Anxiety is ruining my life!

Many would probly agree when i say, never quit an antidepressant cold turkey. Although you may be lucky enough to experience no withdrawals, it just simply isnt a good idea at all considering the majority of people who quit AD's cold turkey go through withdrawals. As far as i know anxiety cant kill you, and the fear of dying is quite normal. People without an anxiety disorder fear dying or have thought about it one time or another, its quite common.

I think you feel comfortable at the hospital because you know that you're in a place where if anything were to happen to you, you would have immediate care. I actually felt the same way a few times when i was having an anxiety attack, i thought something fatal was going on with me and rushed to the emergency room. Just arriving at the hospital made me feel somewhat better, then sitting in the waiting room made my anxiety go away completely till i left of course..

I understand completely how you feel when it comes to people who dont suffer from anxiety because to them you may look just fine, but they have no clue what you're thinking on the inside and how scary anxiety can really be. Honestly i think people who dont have an anxiety disorder have no idea how hard it is on you, and what you can go through. Its definitely something i wouldnt ever wish on anyone even my worst enemy.

Hi Danny,

I'm sorry you're going through this. You mentioned your PCP, but are you seeing any kind of therapist to learn coping strategies? It's very common for people with anxiety disorders to have constant thoughts and fears about dying. Cognitive behaviour therapy can give you a lot of tools to deal with this. We're all different, but in my experience meds don't help much unless they're used in conjunction with therapy. Wellbutrin didn't help me at all, but we're all different in terms of which drugs are effective. I haven't taken an SSRI in a few years, and am right now thinking about starting Lexapro. Did it help you while you were taking it?

PM, I used to say I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I've since changed my mind, and really wish everyone would have to live with this for one month. Just so they'd get a clue. :)

Hi and welcome!

I am glad that you have decided to post with us.:) I am sorry to hear that your anxiety is causing you so much misery. I know how that feels, as do so many of our members...a lot of us have issues surrounding health worries.

I have to admit that I am a little confused over your Rx as well. Wellbutrin is typically not prescribed for anxiety. While many medications for anxiety are also antidepressants, they are usually of the SSRI variety. Did you request to not try another SSRI after your experience with Lexapro? I ask because like I said, Wellbutrin is usually prescribed for significant depressive disorders, along with some impulse control issues, ect.

I would have a talk with your doctor and ask why this was prescribed for you. While you are there, perhaps you could talk about some alternatives in treating the anxiety, including therapy. This is an optimal treatment option, especially if you would prefer not to be on medication. (there is still no guarantee that you will not need them, but you have a chance of gaining enough tools to maybe manage the anxiety w/out them.)

In the meantime, we have a great Resource Guide here (main page, 1st post) that is filled with all sorts of information and self help ideas. Check it out and give some of the exercises a try. If practiced regularly, they can really help!:)

Keep posting with us as well. It is very healing to talk with others who understand!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

I totally get that seeing a therapist can be really scary. That's why it takes someone with courage, like you, to do it. :)

Try and forget the labels. They serve no purpose. Show me someone who can harnass the power of their mind to overcome a burst appendix without medical help, and I'll buy into your theory that you should have the magical ability to overcome this illness. I know that I'm coming off as glib, but that's because I really want you to change your view of therapy. I hope you will, because no exaggeration: it saved my life.

Lol...don't be sorry, you didn't throw anything off. I have been known to start a post, go do something else for a while and return 20 minutes or so later...in fact I am pretty sure that I did walk away on this one.;p

These things happen all of the time...that's why I don't tend to go on 'chat'...can't carry on a long enough conversation w/out something needing my attention.

S.C.

Thanks for all your help guys. I am gonna talk to my pcp about different treatment options, and look into seeking the advice of a mental health professional. I guess it's time to face reality that I'm not going to beat this affliction by will power alone.