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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/27/2021 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

I don’t recognize many names anymore. I’m back after quite awhile away. My anxiety is off the charts these days because my sister attempted suicide over the holidays. I’m filled with so much anxiety and stress and anger and sadness and I think it’s morphing into a bout of IBS-D. So not only is there all that, but the IBS is so bad that I feel absolutely horrific and of course terrified it could be something more serious. I don’t know what to do to feel better physically or mentally. I’m wrecked and don’t know how to process all the insane emotions.

Any words at all
Posted 1/27/2021 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
That does sound like a lot to deal with.

Are you seeing a doctor for both the physical and emotional parts of this?

As far as the insomnia, in addition to my psych meds for bipolar (lithium as a stabilizer and Mirtazapine as an antidepressant), I take Melatonin health food tablets for sleep.

Post Edited (Tim Tam) : 1/27/2021 3:53:46 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/27/2021 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have a therapist who I adore and I plan to see my doctor ASAP. My brain just doesn’t know how to process all of this right now and I’m so worn down...
Posted 1/27/2021 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
It's good that you're going to see your physical doctor as quickly as you can.

And you said you had a good therapist.

You said in your first post,

"My anxiety is off the charts...." and "I’m filled with so much anxiety and stress and anger and sadness...."

And "Not only is there all that, but the IBS (net says Intestinal Bowel Syndrome) is so bad that I feel absolutely horrific and of course terrified it could be something more serious."

So, have you ever thought about seeing a psychiatrist? You might need some medicines to get you through this.
Posted 1/28/2021 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
I have yes. I do have meds for anxiety but I haven’t changed anything since my sister’s attempt.
Posted 1/28/2021 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
I am going through something very similar today. I for some reason am filled with gas. So I am not sure if it is the anxiety causing gas or the other way around and yes also IBS, been back and forth in a panic. I ended up walking on my treadmill and that helped some. What really helped me was 1. Laying on my left side and I burped because the food transitions in that position quickly 2. I made a fist with both hands and pushed into my belly back and forth, kind of like when someone is chocked, but much more mildly and that pushed out so much air and I burped and burped. I still have gas below though. I am feeling an awful lot better now writing this but right int he middle of my chest I feel hollowness, perhaps skipping a heart beat in panic. I just want to know I completely feel you. I did check my blood pressure, my heart rate and everything was normal. So I knew it was the panic attack setting in. I just took a Clonezapam and hoping I'd feel better.
Posted 1/28/2021 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
@Park 12, I really hope you feel better. I am doing all the breathing exercises I can and I am still not out of the woods.
Posted 1/28/2021 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you. I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing similar physical stuff. I thought it was just IBS for me due to stress but we now think I have had food poisoning and it’s just been getting worse because I didn’t realize what it was so I didn’t modify my diet. I have to pick up a stool sample kit first thing tomorrow. Now of course I’m convinced it’ll be super serious and I’ll die....never a dull moment when an anxious brain is in the mix.
Posted 1/28/2021 8:04 AM (GMT 0)
HT sending many healing thoughts to ya mate. Slight username adaptation.
Posted 1/28/2021 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, HT. Nice to see you again. smile
Posted 1/28/2021 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
As for giving any thought to seeing a psychiatrist for your anxiety, you said, “I have yes.”

And, “I do have meds for anxiety but I haven’t changed anything since my sister’s attempt.”

You may have short term medicine to get you through the next few hours, but maybe you need a long term anti-anxiety medicine which could lower the anxiety so you don’t have the anxiety flareups.

I think you should at least talk to a psychiatrist to hear what they have to say about your situation.

Also, you may want to be checking on your sister to see if she is seeing somebody for emotional problems.
Posted 1/28/2021 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Tim Tam.

I have spent the past month checking on my sister and making sure that she is getting started with recovery and treatment and doctors, etc. I am back here now because the stress on myself was a lot and I cannot help care for her and my own family if I am not in a good place to care for myself.
Posted 1/28/2021 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Miss Park,
I have only my sister left also. No other family members. Whenever I get upset my IBS acts up. This along with age which also causes IBS and stress make our lives miserable.

Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for. Two children and a good husband. I would spend some time with your sister and help her through this tough time in her life if possible. Life is so short. Nothing worse than regrets of not doing something when you could have.

I have lots of health issues myself. Cancer, IBS and anxiety along with degenerative disc disease. As I have aged I just take one day at a time. I am so thankful for the good days. On the bad days I just make myself as comfortable as possible and wait for a better day. It is so easy to get overwhelmed. Happens to me a lot. You have others here offering support. Kind good people here.

God bless and my prayers for you
Posted 1/28/2021 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Let us know how you and your sister are doing.
Posted 1/28/2021 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all. My sister is currently living with my parents very close by so we see her as much as possible given everything going on with Covid. I am just going through my emotions after everything that happened.

As for the IBS....I saw a doctor today and we believe it to be food poisoning made worse by an already rough tummy from the IBS. I will start an antibiotic and provide samples to the doctor just to be certain.

I’m working with my therapist on processing what happened with my sister. It’s a trauma for me as well, so it’s all about going through the stages. Takes time.
Posted 1/30/2021 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
I’m glad you’re sorting things out and feeling better. I found short meditations helped through some very rough times. Have you tried and app like Calm? Tons of variety. Hang in there, it always gets better.
Posted 1/30/2021 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
Yea! I LOVE the Calm app. I use it daily!
Posted 1/30/2021 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Park

Welcome back to the forum but sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.

You have got a lot on your plate at the moment and it sounds like you are taking all the right steps towards helping you deal things which is good to hear.

Don’t be to hard on yourself as set backs happen but you know you have the skills to help you so revisit those.

Sorry to hear about your sister that must of been a shock for all of your family but keep doing what you are doing by supporting her and being there for her and she will pull through.

Keep is posted we are here for you.

Sending hugs.

Hibee
Posted 2/1/2021 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hibee! Thank you. You’re right. Setbacks are frustrating but I have to remember I’m but stuck here.

My sister has a long road ahead but is taking all the steps so fingers are crossed for her.

This has just been such an exhausting year. It’s hard to think things through logically sometimes so I’m glad I popped on here.
Posted 2/2/2021 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Park12,

I don't really have any advice, just wanted to say keep hanging in there. One day at a time is the best we can do. I know you are going through a lot. And taking care of yourself first gives you energy to do more.

Sounds like you have a lot of support which is awesome.

We are all here for you.

Blessings to you for all that you are doing for your sister.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/2/2021 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Karen, thank you!! I am a very firm believer that you have to “mask yourself first” so that you’re able to mask everyone else. If I don’t get my head right first, I certainly can’t offer good care to anyone else.

I’m making good progress with my sister as I just work through the stages of grief or whatever this is. Allowing myself to do this is really helping. Thank you for the thoughts! The support here really helps!

❤️
Posted 2/4/2021 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Good to hear from you Park
Sorry to hear of your sister’s troubles
Wishing her healing
How are the kids?
Posted 2/4/2021 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
Weary, good to hear from you too. Thank you for the well wishes. It’s a LONG road for her but I’m hoping she’s ready for all of it.

The kids are SO big now. 8 and 4! They’ve both been home doing school online so talk about quality time.

I’m personally at the hospital waiting for an ultrasound of the gallbladder while they try and figure out what’s wrong with my stomach. I’m still banking on 2020 stress being the culprit!
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