worrier

Sure UC has caused me much anxiety in the past. Any normal person would be worried if they couldn't trust their bodies control of a basic function. And of course I worried about how I could get it under control and cured.

But no I haven't become worried about other things not associated with UC. But when UC is bad it pervades ALL aspects of our life doesn't it? Since being in remission I've noticed that I laugh more, the way I used to pre-UC. UC takes a toll on our life in many many ways.

Are you sure it's the just UC causing you anxiety/worry? Could it be from the bipolar drugs? Or do they pre-date UC so you know it's not that.

No different than you've always been on here.

Worrying is a complicated symptom/result/control/habit, born out of anxiety...you also have lots on your plate regarding mental health...

Aside from the "normal" worry in one's life that happens even on a daily basis about whatever...it's the incessant stuff that takes over.

UC wouldn't make you worry more, but the fact that you have it will have you worry about it I would think.  If you didn't have UC, you'd be worrying about whatever else.

So, your husband doesn't worry?  What does he do to control his anxiety?

It's all a matter of perspective and what one does with it. Therapy can help a lot especially cognitive behavioural therapy.

q

What kind of therapy? If it's talk therapy, that's one thing...CBT is another.

q

Yes, Yes, This is all good advice.

Power Yoga has helped a lot. It's gotten my body into shape and helps me breathe and tune out negative things.

I think job security would be good. I know it's 2.5 years until my position ends, but I've seized on that. (gotta have a health plan) I'm working for an elected official who terms out in 2012 and I'm afraid of change, I guess. Or upsetting the apple cart by getting in a job search mode. I really love my job. I can do it out of the house!

I understand that CBT is much better than talking it out. I've not hit on the right therapist or can't figure out how to work best with the one I have.

I am in CBT, but I'm not adapting to it 100 percent. I will take time. Thanks for the advice.

I have had GAD for most of my life, though I wasn't clinically diagnosed with it until my early 20's. I was on Lexapro for about 8 years, but then couldn't afford to see both psychiatrist (to get med) and psychologist (to discuss). The psychologist never helped. When I have full blown anxiety, no amount of breathing or positive thinking can help me. I went off the pills about 1 & 1/2 years ago. My anxiety progressively got worse. It's so hard for people who don't experience frequent anxiety to understand what's going on. The only way I could explain it to other family members and friends was this: Imagine that a family member or friend is later in getting home than they said they would. Most people would be a little worried, but the rational side of their brain would tell them...there's probably traffic; they're having such a great time at the event, they are staying at the event longer than they planned to, etc. So, in essence people without anxiety are able to rationalize events. I, on the other hand, am not. If someone was late getting home, this is what happens with my body: If they aren't home within 20 minutes, my heart instantly starts beating very quickly and burning pain sets in.. My breathing becomes fast. I become convinced that the worst possible scenario has occurred. I don't have a rational voice in my mind, instead my voice tells me that indeed I need to freak out because something has definitely happened...why else would my body be reacting like this?

I was diagnosed with UC in my early twenties. I don't know how long I had it before I finally went to the doctor. But I do know, I had anxiety before I had UC. I also know that my anxiety has definitely at times made my UC worse. I spoke to my gastroenterologist at my last visit about my anxiety and how it negatively affects my UC. She gave me a prescription for Lexapro for 3 months, but told me to continue it with my primary physician. I have been on it for a month, and I am so pleased with the results.

I've started Lexapro!

I've heard mixed opinions on Lexapro. I have one friend who gained a lot of weight on it. She blames her weight entirely on Lexapro and even after stopping she has had a hard time losing the weight. I didn't know her prior so I can't say whether she was more petitie before taking Lexapro. I know you have been struggling with prednisone weight, as have I, I personally wouldn't want to take anything that might cause more weight issues. I hope it works for you and that weight gain is not as issue. I am sure it doesn't cause everyone to gain.

notsosicklygirl said...
I've heard mixed opinions on Lexapro. I have one friend who gained a lot of weight on it. She blames her weight entirely on Lexapro and even after stopping she has had a hard time losing the weight. I didn't know her prior so I can't say whether she was more petitie before taking Lexapro. I know you have been struggling with prednisone weight, as have I, I personally wouldn't want to take anything that might cause more weight issues. I hope it works for you and that weight gain is not as issue. I am sure it doesn't cause everyone to gain.

Yah. Some people gain weight on Lexapro, and some loose weight. So the medical community doesn't really admit to the possibility of weight gain. But it's still there. I've heard of some people gaining a substantial amount of weight on Lexapro. It was a consideration before taking the drug. Luckily, I haven't gained any weight from it. I do have a tendency to retain water though. I don't know whether or not the Lexapro is contributing to my water retention.

journey2health said...

I can't live with the anxiety

Yes. In CBT, this is known as all-of-nothing thinking.

I'm sure there will be problems.- weight gain, constipation, etc.. Right now I'm fatigued as hell. But it's very common for people with bipolar and other issues to go through many meds and combination of meds before it gets right.

Before I got UC last year. I was on the same meds for 10 years, no change. UC messed everything up. Everything changed.

My shrink and I have been discussing lexapro for months, but she wouldn't put me on it because i was on higher doses of prednisone. The depression has been crazy.

I am reading a book called the Worry Trap, so I know what you are saying about the All or Nothing thinking.

As far as knee jerk, like I said, I've been involved in this depression for a while and looking at options. The anxiety was first tamped down by Zyprexa but it stopped being so effective.

I worry all the time about everything. I've always been that way. I get very crabby when out in public and worry about having to use the bathroom. People that are with me don't always understand. We went to a brewers game friday night and I don't eat before or after because I'm so worried. I do start to have panic attacks because I get myself all worked up. You have to sit in traffic before and after the game for hours and then during the game what if there is a line. It is a very stressful thing to have. How embarrising if you have an accident. On the same hand you don't want to miss out on things. You only have one life. I have been worse since my UC diagnosis but I always worried even before that. Oh, and when on pred. forget it.