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Posted 8/24/2008 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I'm new to this forum but needed to vent to people that could understand what I'm going through. I seem to be alienating my friends because of my overeaction to situations. And I cant seem to control my feelings of panick. I feel as if my friends are going to look down on my because none of them are going through this. So if you can just encourage me with how you all deal with your feelings of panic and depression I would appreciate. I was on Effexor and Klonapine. Went off both cause I thought I was better but boy was I wrong. So right now I'm back on Klonapine.

Thanks for your understanding....Jomomma
Posted 8/24/2008 1:32 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Jodes,

Welcome to HW, this is a great place to talk about your anxiety and not be judged.  I know what it feels like to be misunderstood when it comes to anxiety and panic. I find people don't so much look down on me, rather they just don't understand or know what to do and say and this makes them uncomfortable. So please feel free to vent at will! We get it here.

How long have living with anxiety and depression?

My main way for coping with anxiety is to stay active, stay positive and recognise when my thnking becomes unrealistic. When I start reacting overtly anxious in a situation I need to step back and think about what I really have to be afraid of. Usually it's nothing but past experience or negative beliefs in my head.  I try and keep myself in the here and now and (try!) not to worry too much about what tomorrow will bring or I get myself tied up in useless knots and "what if" thinking. I hope this helps you out a little. We are a supportive group here at HW and we are a family who help each other out. Again, welcome, I hope you like it here. :-) Meg

Posted 8/24/2008 1:08 PM (GMT 0)

jodes

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  I am so glad you have found us.

One of the best simple ways to deal with Anxiety is breathing. Simple things like inhale to your lungs full capacity, hold it, then exhale imagining all of the stress to leave your body with the air that is exhaled. Getting yourself to a quiet calm place is another way to help and be able to breathe. Imagining a beautiful scene in your mind, counting to 100, counting your breath and trying to slow it are all techniques that really do help.

Another way of dealing with Anxiety is to be proactive with it. Understand what your triggers are. Think about them. Maybe write them down and the reasons you feel that they are your triggers. Try and focus on solutions to these triggers to avoid it happening in the first place. Maybe even get a loved one to help.

Know your personal limits. One of the chief causes of anxiety is when a person takes on more than he can handle. Know your limits as to what you can do and how much you can do. It will go a long way in reducing anxiety in life. Reducing anxiety is not hard to do once a person knows how to it. The one principle to keep in mind is if you have any doubts about reducing anxiety on your own, seek professional help.

Again a warm welcome to the HealingWell family.  Keep posting and know we care.

Kitt

Posted 8/24/2008 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the warm welcome Kitt and Meg.

The hard part for me is to step back and breath. I become totally overwhelmed with emotion. I have been dealing with this most of my life, but it became really bad when I had to deal with my bipolar sister-in-law. Then I started going down this black hole that only therapy and medication seemed to help me to get out of.

I was doing well and even off medication when everything seemed to hit the fan. My father-in-law died, my son is going to court for possesion of pot and was hospitalized for alcohol. And now my oldest son is getting married, which is fine and I like his fiance' a lot but I just cant seem to feel the joy that I should.

I am starting medication again and going to therapy. But it's just great that I can talk to you guys about it, and also read your stories.
Posted 8/24/2008 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Jodes,

Welcome! One of the things we talk about on this forum is taking "baby steps" in overcoming anxiety. It's so hard when you're at the bottom of an emotional pit to think that you'll ever make your way out. Trying to think of it that way can enhance the anxiety rather than ease it. But if you notice the things that do help, even just a little, that reinforces your confidence. Some days, you won't feel like you're able to handle anxiety at all; others, you'll see that you dealt with some instance just a little more successfully than before.

So as you're trying to tackle how you're feeling, try to note the good things, or the things that worked a little, or even just the things that are different. That's how you take baby steps!

percycat
Posted 8/25/2008 12:18 AM (GMT 0)

Jodes,

It sure sounds like you have a lot going on in your life at the moment. It all seems to hit at once doesn't it?! I'm glad you are going back on the meds and getting therapy, sometimes we just need to re-learn our coping skills in times like this. I wish you all the best, and please let us know how you are going. If you haven't already we have a thread where new members can introduce themselves. If you would like to tell us more about yourself we would love to get to know you better. smilewinkgrin

Meg

Posted 8/27/2008 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Jodes... welcome to our Healing Well family.... you are in good safe hands here.... this family of people who suffer together, rejoice in each other's accomplishments, listen to each others hurts and fears...and most of all , care about you unconditionally... will help you more than you can ever imagine.
It is such a huge comfort to me not be alone at 3 am. when I've had nightmares and can't sleep. I know my support is here... I don't feel so alone or overwhelmed... and when I do get overwhelmed, they are here to pick up the pieces and comfort, support me back to wellness again.
You are going through so much , please don't add feeling guilty about needing your meds or therapy again on top of everything else. My therapists used to say that guilt is a wasted emotion...wasted energy.Instead, feel proud of yourself for having the wisdom to go for help when you needed it... knowing yourself well enough to recognize the signs and being pro - active about it. Kuddos to you. That in itself is something to be proud of!!!!!!
Percycat is right... baby steps are the key. I would get a journal... and write down ONLY the good of each day. Somedays, you may have only one thing on your page... but when we quiet our souls long enough to think of the positive... we seem to be able to recognize God's Graces more easily every day.... I know how hard this is when all hell is breaking loose. There are so many things out of your control right now... which would increase anybody's anxiety level and depression, but quieting your mind long enough to think of a positive really helps you to re-focus ... you deserve that moment of peace it will bring you.
And Kitt is absolutely right... Concentrating on your breathing will really help.... Wise woman that Kitt.... so many wise people on this forum.... I'm so glad you've found us..l.
Please keep us posted ....
Keeping you in my prayers
Mary
Posted 8/27/2008 6:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jodes welcome to the forum.
Posted 8/27/2008 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Mary and Aussieangle for your welcome.

It's nice to know that I'm not alone in this.

Funny, my therapist said the same thing about guilt being wasted energy and a wasted emotion.

Friday is court day with my son so I'm sure I'll be telling you guys all about it.

I'm glad that you guys will be there to listen to me.....Jodes
Posted 8/27/2008 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jodes,

I want you to know that you're not alone.  After reviewing your post and responses (being a newbie myself) I want to see that what you're experiencing is normal.  I took go through the same sort of ordeal (and I try to resolve it the same way that you do).  I often become over emotional about things (that are usually not a big deal) and I worry until my face turns blue.  I was diagnosed with Depression and GAD a couple of years ago and though I was on medication for quite some time it did not help me and I weened myself off of it.  I too then try to calm myself down and be rational but it is very difficult when you are in a certain state of mind.  I often say it is like wearing an 'anxiety coat' that I cannot seem to take off for the duration of my anxiousness.  I am forced to feel that way for that time and it is very difficult to remove myself from the situation once I am in it.  Enough about me.  Try to be strong and I'm sure you'll find a way to help yourself.  Stay hopeful and motivated and I hope you feel better very soon.

Posted 8/28/2008 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Savemeplease, I love you name by the way. It's exactly how I feel sometimes.

I also have been diagnosed with depression which I wonder if it's fueled by all the anxiety.

Are you back on medication? I decided just to go on Klonipin for awhile because it's not addicting. I had a really hard time coming off Effexor and do not want to go back on it again.

Anyways I'll be praying for you and keep me updated on what's going on with you.

Jodes
Posted 8/29/2008 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Jodes,

I wanted to tell you welcome! I hope everything goes well with your son in court and that you are finding some "peace" and ways to relax since it seems you have alot on your shoulders. This is a great place to come and just be the "real" you and not be judged! So - let it all hang out so to speak LOL I am glad you were able to get back on some meds and get back to the doctor. You have gotten some great advice so far! I pray that you start feeling better soon.

Blessings,
Leah
Posted 8/31/2008 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your welcome Leah!

As far as court goes everything is still on hold. We have to go back again Oct 9th because the state lab has not come through with the results of the pot that was taken off my son. My son of course is hoping that the charges will be dismissed because they lost the pot. I just want him to own up to what he does....Jodes
Posted 8/31/2008 5:38 PM (GMT 0)

Morning Jodes,

You are right, your son needs to accept his responsibility for his actions.  Hang in there sweetie and enjoy the day.

Hugs
KItt

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