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It's been a while but I'm having a MAJOR episode!

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Posted 6/6/2011 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

It's been a long time since I've posted. Things were going really well until recently. I seem to be in the middle of a pretty bad anxiety/depressive episode. I'm usually triggered around this time of year but it's been a long time since I've felt this bad. I'm also worried because we are supposed to go on a family vacatio this week and all I really want to do is crawl into bed and stay there. Driving is getting difficult, as I feel panic attacks coming on shakehead    This is the WORST time for a setback. My sleep is disturbed and the sleep CDs I normally use and not working. I dont want to go up on my anxiety meds but I dont see another choice. cry

Posted 6/6/2011 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hello P-Fit,

I'm sorry you're having a rough time right now. Just remember, set backs happen but that is usually all they are. You can pull through this! You've obviously done it before.

I understand that going on a family vacation when you really just want to stay in bed can be difficult, but perhaps a vacation is just what you need.

And though driving is difficult (I'm agoraphobic, so I understand this well), don't stop. Just remember your breathing techniques and that although the symptoms feel awful, they cannot actually hurt you; just pull over if you feel the need to get your head together.

Perhaps you've gotten used to your old CDs and need some new ones to induce sleep? You could also try melatonin strips (helpful for some) or progressive muscle relaxation which can melts away physical tension and helps get the body ready for sleep. Also, writing out your worries my be an idea. And if you still can't sleep, there's always the chat room;) You'd be surprised how many of us seem to suffer from insomnia, lol!

Best of luck,

DarkWolf
Posted 6/6/2011 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for your reply. I think I do need some new CDs. The muscle relaxation is a great idea too. I think I should add some gentle yoga an hour before bed to calm me down. I just feel like my mind is racing...especially at bedtime. DO you know if you can take the melatonin along with anxiety meds like Klonopin? I'm on 0.5mg of that.
Posted 6/6/2011 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
My pleasure P-Fit! Yoga is a great idea! Yes, you can take melatonin along with meds like Klonopin. I would start with the lowest dose of melatonin which I believe is 3mg (you can also find it in doses of 5mg and 10mg). Just be careful not to use it for too long b/c your body will eventually get used it and stop producing melatonin on its own (don't worry, your body will start producing melatonin again once you have been off the supplement for a little while).

Regards,

DW
Posted 6/6/2011 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
P-Fit
I ran into this very same problem in April when I was scheduled to go on a trip to Reno with my daughter and 2 granddaughters. I have been on a rough road since January and my daughter kept nagging at me, " should they cancel my room at the hotel?" I just kept telling her NO as I intended to go on the trip and nothing like anxiety was going to keep me away. The more she worried the more positive I was that I would be using that hotel room and yes I did make it. Had a fun time too.

When risk feels like something to be avoided, a lot of energy is wasted by trying to avoid it. Can you think of a time you went on vacation and did something you don’t normally wouldn’t? That was fun, wasn’t it?

Use all your tools and you will be off to have fun. Remember to breathe.

Gentle Hugs,
Kitt
Posted 6/6/2011 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
My heart goes out to you. I am probably not the right person to give advice right now but I do know the breathing works during driving. Pushing forward in some situations do also. The insomnia is awful isn't it? i try to get up and into another room. I use to take Benadryl but noticed a difference in my reactions of meds. I'm curious what kind of yoga do you do? I've never tried it and am 52 year old female with UC also. (remission) As for vacation it is something that will make you feel better I believe. Out of your ordinary life. You may be soooo much better. I hope you feel better.
Posted 6/6/2011 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Two more tips to try...positive mantras and envisioning.

Use your mantras anytime for anything, they are awesome. If for example, your biggest concern right now is travel worries, use a mantra like 'I am going to have a wnderful vacation free of worry and full of fun!'

As for the envisioning, picture the best, most positive outcome of any situation that you are stressing about. Everytime your anxiious mind tries to wander back to worry, replace it with postive visions.

I know this sounds simplistic and 'Pollyanna-ish' but it really does work. I am a skeptic, and when I first heard of these techniques I had the 'Oh please!' attitude, but I had no choice but to try them. (or suffer!) Well I can tell you that there is something about positive thinking. It is not some magic mumbo-jumbo, but something more to do with science and changing brain chemistry! No joke:)

I hope that this all gets better for you, and that you can go on your trip and ENJOY it! We are all pulling for you:)

Scaredy Cat
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