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Posted 10/31/2012 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
I am going through a complete relapse of my anxiety disorder. I posted yesterday a little bit about what triggered it all, but I need some support. Can anyone share some relapse success?

Also, I know they say it takes 6 - 12 weeks to get the full force of an SSRI, but will I notice some relief sooner?

Post Edited (Jolleg) : 10/31/2012 8:25:38 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/31/2012 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Relapse, setbacks...whatever you want to call it, it happens. Anxiety is a chronic disorder, so we can expect to have times when we seem to be right back where we started!

However, even if it seems like we are at groung zero again...the reality is that we just need to pick up our tools and get back to work...and it is easier the second (third, fourth...) time around.:)

You actually haven't lost ground, you are just going through a rough time, and the oppurtunistic anxiety is taking advantage...but you can hit back! What have you done in the past to get through stressful times? Use your experience to get back to be where you want to be.

The things that are going on to cause your stress...you may not be able to fix them all right away, but you can control your reactions to them.

Taking time to practice your coping mechanisms(breathing/relaxation exercises/meditation, ect.) will help to get you in a relaxed frame of mind...if only for awhile, but sometimes that is all it takes.

Comparmentalizing and setting up a limited time frame to 'constructively worry' can also help. Give yourself a precribed amount of time to think about the things that are bothering you and problem solve. After that time, move on and put the worries out of your mind.

Try to focus on the positive things as difficult as that may be...it really helps keep things in perspective. For example, you are having issues with your house...but you bought a house! What a blessing...and one that will bring you happiness and security long after this stress surrounding it is over.:)

I hope that you are feeling better very soon. Keep posting with us...we understand.

S.C.
Posted 10/31/2012 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
I totally understand where you are coming from. I started having panic attacks when i was 19. They scared me to death. I had to be put on Ativan to help me, but I took myself off from them after about 4 months. I learned how to deal with it on my own. After I started having the attacks though, I constantly feared having another one. Plus I think I became a hypochondriac right along with it, because some of the feelings that come along with anxiety can really make you think you have a serious medical problem. I am 27 now, and although I learned how to keep my anxiety under control, I just had a baby 3 months ago, and find myself starting at square one all over again. My anxiety has kicked back up into high gear, and i find myself fighting off panic attacks almost every day. I just try to distract myself as soon as I feel one coming on, and most of the time that helps. I had a pretty bad one last night though, and I find myself wondering how I'm going to get through these things again. My friend suggested i try yoga, as it is a stress reliever, and chamomile tea also. We will see how things go. Good luck to you!
Posted 10/31/2012 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Jolleg,

You could get lucky and start to feel relief from you SSRI sooner...some people notice a difference in as little as two weeks. Fingers crossed.:)

Dawn,

Welcome! We are glad that you have joined us. Please consider starting your own post if introduction if you feel comfortable doing so. We would love to get to know you better. Post anytime!:)

S.C.
Posted 10/31/2012 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I had a relapse some months ago, just when I felt like I was doing better.  It was so disappoining.  I felt like three steps forward, two steps back....   But it was temporary and then it passed, and my upward trajectory continued.  Now, I am doing much better and (as I mentioned in a separate posting) going off SSRIs.  My doctor, at the time, said "you have to expect some relapses; don't let it get you discouraged."  Easier said than done, of course -- but turned out he was right.  I hope same for you.  Best wishes, Medved
Posted 10/31/2012 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Paxil stopped my anxiety is less then a week.......unfortunately, the side effects were something I could not tolerate and they did not get better after several weeks on the drug.....
Posted 11/1/2012 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for the support. It really does help. I am debating whether or not to take the FMLA that my doctor offered me. They also told me I should start taking my Xanax regularly, which scares me because I worry over addiction and dependence. But I just want to make it through this tough time in my life.
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