Please help

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and looking for some advise

I've had anxiety for about 4 months, first couple of months,
At first it was heAlth anxiety now it's all in my head!

I feel like I'm living in my head, I feel so strange, i feel like i don't know what normal is anymore, I'm so in my head I even think about my thoughts and just to see if I'm thinking properly..sometime my thoughts are jumbled because I'm overthinking. As weird as that sounds.

I feel so on edge like I'm about to lose it any minute and I'm going to go crazy.

I am taking medication while it has helped with my physical symptoms, it hasn't helped with everything else.

So worried :(((

How is your support system ? Just throughing this out there . Mine is nil. So yes when all you got is you this is the result of you , you, and you, and yourself being the only life line you have. I know that if I don't take care of me ain't no else going to do it for me they I need it done. So yes I live in my head. I'm my ownbestfriend. And there is a daily narrative that follows me. Your normal as it goes with the problems we all have but all the me s agree tell your doctor everything no matter how cookey it sounds to you , you may hit on an ah-ha moment without even realizing it.
(( hug))

Unfortunately, when anxiety and depression become chronic, some people's brains will kind of retreat, explaining why external stimuli seem 'off' compared to how you perceived them before.

Unfortunately, excessive thinking about the problem only exacerbates the issue, as more energy goes into trying to solve the problem rather than focusing on the world around you.

The best way to fight the problem is to not fight at all, so to speak. Try and go about your life as best you can. As I suffer from agoraphobia thanks to my panic attacks, that was a tough hurdle. Baby steps are key - if it is daunting, build up to it. I started by taking my dog for quick walks down the street and back. Then it was around the block. about a month later, I'm now able to travel on my own across town and back using public transport, whereas if I absolutely had to go anywhere, I'd get someone to drive me there and back.

Hi Jassa and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with this common symptom of anxiety. It is not unusual at all so know that you are not alone...and also take heart in that it will pass with time.

Either from the anxiety itself, as a medication s/e...or a combination of both...D/P D/R is an annoying/scary, but harmless symptom. With acceptance and use of coping skills, it should phase out for you soon.

By acceptance, I simply mean not fearing or fighting this. I know it is easier said than done...but like most anxiety symptoms, the more you can train yourself to feel the effects, and simply let them go, the faster they will go away.

Of course on the flip side to that...you can pro-actively practice coping skills to help yourself feel your best possible.

Here are some links with great tools to learn and put into regular practice.

Depersonalization-derealization symptoms:

 

http://psychcentral.com/disorders/depersonalization-derealization-disorder-symptoms/

 

Self help for D/P

 

http://www.sound-mind.org/depersonalization.html

 

Book recommendation and information on D/P

 

http://www.overcoming.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8746

I am also glad to read that you are getting in and seeking the help of a professional, as this is a great step...well done!  Keep posting with us if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

Just want to throw this out there. I'm feeling anxious because I have to travel to go to a mandatory seminar for work. I can't just go anywhere so to speak my mother was agraphobic and I am too I think. I'm fine in my routine , to work and home, same grocery stores and fast food. I even pass up closer gas stations because it isn't in my routine. Now I have to go on public transportation from my comfort zone to this hotel where the seminar is. I've decided to take a cab instead. But because this is something I have never done before alone I am out of my mind with anxiety. I refuse to let it show because my husband is the one with anxiety not me. I'm the going around saying breathe in breathe out relax it will pass. Now look at me. When it comes to braking my little bubble universe I'm shattered. And I wish I could tell management off for making me do this. I just noticed in this thread that there would become sympathy here. I have never had to face this because nothing has ever challenged the little niches I have carved out. Tomorrow I'm on my own in a big city. And I only have to go like 1 mile out of my comfort zone but every foot seems so so so horrifying. Could I have picked up on my husbands anxieties and owned them myself ? I was never like this as a young woman?

P.S.,

I am sorry to hear about your anxiety regarding your upcoming travel for your seminar.

Is this a first time experience for you? If so, it is natural that you would be feeling some apprehension.

If not...how did the previous trip go for you? If they went smoothly, then you can assume that this time all will go well again.

Do you have some favorite coping skills to rely on?

Positive mantras and visualization are both powerful tools you can practice. Repeating empowering phrases, and imagining yourself doing all of the necessary things needed to get through your event will go along way in ensuring your success. :)

Wishing you the best...I know you can do this! We go with you in support. :)

Let us know how it goes,

S.C.

Hi Jassa,

As others have said, you are definitely not alone in this, I have had exactly what you have described.

You mentioned you are on medications, can I ask what sort and dosage?

I have found recognising my triggers and regular exercise have helped me the most.

Best of luck, it will pass.

Hi Jassa

I know how you feel I have had the exact same feeling I went to see a therapist / psychologist and this REALLY helped.. If you have access to one I suggest you go and talk to them about your feelings as in the end that's all they are just feelings...

Hi Averyg,

I've actually have a appointment on Monday with a psychologist so looking forward to seeing him and sorting through some issues.

Aus_Dad,

I was actually was exercising at a lot more when I first starting on this anxiety journey but now I've lost all motivation for everything.

If it wasn't for the kids I'd probably spent all day in bed but I'm going to start getting out there a bit more.

I just have another question for those who know a bit about medication

I have been taking lexapro for 5 weeks, started on 5mgs worked my way up to 15 which I have been on for 5 days.

I am just wondering how long it usual takes to work, my physical symptoms are better but still not feeling "normal" and feeling extremely depressed.

Should the be working by now?

Hi Averyg,

My doctor actually told me to I increase it to 20mg a couple of weeks ago but I was to scared of the side effects so I just went up to 15, I think I might have just have to start taking the 20mg, hopefully then I'll start to see bigger improvement.

Hi

You have received some great support so I just wanted to pop in and say hi and welcome you to the forum as you can see you will get good support here.

Hibee

How you doing Jassa? All good hopefully :)