Ability to handle daytime stressors

Sorry you are not where you want to be -yet. I totally understand the feeling of anxiety about re-engaging in the activities you would like to do. Sometimes taking small steps can build up your confidence. So maybe schedule one session with one client to start. Even though you might be anxious about it, I guarantee that you will get through it and you will be focused for that hour on your client as opposed to your anxieties. It will get you out of the house, and interaction with others will help with the loneliness - another one of your anxieties. I found that accomplishing small tasks, like going to the recycling center or prepping the snowblower helped me, just knowing that I was doing something productive. It won't eliminate your anxiety, but it's a start. Just a suggestion, FWIW. Keep posting here and let us know how you are doing.

Everyone is different wrt medications, but Trazodone has worked well for me. It is non-addictive. I get 7-8 hours sleep consistently. Once I have my coffee in the morning, there is no hangover effect whatsoever. The first night was a little weird, but after that no problems. I have a friend who also takes it with good results, and my internist mentioned that he has several patients who take it successfully, as well. A big benefit for me is that I know that I will get a decent night's sleep. It's also cheap. I think that the 20 mg. of paxil that I'm taking has finally kicked in, too. Re: the zoloft dosage increases, I wonder if what you're feeling is related to your adjustment to the higher dose.

One strategy that I've come across in my reading is to do things despite the anxiety. If you're anxious, or don't get enough sleep the night before, the worst that will happen is that you will feel uncomfortable, and oftentimes you will just be involved in the moment and will have a positive experience. For awhile, I'd go to the club to work out, even though I was so tired and did not feel like it. I really didn't feel like talking to any of the many friends I saw there, but I did my best, and I feel that it was better to be uncomfortable but engaged in something than sitting at home ruminating.

F.T.

Be patient with yourself and the process...you have beent through a lot of changes, mentally and physically.

You will get to where you want to be in your recovery again! We are here to cheer you on along the way. :)

The next few weeks will be a continued process of getting back up to your theraputic dose, so try to hang in there!

With support.

S.C.

Thanks for your support guys. Surprisingly I am enjoying being home with peace and quiet. Went to the gym and relaxing! That's the thing I feel bad because all I want to do is relax! And social situations seem to stress me out more than usual. I guess because I have been through so much? I will keep posting here thank you