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Can anxiety get worse?

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Posted 9/25/2015 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi...I have been noticing my anxiety has been getting worse...as far feeling worried most of the time...I'm trying to cope with it and doing some techniques...I tried mindfulness this week and helped tremendously but I only did it one day...I am so worried thinking it might turn into a horrible illness or something. As far as I remember anxiety is just that right?...today I have my appt with my therapist and I know she will recommend going back to meds...I have to see my dr...I really want to be ok again...its been four months now since anxiety came back...yes stress triggered it but how do I go back to before???
Posted 9/25/2015 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Cln I understand how you feel. I have panic disorder, so feel anxious frequently. Lately, my anxiety has been worse; before a few months ago I went almost 2 years without having a panic attack. Mindfullness is a great tool to help when you feel anxious; it took me several tries before I understood how it works. My therapist brought this up at my last appointment; I find that it is difficult for me to be mindful when my panic sets in, but can use this method when I am on edge or feel myself beginning to panic. In a medical sense, anxiety is the result of adrenaline running through your body; which causes increased heart rate and the other symptoms.

When having a panic attack I tell myself "This is just anxiety, I am fine." which helps me to relax and then the symptoms subside. I used to take klonopin for my panic attacks and found that it relieved the symptoms quickly, but I wanted to gain the skills to help myself so chose to be taken off it. I also didn't like the idea of chemical dependency, but I would go back on this medication if I had chronic panic attacks again. Before starting this medication, my life was filled with fear and I was unable to relax enough to help myself.

I recently decided to go on a SSRI to help manage my anxiety. I write a blog to help me cope and would like to share the following with you about my struggle to choose medication for treatment:

"I never really knew how to talk to my doctor about it and whenever it got brought up from friends, loved ones, or even my therapist, I pushed away the idea. But deep inside my head I was crying out in pain. I want the uncontrollable crying spells to stop. I want to stop having mood swings and jumping to conclusions over misunderstandings. I miss being able to snuggle on the couch next to my fiance without experiencing anxiety so badly that I cannot focus on the movie. I miss feeling like everything is going to be okay."

I want you to know that it takes time, but I am proof that people can recover from anxiety. Unfortunately, I am going through a rough time right now, but I have managed to keep my job and even go to college. Don't let your anxiety stop you from living your life. :)

WorryWart
Posted 9/25/2015 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cln,

cln777 said...
I really want to be ok again...its been four months now since anxiety came back...

You will, it just might take some time. I found that I would be doing pretty good and then something would happen and I felt I was back to where I started.

If medications will help you then please use it. As you learn new coping skill and find ways to decrease your anxiety/panic attacks you might find you don't need the medications to get you through those times when your anxiety/panic attacks happen.

What I was being told in therapy and what I wasn't grasping was my anxiety/panic attacks were more about a lack of control with my past and present life events. Once my mind accepted the issue "lack of control" I started to explore it more. The conclusion: There were many things in the past and present that were out of my control.

What I learned and put more of my time into was the ability to control those things that were in my control. I could control who I let into my life and how I reacted to things. I wanted more positives in my life and tried to stay away from the negatives. I realized I took in, personally, what other people were doing or saying to me and I realized it was not about me but about them. I help those I can but I also realize each person has their own path to walk and learn from.

I don't know if that helped or if I am just rambling...Take care!
Posted 9/25/2015 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cln,

Great advice above! I will just add my encouragements to keep seeking the right management tools for you, this time around.:)

Use the tried and true methods that have worked for you in the past...

...and add in/continue the new ones...like the mindfullness you mentioned,as well as others we have in the Resources...

...and of course talking to your therapist and doctor, and keeping an open mind to their recommendations.

You can and will find your way back on to the road to recovery. We are here cheering you on!!

S.C.
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