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How long can Anxiety last ?

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Posted 4/1/2011 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there, Since i was diagnoised as  having a Nervous breakdown my physcologist has said one of the major symptoms is acute anxiety. At the time in late 2008 she had told me that with drug treatment (Lexapro) and therapy. The symptoms can last 2 years. It has been over 2 years, ive completed my therapy and sought permission to cease taking Lexapro from my doctor which i did in July 2010. Since then i get at least a few times a month anxiety where it can last from 2-5 days (with all of the symptoms- clenched jaw, sore shoulders/neck, pins and needles down my left arm, my heart skipping a beat, stomach upsets, dry mouth etc..) and then for the rest of the month ive fine.I have had 2 stress tests in 2008 to check my heart function and also have regular blood tests every 6 months which have been fine.

  ive done research on the internet to try and find out is this a life long illness i have to learn to live with ? Or will it eventually disappear? Ive never heard anybody say if they live with it permenantly or if it is just for a short period in their lives.

Ive quite my job which i found to be stressful in itself and tried self talk.. When i try and make a commitment  that i will get more active, after my heart skipping a few times it usually pans out to nothing as i keep thinking - what happens if it ISNT anxiety? maybe its something else and im not listening to my body.It is not uncommon for at least 3-4 times a month i wake up and are amazed that i am still alive and didnt die overnight -and this is because ive been told by 1 or 2 people ,that it is no good for your heart to deal with anxiety long term, so i keep on thinking this anxiety is shortening my life span?

Lexapro has left me overweight by at least 30 kilos and at the same time with some symptoms of menopause although i am only 43 and my mother is going through it now at 69.Ive also been told it is not uncommon to have my adrenal glands depleted from anxiety and this could be linked to reluctant weight loss (which ive been on an approved diet under the direction of my doctor) which is in essence just one suitable for type 2 diabetes (since i was told i am boderline) i.e. low carb, no fat, no sugars..My husband is on the same diet and has lost 15.5 kilos in 3 months with no exercise ,i go up and down the same 1 kilo every day..

any information would be gratefully received

thanks

 

Posted 4/1/2011 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
 

Hi Eva,

  

 I have had anxiety, major depression and panic disorder for 5 years now. the first 3 in which i did nothing about it and I has made it worse to the fact that my doctors say I will be on meds for the rest of my life.  I am just starting therapy and on three different meds. anxiety is a life long disorder im sorry to say cry

Posted 4/1/2011 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
@ Armywife Princess, thank you for your post- your the first person to tell me that in 3 years and it is a relief to finally have an answer..
Posted 4/1/2011 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Eva,

I have had an anxiety disorder since I was in fourth grade. I am now 21 and still have to work on it every day. I can say, however, that it has gotten much better over the years and that I am now at least able to live a relatively normal life. Keep practicing relaxation techniques and learning how to only focus on the present moment. That can help a lot. I agree with Jess, Anxiety is a life long disorder. But there is hope that it can get to a manageable level so that you can live a decent life. I wish you the best!

toutserabon
Posted 4/1/2011 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
 

Eva,

  You are very welcome...everyone needs support and someone to talk to. Everyday is a struggle but we will all get better!

Posted 4/1/2011 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
@ toutserabon - thank you as well. This helps a lot Hearing from people  living with it ..and gives me a lot more positive outlook. Havent mastered the relaxation techniques but went and had a Thai back and shoulder massage which i find helps with tension and sleeping...
Posted 4/1/2011 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
I have had anxiety/panic attacks for about 30 years now.. and I'm only 36..

IMHO it never goes away. It gets better with techniques and meds. And loads of support. But its always there.

Accepting and understanding it helps out a ton. And this wonderful board! Loads of support and helping words.
Posted 4/1/2011 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
The disorder may start at any time in life, including childhood. Most people with the disorder report that they have been anxious for as long as they can remember. Other people may experience only situaltional anxiety that resolves within a short time frame.

I was dx 29 years ago but have done very well the majority of the time.  With therapy, a good  Psychiatrist and support of friends and family I deal with episodes when they happen.

The support here in the forum has helped me realize I am not alone.

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Posted 4/1/2011 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Eva,

its the same story for majority of anxiety sufferers, skipping beats, hand pain, sleep disorder and so on. i have the company of anxiety for past 4 years now, i don't take any medicines but the story is same for the people who take medicine also not much difference. its all in the mind and you have to keep on telling yourself that all is well. just don't run away from your day to day work or job in case you plan to take up one again, the more u keep ur mind busy more comfortable u will feel. the day u start thinking u are getting better u will feel better trust me.
Posted 4/2/2011 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Eva,
  I have suffered from Anxiety/Panic Disorder as well as other common links to it like PTSD (post traumatic Stress Disorder).  I remember my first panic attack at age 4 then when I reached puberty they became intense and lasted longer, I never seeked help since I was a little girl and didn't know I was not suppose to feel like that.  I finally seeked help by the age of 22.
 I am 37 now and I am sorry to say it is a life long illness BUT you can fight the good fight and beat it day by day.  I personally do Therapy and Medication.  I also force myself to leave my home even when I am nervous and feel the anxiety building up by reminding myself constantly ~I am in control-IT does not control me~ I know how hard this is all too well.  But I found that walking while listening to positive or relaxing music helps me immensely and also doing Yoga.  Breathing techniques are GREAT for PD!  You may be able to not have to go on a med again but therapy and buying some breathing dvd's or cd's and doing relaxation like Pilates or Yoga will heal your mind and put you in a great place mentally and physically. PLUS is makes your mind preoccupied too and that is what we all need that live with this discorder or any kind of illness or just day to day stress factors.
  I would def. speak to a therapist and see what he/she feels would be most benaficial for you.  At the end of the day though YOU know your body and mind set, sometimes we just need some guidance along the way 
  I wish you all the best and will say a prayer for you. 
Oh also, I too was on a medication that caused me to gain over 65lbs in a 10 yr span and guess what, I went off of it 13months ago and am now 50lbs lighter by changing my lifestyle (diet, walking, light exercise since I have a bad back and LOTs of water, vitamins veggies and Fiber!) I still suffer the panic attacks mostly during PMS but it is controlled a lot of the times by just taking my medication and eating healthy and stimulating my brain all the time.
  Drawing and writing help so much too! Even coloring books if you cant draw or paint well.  Keeps the brain busy with no time to panic.
  My thoughts are with you, keep us posted. : )  ~SORRY FOR ALL THE TYPO'S, HA HA Still half asleep~

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