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Still having ups and downs, in a much lower levels - Need some mood lifting

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Posted 2/23/2015 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
So I have been feel pretty good for the past 2 weeks. Today, I am not feeling as good, feeling a bit down and some low level anxiety and disappointed that I still have ups and downs.
Since before the holidays, I have had 2-3 of these decent stretches of feeling really good and then having one or two bad days and it slowly starts to get better again. I am on 20mg of Lexapro for 3 months now and 1.0mg of Klonopin. I guess after experiencing pretty intense anxiety for 6 months, I have become too sensitive to how I feel on day to day basis. I am hoping this will wear off.
I have made a lot of progress such as performing pretty good at work etc... but I am still not too pleased with my down days. On my "not so good days", I feel like I just took a step backwards.
Any positive advise please?

Thank You
Lexa
Posted 2/23/2015 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
L.H.

It is a process...

Since you have been experiencing periods of less anxiety, and noted improvement at your workplace, then I would say all in all, you are progressing nicely. It is just something that requires time and patience.

How have you been doing with self-help and/or therapy? Any good steps happening there?

I would say that since you are working well with the current Rx regimen...

...if you can put some more focus on the therapy/self-help angle, you will have a winning combination for managing the anxiety...including the not so great days!

Encouraging you to keep going! :)

S.C.
Posted 2/24/2015 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
At least your having good stretches of days. I remember at first you were always anxious. It seems to me your getting better and figuring this out albeit slowly.
Posted 2/24/2015 10:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Good to hear that you are experiencing good stretches that is good news unfortunately you can experience set backs it's all part of the journey to recovery and you need to remain positive and continue to use your coping skills and tell yourself that you have got through it before so you can do it again.

This journey can take time so keep taking baby steps each day and live in the moment and continue your fight. We are here to support you so keep us posted on your progress.

Hibee
Posted 2/24/2015 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone.
S.C, To answer your question, I have been seeing my therapists on weekly basis. They both agree, one for CBT and another for talk therapy, that I am close to the end of this journey. But it is hard to be going up and down. The downs thankfully are not as deep but I do tend to lose my self esteem quite a bit when I hit the down days. On my good days, I am happy and feel like I can take on the world, but on my bad days, my self esteem gets shaken. Today is a slightly better day.
I do mindful meditation every morning and every evening. Anyone does TM meditation? Is that any better than mindfulness meditation?
Does anyone else going through ups and downs and recovery right now?

Thanks in advance
Lexa
Posted 2/24/2015 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
L.H.

Thanks for that info...sorry I couldn't remember...


...that is great that you are in sessions for CBT and talk therapy, and that your therapists feel you are making progress!

I remember when my therapist told me that we were coming to the end of our time...and I was like, "Wait, what?? I'm not ready!!"

...and he calmly told me that yes, in fact, I was. ;p

Well, lo and behold...I found that a lot of my progress started to happen after our sessions ended!

So, you will still keep gaining the benefits of your therapy at this point and beyond! Have faith that things are going to keep improving.:)

Keep posting with us as well. I am still benefitting from the give and take/support here! It has been and is, a key part of my recovery!

S.C.

Posted 2/24/2015 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again S.C.
It is strange that once you go through an episode like this, it is hard to tell what is normal down day that most people feel. I am hoping for these ripple to keep getting smaller and smaller and eventually even out.
May I ask how long your recovery took?
Posted 2/24/2015 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
I consider it ongoing...as managing anxiety is...

...but specifically my recovery for panic disorder?

I went through two courses of CBT. The first for simply the panic issue...this lasted about 12 weeks?

I was having improvement, and then a situational (marriage issue) set me back...

...so back into therapy I (we, hubs and I as well) went...me for my anxiety...he for his issue...as well marriage counseling together...

So things get a little convoluted...but all in all...probably it took about a year for me to come out of the worst of the panic issues, and another six months or so to start having consistently good days.

IDK if that makes you feel better or worse?!?

Everyone is different...it could be quicker for you.:) However, I think the real point is that no matter how much time it takes...if there is relief...it is worth it!

S.C.
Posted 2/24/2015 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
S.C.
1 to 1 1/2 year is what I am assuming it will take as well. I hope it is shorter than that, but that is what others whom I know who have gone through this have experienced.
I do understand that medicine can not do miracles. The comparison is the worst part for me when I am having a "not so good day". I compare myself to others and think why am I not feeling as good as they are (obviously I am not sure how they are feeling). On good days, I don't do it at all or do it very little. It is a strange thing.
I do keep up with my therapy as I think it helps me in two ways 1. I am doing something productive toward healing 2. I am learn new ways of thinking and get to speak my feelings.
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