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Posted 9/26/2008 8:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all:

I just discovered this forum today and thought I'd give it a shot. I've checked out a few sites like these over the years, and while I've found people have similar symptoms that I have, it didn't seem like anyone was going through exactly what I was (although I know they're out there).

I've never discussed anything this personal to anyone I didn't know, so bear with me. I've always know I've had anxiety, but around high school (I'm 32 now) I started sufferung from IBS. I've alwas known the two were connected. I always blamed the IBS for ruining my life, and not allowing me to hold down jobs at times, etc. Starting this week, however, I've come to realize the anxiety is a bigger concern, even over the IBS (if you knew anything about me, you'd realize what a big deal it is for me to admit that). Both control my life, and as stated before they're both connected. I tried to start a new job this week. It was a work from home job, and I really thoght that would help our financial situation, as well as deal with my IBS. I've started getting panic attacks and just not wanting to deal with it. I've even developed new symptoms of nausea, and that's something I never used to do. I've taken different meds in the past to help, and the only thing I've found to help was Paroxentine (and it doesn't cure it). Right now I have no insurance, and no money to go to see a dr. with. I've realized for years it's a vicious cycle, and I have no idea how to break it. Even on the med, I'd get to where I simply didn't want to deal with anything, and couldn't handle the stress of work etc. I'm obviously not going to get any better without seeing a doctor, and I probably need to see a psychologist, but again all that takes insurance, and I can't get it under control long enough to do anything about it. Breathing exercises help, but not to the extent I need to work and cope. My wife tries to understand, but it stresses her out, which in turn makes it worse for me. We have a beautiful 7 year old little girl, and I just want to give her the life she deserves.

So if anyone has any advice about what to do trust me, I'm all ears, and have been trying to figure out what to do for some time.

Posted 9/26/2008 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
What state do you live in?
Posted 9/26/2008 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW
I am so glad you found us
WE are a good group of ppl that DO understand what you are or have been going thru
I am in Canada so I am covered by the Ontaro OHIP.......so insurance does not come into play with me here but I see so many trying to cope w/o it

There is other self help tech's such as Cognitive behaviour Therapy......

Many phamacuetical ( sp) companies will help with meds if you cannot afford them and I am sure that there must be a Mental Health organization where you live you could contact
At least I hope so

I want you to know you are not alone anymore and that we will try to help as much as possible
It tends to be slower on the weekends but I am sure you will have more responses to your post and from those that live in the state you do

STAY with us plz..........LYN
Check your resources and read other threads as well
Again welcome
Posted 9/26/2008 10:41 PM (GMT 0)

I'm sorry that you are going through such a tough time, I know from experience that anxiety is miserable.  It is good though that you realize that anxiety is a problem in your life and can begin to do something about it.  I've been in the situation of not being able to afford therapy as well, and though, in my opinion, it's a bit harder to get through this on your own, it can be done. 

I'm an avid reader, and when my anxiety problems started, I began to look for books on the topic.  Back then, there weren't nearly as many as there are now, but I found what I could and read them all over and over.  My favorites are books by Claire Weekes, her books describe what is happening to you and why, and she has a wonderful comforting way about her writing, her books also teach you ways to deal with the anxiety.   There are many others books on anxiety/panic which I'm sure you can get at the library or order online, if her writing is not to your liking.

Do you use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)?  This has been a life saver for me.  If you do some searches on the web, you will find a lot of information on cbt, as well as books on the subject.    You may want to look into some strategies for stress relief as well, since it sounds like you are dealing with alot of pressure and stress over your issues. 

I'm glad that you found this site, too.  The people here are amazing and the support has helped me get through some of the worst times.  I hope that you'll continue to visit and post.  Please e-mail me if I can help you in any way. 

Posted 9/26/2008 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Junebug for your input always appreciate your posts

LYN

 

BTW

I forgot to mention

NEVER be afraid of judgement or barring your soul here.........

Posted 9/26/2008 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the warm welcome, and I'll try to answer the questions (I can remember anyway). I live in Tennessee, and I've read a book or two about this, but nothing that can really help. I often thought maybe hypnosis would help (since so much of it seems to be subconscious), but again that take money and/or insurance. I'm not sure if I've tried CBT, other than muscle and breathing excerises. They didn't seem to work, but to be fair I haven't exactly been consistent with it. I'll try to see if I can find some books by Claire Weeks. As far as mental health organizations, I have no idea if there are any around here or not. Not to beat a dead horse, but the IBS is so severe with me I never realized how bad my anxiety was, and still is.

I look forward to reading and posting more here, and please forgive my typos. I'm a horrible typist. blush   And any more advice would be greatly appreciated.

Posted 9/26/2008 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
I do understand the anxiety with the IBS I have Crohns as well .......

Up top at Resources (with Wen's name) there is info there with a link to online CBT

I am so glad you have found us
Do plz stay with us

LYN

Sometimes over the WKNDS it is slower so dont feel you are being ignored okay ....... nono

 

LYN

Posted 9/27/2008 1:03 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Govols,

Welcome to HW, we are a caring supportive group of people here so don't be afraid to speak about your anxiety. Most of us have been through similar things. I have IBS too, but it has only become a part of my life in the last 3 years or so (I have had anxiety for 17). Have you been to our IBS forum? They have great advice and some stories I'm sure you can relate to!

I'm sorry to hear that your anxiety has gotten worse. Can you think of a specific reason why? Is it the new job? That would certainly make me more anxious so don't beat yourself up about that. In my country (Australia) we can get free access to doctors, but not psychs (mind you the doctors that are free can be dodgy)..When I can't afford to see psychs I practice CBT and read books on self help. Some are wiffle, some are great. I can reccomend "living with it" by bev aisbett as a good quick reference book.

I wish you all the best and hope you keep posting here with us. We have some fun too so check out some of our joke threads!

Meg

Posted 9/27/2008 9:37 AM (GMT 0)
Your in one of the best states to be in need, Tennessee. First Tennessee Department of Human Services should be your first stop go down and find out what assistance you can get. You have a kid your going to get help. Tennessee Department of Human Services is where you apply for Food Stamps, Family First (cash assistance) and TennCare (medical assistance).. TennCare has lots Eligibility Categories. Once you get into TennCare you can get a referral for mental health specialist. A referral is probably easier than trying to get directly in to the mental health side. Ok, lets not stop there, you need to work, so next stop Vocational Rehabilitation even if you have a job, get it started. Vocational Rehabilitation can help with treatment too. Plus they can also get you started on SSI and SSDI and will even help you apply. Vocational Rehabilitation Offices.

TennHelp.com is a great site for find more information for specific needs.

Remember apply for everything even if you think your not eligible.

Hope that helps.
Posted 9/27/2008 10:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi govols

Welcome to HealingWell.  You have come to the right place as we know where you have been and what you are going through.

You have received great advice.

I will just add a couple of things......... talk with your wife as she is your best support person right now.  Perhaps she will help you find help through some of the resouce posted here.

You have stated both anxiety and IBS " Both control my life". That is a sample of what I like to call "stinkin thinkin"  Toss out that thought and start turning those thoughts around,

You are in a tough spot right now but remember You have anxiety, it does not have you.

I know you can get to a better place.  We are all here to help you.

Stick with us,

Kitt

 

Posted 9/27/2008 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gov......welcome to HW.
I feel for you. I had horrible IBS for 10 yrs but I managed to get rid of it about 8 yrs ago. It's never returned "Knock on wood"

I've also had anxiety for over 25 yrs. My anxiety used to control my life to the point where i didn't leave the house for a long time.
Therapy and pushing myself is what really got me over most of it. I went on to live alone, get a great job etc.

I was diagnosed with Lupus and Lyme disease 18 months ago so my anxiety went through the roof again. This time, I decided to get some CBT, I am lucky in that I have private insurance that covers 50% of the cost. If there is ANY way you can get CBT, I believe it's the ONE key to working through this.

I was able to manage most of my disabling anxiety when I changed my diet, started to exercise and just really pushed myself to change.

It's not an easy feat, but it's possible to overcome this.

Good luck

Jen
Posted 9/28/2008 1:19 AM (GMT 0)

Hi govols,

Just checking in to see how you are going. I hope some of this information is helping you out and that you are having a pecaeful weekend. :-)

Buddha, thanks for that great input.

Meg

Posted 9/28/2008 3:05 AM (GMT 0)

Hello again everyone,

Thanks again for the well wishes. Buddha443556, I'm not eligible for Tenncare. I used to be on it a while back, but I started working and lost my eligibility. Now, it takes an act of Congress to get on TennCare, due to major cuts. I haven't tried the other departments you've mentioned, and really I don't want to get on SSI, I'm not even sure I'd be eligibile, but I will certainly check it out. I'm still in the process of starting this new job, although I've pushed it back a week due to my anxiety. Any tips to get over the fear and just get it started?

Again, thanks to everyone for the info and advice. I Looked at some of the links to the CBT stuff in the forum, but is there anywhere that it tells me what to do? I'm guessing you have to find a book.

Posted 9/28/2008 7:06 AM (GMT 0)

Govols,

forgive me, I'm not a very tech person but a free CBT website is www.moodgym.com.au and don't try using that as a link. Try googling it instead. Sorry I can't put the link up but I am doofus at that. It is a great place to start, I am there all the time. Stay with us please and let us know how you go.

Meg

Posted 9/28/2008 9:30 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Govols,

If you look at the resources by Wen at the top of the forum there is a link in that thread with the link to moodgym.  It is great and you can do it online free.  Many people have used it.

Take a look at it.

Great input from all members.

Take care,

Kitt

Posted 9/28/2008 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Govols,

I don't have much to add, but I can say from experience that CBT does work better if you can take the time to practice the techniques that fit for you. I was kind of a slow starter myself, and it wasn't until I had a chance to practice breathing exercises for a couple of weeks that I found they helped when I needed them.

My therapist points out that you don't want to be in the middle of a panic attack trying to remember and reason out how to do the things that might help calm you. It's unlikely, she says, that you'll be able to focus on them very well if they're still new and untried for the most part.

I also read some books about chakra health. In Eastern philosophy, the chakras are energy centers located at various parts of the body. There are quite a few books out there about balancing them and healing yourself via exercises about breathing and visualization. I've never been a great one for meditation and those sorts of introspective things, and I've just told you about all I know about Eastern philosophy. However, the breathing exercises I did helped me practice and pay attention to how my body felt, and how that feeling changed, when I was breathing or imagining. Maybe it will work for you some too. I think you can even find some ideas online, without having to buy a book.

percycat
Posted 9/28/2008 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice everyone, I'm going to give the moodgym a try. And I probably need to do the breathing excercises on a more consistent basis... percy is right, the only time I tried todo them is when anxiety was really high.
Posted 9/29/2008 2:14 AM (GMT 0)

Govols,

yep, it's better to practice breathing techniques when you are not actually hyperventilating!! Took me a while to figure that one out. Take care.

Meg

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