching DS breath) beacuse I was afraid of SIDS. I cried all the time and told my mom that I was afraid something awful was going to happen to DS if I made any kind of mistake at all.

 While I am no longer this bad, I still have my moments. I find a hug from DH or a friend can really help calm and ground me. I also take meds (zoloft) when it gets bad. I like Zoloft cause I can take it while I BF and it doesn't effect my sex drive. If I am alone and having an attack, I normally try to get to where I feel safe. For me that can be as simple as getting into the car for a while or if I have to going home.

I know PPD is talked about a lot but for me the PPA was so much worse. not only was I not prepared for it but no one seemed to understand it either.

sbride03

Sorry you are going through this. I went through a similar situation when I was getting married I couldn't drive on highways.  I tried therapy but to be honest I've been on and off medication for the last seven years and it's the only thing to help. For me a low dose of Paxil and Zoloft did wonders. I realize it is chemical and after a few weeks am back to myself driving and not worrying about being claustrophobic.  Good Luck in your treatment. 

GreenEyedGal

Thank you so much for sharing your expierence with me, girls. It's nice to know I'm not alone.

Kittylove, when my son came home from the hospital I was the exact same way. While my husband and baby slept in the middle of the night, I stayed awake because I was paranoid of SIDS as well. Even now, people comment on how I "overprotect" my son but little do they know that it's something beyond my control.

I'm definitely going to make an appointment with my doc and talk to him about it. I want to be easygoing again and live life without being having a panic attack.