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How to cope with my anxiety

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Posted 9/25/2012 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not actually new to anxiety...it's just that it's never been nearly as bad as it's has been the last several months. I never knew I could feel so horrible as I do now, and from what I've been reading it's due to anxiety.
I actullly feel ill. Aches and pains all over, tingling and numness in my arms, hands, and feet, digestion problems, ringing in my ears, poor coorination, feeling like I'm going to get a life threatening illness, fear that my wife will leave me if I don't get better, I can't do my job, ........... Most if not all of this is due to my highly stressful job which I've been in for 35 years. I deal with life and death situations quite a bit and it's gotten the best of me; if there is such a thing as "burnout"....I have it. I'm working tonight and just the sound of my bosses voice put me into a panic mode.

I don't want to take prescriptions and I have a high chemical sensitivity. I just need some help and input on how to cope and get through this. I'm seeing a counselor and it helps some. He wants me to retire from my job but I can't at the present time.

Any helps out there?
Posted 9/25/2012 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi wxman and welcome.smile

I am sorry to hear that your anxiety has ramped up lately and that you are suffering so many symptoms. Anxiety can have an accumulative effect on us can't it?

The good news is that there is hope, and you have taken some good first steps towards recovery. I am really glad to hear that you are in therapy and finding it helpful. Keep that up...just as stress builds up, so too do the benefits of therapy. You may find that it has a snowball effect...helping just a bit at first, then picking up speed!

You may also want to consider self-help techniques as well. There are a lot of great books available that you can go through yourself (I can recommend some if you'd like), as well as on-line therapy (http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome) We also have some great links to videos in our Resource Guide (main page 1st post Doing the relaxation and breathing exercises twice a day can make a huge difference. Decompressing is really key in lowering stress and subsequent anxiety/symptoms!

You have also reached out here, which in and of itself it healing. To have others to talk to who understand is HUGE! You will find validation, compassion, support and caring here. We are glad that you have joined us.smile

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/25/2012 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. There are many times that I'm unsure if I'm going to make it through the day and I'm sure that all of a sudden I'm litterally going to collapse on the floor. And I've had all kinds of tests and nothing comes back negative. Yet when I feel my worst...I'm sure that I must have cancer or some other deadly illness. Then also, many days I'll be feeling great then something will hit me, and it could be just a small annoyance, and the next minute I'll feel deathly ill. Can I attribute this to anxiety?
Posted 9/25/2012 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
I always recommend getting a check up if you are experiencing new physical symptoms...just to be on the safe side and to rule out any illness...this just makes a smart and logical first step.

However, if you have had one recently and been given a clean bill of health...then you can probably be sure that this is anxiety related.

I too have transient symptoms...I can go a really long time feeling great, then boom! Feel like I am coming down with the flu, or that I am just very sick/fatigued, ect...then I am back to being fine. (after doing some of the aforementioned coping exercises)

I hope that today is a good day for you! keep posting.smile

S.C.
Posted 9/27/2012 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
I feel so horrible today. I can't sleep! On days when I have to work lately I've been waking up at about 2:30 am and can't go back to sleep. Lack of sleep is killing me but I refuse to take any prescriptions meds. I've tried melatonin but it does not work for me. For anxiety, several years ago, I took Klonopin, due to a divorce and my father passing away during the same time period, and it pretty much ruined my life in many respects.

I need some relief and I need some sleep or I'm going to go nuts!!
Posted 9/27/2012 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Were you taking the Melatonin 1-2 hours before your planned bed time? I know that if you don't get the timing right and keep it pretty consistent, that the results won't be as good...

L-Theanine and Gaba are other supplements (always consult your doctor first!) that you could try.

Nyquil also has come out with a sleep-aid formula (otc) that you may want to check out.

Have you also tried the most important practices? Relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises...as well as physical exercise? These are all very effective! The physical exercise shouldn't be done close to bed time (ideally not within a few hours) but the relaxation/ breathing exercises and the meditation could be a part of your winding down routine to ensure a good nights sleep...or done upon waking up early/unexpectedly, so you can get back to sleep.

Good sleep is pretty important in anxiety management, so I wish you the very best in getting some proper rest soon!

S.C.
Posted 9/27/2012 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
thanks. My biggest problem is that when I wake up in the middle of the night, my thought patterns run wild. I start thinking about having to go to work in a few hours and I can't go back to sleep. Or I just think on unpleasant things and it always keeps me awake.

What's gotten me in this terrible anxiety mode is my job. What I'm required to do in my job effects the safety of the public. A couple of months ago I had to deal with a young girl who was afraid that she was going to to be killed and she wanted me to save her. I wasn't able to help her, and I can't get it out of my mind.

This started the whole downward cycle of my negative, self-condeming thought pattern. I'm seeing a counselor and it it helping some, but I need relief now!
Posted 9/27/2012 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried different medications? I didn't find the miracle med instantly. I asked my doc to prescribe other meds. I switched at least five times and eventually, I did find the right one for myself. If Klonopin didn't work, there are others you can try.

Like you, I refused to take meds, but I ended up in the hospital so I had no other choice.

I also looked into alternative therapy...like herbs, supplements, vitamins, meditation, changing my diet and it all helped but it didn't give me instant relief.

Try eliminating caffeine and sugar from your diet. That's a start.
Posted 9/27/2012 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
High stress/demanding jobs must be so difficult! I know that I could not handle it...so you are a rock star in my eyes!

Does your job have resources that can help you to deal? Is that where you are receiving the counselling? If not, then maybe you could look into additional help from your employer/union?

As far as waking up and ruminating on the worries...I have been there and this is what helps me.

I repeat mantras to myself while doing deep breathing exercises. The combination of the calming words, repetition, and the rhythm of the breaths help to put me back to sleep.

I might say:

"It's only anxiety making me feel this way." (if I am stessing about a physical symptome such as racing heart, upset stomach, ect.)

or

"It is not time to worry about that right now." (if I am just dealing with racing thoughts)

Give it a try, it takes a bit of practice, but you may find it helpfulsmile

Hang in there,

S.C.
Posted 9/27/2012 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Not tried anything but Klonopin and a lot of different holistic meds. I did buy valerian root the other day and I think it may have some benefits, but I've not taken it long so it's still in the testing stage.

The counselor I'm seeing is paid for by my health insurance not my organization, and this is helping...just too slow. So you didn't want to takes prescrip meds either. What put you in the hospital if you don't mind me asking?

Did you have feelings that you had some sort if deadly illness? I feel that I must have cancer, heard disease, or something that will kill me to be feeling so bad. I feel this all the time!

But it's funny, when I'm not at work, not thinking about having to go to work the next day, or not in a stressful situation, I feel pretty good. I take a morning walk when I'm off and I always feel good when I'm walking; does this to you sound like I have an illness that is going to kill me?

I know it's the job, I'be been doing it for 39 years. And the incident I was telling you about I think just pushed me over the edge. Do you know, is "burnout" a real thing?

What you suggested about saying mantras sounds to be worth a try, but it also sounds like it will take some time and practice.
Posted 9/27/2012 7:27 PM (GMT 0)

wxman,

I was admitted to the hospital because my panic attacks were occuring too frequently...I would have it almost every hour! It was so severe, I couldn't get any sleep AT ALL and the only way I could get some sleep was at the hospital where I was given sleeping medication through IV drip. I had IV drip every night for a week or so. Then I started taking regular medication (benzo) during the day. I was housebound and could not control my attacks for many years. It was hell but I survived. I had a choice between meds and turning into a zombie. I didn't want to turn into a zombie so I took the meds. LOL

I did not know what panic attacks were back then so I had to do a lot of reading and understand the causes of these attacks, and how the nervous system works. Educating myself about this disorder helped tremendously.

Posted 9/27/2012 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yes. Constantly had those thoughts. The more I understood what anxiety and panic was, the easier and less stressful it got for me though.
Posted 9/27/2012 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, didn't know it could get that bad. You are an expert on the subject. I have to admire you for the determination to get through it. Many people in your situation would have either lost touch with reality or taken their lives. How did you keep yourself going?

Yes, I agree about eduacating myself. I've learned a good bit over the past couple of months and as I said my thought pattern is my biggest problem right now. If I can't get these two things under control it will go a long way toward me getting better. I didn't know how thoughts can so significantly effect or health!

Sorry you had to take benzos. As I said I tool Klonopin for about four years in increasing doses and I ended up in a drug detox center for two weeks. This is why I'm so afraid of prescrip meds.
Posted 9/27/2012 10:00 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks wxman,

I'm getting teary-eyed right now while reading your reply.

All the feelings are coming back. I did almost give up...many times actually. It was living hell. I am not sure how I kept myself going. Everyday was a battle. I lost friends. I quit my job. I felt broken, weak, incompetent, worthless, hopeless, devastated. I was at the lowest point of my life. Then I became a caregiver for a few years. It was all a traumatic experience and it made me stronger. I am no expert though. You will definitely learn a lot from reading everyone's stories on this forum.

I am sorry you had a bad experience with Klonopin. Maybe your doctor wasn't very careful when prescribing the medication. Benzodiazepine dependence can cause serious problems.

As for your thought pattern, have you tried cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)? A lot of people have benefited from it. Give it a try.

Posted 9/28/2012 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
melodee,

You are the real "rock star". Getting through what you did takes a tremendous amount strength, courage, self confidence, faith, determination, and character...and much more. As I said most people would have either gone crazy or taken their lives in a similar situation. You give me hope that I will get through the comparatively meager problems that I have.

Posted 9/28/2012 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Actually it was me who called you the rock-star;p (Scaredy Cat)

I do agree with melodee however...stick with the therapy and staying away from any more benzodiazapines is probably wise.

Therapy takes time and patience...as does anything worth working towards. How long have you been going? I actually found that most of my recovery benefits started to happen about the time that I was wrapping up my sessions! (after about 3 months of weekly appnts)

I encourage you to keep going! Also I supplimented my therapy with self-help techniques and read as many books as I could on A/P (like Melodee said...education of the disorder!)

Keep posting with us as well. Having the support of others who understand means everything!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 9/28/2012 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
As I've been saying, my anxiety disorder is pretty bad. I have all kinds of ailments and am needing to know if they are common symptoms of an anxiety disorder, and if any of you have had the same symptoms; here's a short list:

  • This one is the worst: tingling and numbness in my forearms, hands, and feet. When I'm not in a panic state, I don't notice it.
  • when panic starts coming on, I all of a sudden feel like I've been run over by a train. And...for some reason my wife can see it in my eyes as they get squinty she says? She knows from this that I'm having a problem.
  • I get shaky and unbalanced.
  • my heart pounds "out of my chest".
  • Severe night sweat
  • It's hard to breath and my breathing gets very shallow
  • I have what I call "electric shock" symptom. Usually I'm sitting or laying down and all of a sudden I feel light someone touched me with an elactrical wire and it makes me jump. I get this a lot.
  • ringing/rushing sounds in my head and ears.
  • pains all over. sometimes they are sharp
  • blurred vision
  • constant pain in the back of my neck.
  • all kinds of cognitive difficulties
  • I startle easily and sensative to bright headlights at night when driving.

       This is just to name a few.

 

 

 

Posted 9/28/2012 6:55 PM (GMT 0)

wxman,

Thank you so much. You have no idea what your reply means to me. I have not received such encouraging words in a long time. Sometimes I try to erase the past (although that's impossible), so I can move on and start a new life. I was hesitant to talk about it because it brings back painful memories. Your uplifting words made me smile instead. So thank you. And I am happy that my story gave you hope. Please never give up. I see all this as a life lesson. Every experience is valuable and meaningful.

Posted 9/28/2012 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, those symptoms sound like anxiety and stress. Pounding heart, difficulty breathing, tingling sensations, feeling detached from reality..... are typical symptoms of anxiety and panic. My anxiety attacks usually last for a few minutes. The after effect is worse for me. It takes about few days for me to completely recover.
Posted 9/28/2012 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
You know, depression and anxiety are "lonely" illnesses. I would almost rather have something such as cancer, as when you have somelike this, people for the most part understand how devastating and <span style="padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 14px;">debilitating it can be. Ya know what...so can what we have. Sometimes I have to hide what I have, or call it something else, or people will say something like, "really...well just get over it". Most times when I'm having a bad spell, when I call work to say I'm sick, I have to tell them that I have a bad headache, or the flu, etc. Otherwise they will think I'm just lazy and don't want to come in. Few people have any sympathy for you so, you have to "make up" an illness so they understand.
Posted 10/21/2012 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
I've gotten much worse in the past week. I went to my MD and he did blood work and it showed no medical problems, at least what he tested. I'm now in a panic state off and on every day and my sleeping has also gotten much worse.

Unfortunately, I'm now taking Zoloft and Trazadone, and he gave me a few Xanax. I hate being on prescriptions meds, it makes me feel that I'm out of control...I hate this!!!!

I've been trying some homeopathic suppliments. GABA, magnesium,  passion flower, and Valerian Root. I'm a bit concerned that there might be some negative interaction with the prescription meds?

I'm not sure how much more I can handle....I need help. If I don't start feeling even a little better I'm going to loose it.

Posted 10/23/2012 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
can someone give me some input tonight, I've having a very bad evening. Thanks
Posted 10/23/2012 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi wxman,

I am sorry that you are having a bad night.sad Is there some trigger that is happening in your life at the moment? Work, realtionship, other?

Identifying the cause is often helpful, so that you know where to start to fix things for the better.

Can you take some time to decompress and do some relaxation/meditative exercises. I find this helpful at times of high stress. Or can you get distracted with a fun hobby or something that you really enjoy for awhile?

I hope that things get better for you soon. Great job on reaching out and asking for help.

We are here to support and care. Let us know how you are doing soon, okY?smile

S.C.
Posted 10/23/2012 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
Wxman1951,
Having anxiety is a hard thing to deal with! I like you and many others suffer with almost daily (if not hourly) anxiety that just drains me. I have a ton of physical symptoms such as trembling, difficulty sleeping, tightness in throat, spaced out weird feeling in my head or "dreamlike" state, constant muscle tension...the list goes on & I'm not taking ANY medication. Just remember were not alone & we can get thru this. I've read chamomile tea helps you relax so I've started drinking that, I'm watching my sugar intake and caffeine intake (no caffeine) and am trying to do positive self talk. I also started seeing a therapist for the first time last wk to learn CBT technique & do a lot of rationalizing and telling myself " what if is NOT" because I always have "what if" thoughts. If you have a clean bill of health & continue to have symptoms chances are its just anxiety!! I've been telling myself aloud in my car every morning driving to work "your okay! Its only anxiety, you've felt this way before and it never hurt you & it won't hurt you this time!"
Posted 10/23/2012 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
Also, I have a stressful demanding job in a medical office & I think it adds to my anxiety so I've been thinking of the positives of being there instead of the negatives like ; I'm earning money for my family" and tell myself I'm in control and sometimes I need to escape into the bathroom & stare myself in the mirror & reassure myself I'm okay but I always make it thru the work day. Educate yourself on anxiety & the symptoms & when you feel a strange symptom & your mind takes you to "what if I'm dying of a serious illness?" Or "what if I have a heart attack" or whatever the thought may be tell yourself "what if is NOT" it takes work but you will overcome this! Best of luck & we're all here!
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