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Im back and I dont know what to do

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Posted 10/14/2015 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hey HW Family,

I know its been a while since ive posted. My wife wanted me to take a break from going on these forums for a bit as I was constantly looking up everyones unique issues and sometimes it would cause me to manifest my own. For the past two and a half weeks i felt great, the thoughts calmed down, I was able to rationalize, and I didnt feel negative things putting me down. Yesterday somehow that progress went out the window and I had a mini anxiety attack which caused all those thoughts and feelings to surface. I woke up at 3am (Ive been sleeping normally after taking the lexapro) and had to take a xanax to go back to sleep. I need your help again guys as to what I should do? Ive been trying to use my coping techniques but this brain fog that I have from the lexapro seems like its keeping from being able to utilize what ive learned. Im scared, i feel hopeless, and I dont want to go back to depression and anxiety again.

Meds: just made 4 weeks on lexapro brand name 10mg

-AK
Posted 10/15/2015 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi AK,

Sorry to hear about your detour...:(

These setbacks along the way can happen for a couple of reasons.

One is just random breakthrough anxiety...and it happens to all of us. Whether you are on meds, or therapy/coping skills...or a combination...

...despite our best tools and efforts, bad days can just happen.

Another reason could be that it could be time for an increase. Are you scheduled for one coming up...and what is your taget level, do you know?

Calling your prescribing doctor for guidance would be a good move...

...and keep up your coping skills...they can and are helping...keep the faith!

We are here supporting you. Let us know how you are doing soon, okay?

With encouragement!

S.C.
Posted 10/15/2015 9:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hey SC,

Thank you for the kind words, I feel like I'm back at square one and maybe it is time for an increase. I really miss this community and I feel bad that I haven't come back to contribute anything but I think it was a good break for me to focus on life.

I see my psych this Saturday but it seems like a single bad thought that came into my mind brought down the rest of my feelings yesterday which in turned put me to where I'm at now. I'm wondering if I just need to focus more on the thoughts but may be an increase wouldn't hurt? I'm currently at 10mg and we'll see what the psych says. I'm also going to be more willing to take the xanax when I do get those negative thoughts instead of trying to white knuckle it. I hope taking .5mg when needed isn't too much to get addicted to fast.

-AK
Posted 10/15/2015 9:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.

Set backs happen on your road to recovery so it's important to not beat yourself up about them and try and remain as positive as possible tell yourself you have got through it before so you can do it again.

You are still in the start up faze with your Lexapro which can increase anxiety but hopefully things will start to settle down over the coming week keep us posted we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 10/15/2015 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
aloha-
sorry to hear you are struggling..it takes time to get meds right, ive had 3 different times starting ssris and each time i have to say it took a good 3-4 months before i felt better..and therapy each time in additon..have patience and compassion for yourself and dont forget to live life even thru the pain..ive found each time that family and friends are the key to recovery..build happy memories and the world will seem like a less scary place
Posted 10/15/2015 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
AK,

Please don't ever feel bad about needing to step back when you need to...we have all needed a break from time to time.

This place should only enhance your recovery efforts...so know we will be here when it benefits you...

...and adding any support to others during your active times here can happen then! :) No feelings of obligation or guilt allowed here...

Let us know how your appointment Saturday goes, okay?

...and don't forget about the CBT/therapy worksheets in the Resources for combating those intrusive thoughts!

S.C.
Posted 10/15/2015 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for taking the time to respond!
Posted 10/15/2015 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
When you cannot sleep, try the Compassion Practice. Begin with:

"May I be safe. May I be healthy. May I be happy. May I be at ease."

Then move to your wife:

"May she be safe. May she be healthy. May she be happy. May she be at ease."

Then do everyone else you know -- friends, family, enemies, everyone, animals, the entire world. The repetition and the positive feeling are very soothing.
Posted 10/16/2015 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Sunrise, I will have to try that.
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