cant leave the house

My anxiety is so bad I cant sleep or function...I have no friends so I have nobody to talk to except my aunt and she is out of town. I don't know what to do...mostly I just stay in my room...I can't concentrate...Not even to watch tv...My meds are not working...I have no one to turn to...what do I do...I am new here...How can I make these negative thoughts stop...I've tried everything!!! Please help! I just want to die.

I worry about meds too. I worry sometimes did I forget I take it and take it twice or something like that. I worry I will become homeless. I worry that something will happen to my cat. I worry about everything. It's crazy. Thanks for responding. It does help to not be so alone. I worry a lot about things I've done in the past. Like maybe I said or did the wrong thing. I do have a counselor. But she never really tells me what to do about my anxiety. Except she is always telling me to exercise. But I can't do that. I have depression too and my fatigue is so bad there is no way I can walk. My aunt thinks I have fibromyalgia. She has it and I have alot of her symptoms too. I worry about not being able to take care of myself. I worry a lot about tomorrow like will I be able to get up and clean the house. I am embarrassed for anybody to know how much I am struggling. I feel like they will think I am weak and lazy. So I try so hard. Its so hard to even sweep and mop the floor. It seems like everything I take for anxiety never helps. Except once I was on Klonopin and that helped. But my psychiatrist now doesn't want me on that because it is addictive. But I never abused it. I took it for a whole year and never took more than the subscribed dose. I don't know. I just don't know what to do about the anxiety.

Hi Bethy,

Welcome to Healing Well. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling so. Many of us on this forum can empathize with what you are going through. As nana68 mentioned, it will help your anxiety having a place to express it and get positive feedback.

I struggle with agoraphobia, so leaving my home causes me considerable discomfort therefore, I can understand the frustration you feel. High anxiety can make it very difficult to concentrate because so many thoughts are competing for our attention.

Uncontrollable worry can often be an unfortunate part of those suffering with severe anxiety. The most proven technique for over-coming an anxiety disorder is Cognitive behavioural Therapy (with or without medication). If you cannot change therapists to one who specializes in CBT, you can find plenty of self-help workbooks and/or web-based resources to get you on the right path. You may also want to check out the resources section of this website. Much of the CBT involves changing mistaken or negative beliefs into more realistic ones as well as stopping behaviours that may reinforce those beliefs with actions more conducive to your well-being. Please be warned however, it takes a lot of commitment and hard work, but the anxiety you feel can be overcome.

Your counsellor is correct in that exercise can help a great deal. I understand how difficult it can be to motivate oneself to exercise when you are depressed (I suffer from depression as well), but it really does help. Start small - a quick walk around the block and slowly increase the amount you exercise. The workout will help both the anxiety and the depression.

Besides exercise and CBT, relaxation can play a big role in overcoming anxiety. There are various breathing techniques you can utilize that will help diffuse some of the symptoms of anxiety. Also, things like yoga, meditation and massage can be helpful. I'm sure other members can give you more suggestions. You can find information on all of these on the Internet.

Please know that you are definitely not alone in your struggle - many of us know exactly what you are going through.

Best of Luck!

DarkWolf

Hi Bethy and welcome! You have received great input already. We have wonderful members here, and are we are glad that you are now a part of the community:)

All I can add is that the Anxiety Resource Guide that DW mentioned is the 3rd post down on the main page. It does included some great breathing and relaxation exercises that are great for bringing over-all stress levels down. This should decrease your anxiety and symptoms. There are also links to free CBT therapy workshops that you can do on-line. IMO, going to therapy is better, but this could be a start:)

Post anytime, and again welcome.
Scaredy Cat

Bethy,

Hello, I am Serenitee, and thought I would introduce myself and Welcome you to the Healingwell Site. There is amazing people here...Great support, information, and wonderful friendships.

I empathize with you in regards to Anxiety. My anxiety and panic disorder is off the charts. I even wake up during the night being in a full blown anxiety or panic attack. They're terrible. I get so tired of being told just to breathe and everything will be okay. I do breathe slowly and try to calm myself down but it doesn't work. My doctor won't give me any Benzo's for them because they're addictive and I'm a recovering addict/alcoholic. Though I have never had a problem with pills.

I just thought I would drop you a line to let you know your not alone. If you ever want to chat I am always free. My email address is listed in my profile. Just click on my name, "serenitee" and it will take you there. I look forward to chatting with you more.


Wishing you the best...
Your Healingwell Friend,
Serenitee


Bipolar 2, Borderline, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Ptsd...
Loop ileostomy, Bladder & Pelvic Floor Trauma & dysfunction, 2-Bladder lifts, colon tore thru vaginal wall and then the colon and bladder fell out of my body, Abdominal Hysterectomy, C-section, Ruptured appendix, Psuedomembraneous colitis, tumor on head, Shoulder surgery, 4-knee surgeries...This is just a few of my issues...Lol

Post Edited (Serenitee) : 7/13/2011 1:14:03 AM (GMT-6)