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Help! Anxiety attack with self harming thoughts.

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Posted 8/15/2015 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
So Im going to make this as short as possible, my Dr. Recently invreased my Lexapro dose to 20 mg. When I first took ot 10 years ago, it did wonders for me, I got off of it a year ago and was fine but stressors in my life like the recent birth of my son and stress at work sent me into a tailspin. So I got back on Lexapro with my dr.'s advice bit I now feel like I am going crazy. The first time around I did not feel these side effects but now im feeling dizziness, my anxiety is through the roof, and I am having horrible thought about dying and self harm. Im thinking about checking myself into a hospital at this point as I dont know what else to do. Its Saturday and my Dr. has not answered the phone so I guess I cant get advice from him. Im thinking about stopping the Lexapro because it is naking me feel worse.

Edited as per forum rule #1 

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 8/15/2015 12:00:17 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/15/2015 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm sorry you're having such a tremendously scary reaction to a drug that used to help you. I believe most drug labels say if you have feelings of suicide, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor. I know it's the weekend, so contacting your doctor will have to wait.

If you feel like you may harm yourself, checking into a hospital is the right move. Go right now.

However, if you are just having extremely distressing thoughts, I have a few recommendations.

1) Take a long walk outside and bring some upbeat music to try to distract yourself (as long as you aren't too dizzy). Focus on the surroundings around you, no matter how boring it is. I know this suggestion sounds futile, but the exercise will help reduce your adrenaline, and the change in scenery might help your brain reorganize and remember what is real and what is just in your head.

2) Repeat a phase to yourself to drown out the bad thoughts, such as "I'm okay, everything will be okay." Say this over and over so you can't let another thought seep into your mind. Another phase I use is "Love yourself until you're better" which reminds me that no matter how awful things are now, I will get better, and I won't do anything to jeopardize that.

3) If you can't shake the thoughts and you aren't opposed to a short-term benzo solution, go to the hospital and explain that you are having horrible side effects from Lexapro, including distressing thoughts and extreme anxiety, and they will probably give you some Xanax to help block the thoughts and calm you down. As a side note, I wouldn't mention the word suicide unless you are prepared to be checked in for a few days.

Best of luck, and I'll be thinking about you! Hang in there!

-Cat
Posted 8/15/2015 5:56 PM (GMT 0)

Hi KBG,

I am so sorry you are going through this!  You are having an adverse reaction to your Rx and must get immediate help.  The thoughts you are having are not your own, but rather compulsions brought on by the medication...and you should not attempt to control this on your own, you need to be seen.

Go to urgent care right away.  Here are some resources to have with you to ensure your safety.  If you need more immediate care, don't hesitate to call the following:

National Suicide Hotline
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
This is a combined network of the Amerian Association of Suicidology, the National Hopeline Network, CONTACT USA, and many other organizations. Call are automatically routed to the nearest crisis center to the phone from which the call for help is placed.

Helpful Web Sites:
Suicide Hotlines (listed by state)
Suicidal.com (includes Suicide Crisis Center and Depression and Suicide)
SuicidalTeens.com

Please post back after you  have been seen, and let us know you are alright please.

With support, and urging you to get help now,

S.C.


Posted 8/15/2015 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Ha ha ha BlueCat I wish I would have read your post before. I am now in the ER basically held against my will as they are now going to be transferring me to a behavioral hospital for a few days. I should have never uttered the words suicidal thoughts....cause now Im here thinking im going to some insane asylum. Im laughing about it now though. Well whatever, it is what it is, maybe it will give me a chance to rest a few days.
Posted 8/15/2015 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Awww man, I'm sorry I didn't reply to your post a little earlier! Well, at least you got a chuckle out of it, anyway, and they will take good care of you there. Rest up!
Posted 8/15/2015 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
KBG,

No, you did the right thing...

...as I mentioned, you can not and should not try to control this yourself...it is a compulsion type of feeling...not something you should try to handle without help...you need your meds evaluated.

We are pulling for you...keep us posted and get the help you need!

S.C.
Posted 8/16/2015 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you well. Maybe this is exactly what you need. Be well my friend.
Posted 8/16/2015 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry you're going through this. Hope you get the help you need and are feeling better soon.
Posted 8/16/2015 8:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are going through this it does sound like you have had a bad reaction to the Lexapro this time round and you did the right thing going to the hospital to get the support you need.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 8/17/2015 12:18 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
Hi KBG,

I am so sorry you are going through this! You are having an adverse reaction to your Rx and must get immediate help. The thoughts you are having are not your own, but rather compulsions brought on by the medication...and you should not attempt to control this on your own, you need to be seen.

Go to urgent care right away. Here are some resources to have with you to ensure your safety. If you need more immediate care, don't hesitate to call the following:
National Suicide Hotline
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
This is a combined network of the Amerian Association of Suicidology, the National Hopeline Network, CONTACT USA, and many other organizations. Call are automatically routed to the nearest crisis center to the phone from which the call for help is placed.

Helpful Web Sites:
Suicide Hotlines (listed by state)
Suicidal.com (includes Suicide Crisis Center and Depression and Suicide)
SuicidalTeens.com



Please post back after you have been seen, and let us know you are alright please.



With support, and urging you to get help now,



S.C.

This person doesn't sound suicidal. I believe that they unfortunately red the side effects leaflet, and began to worry it would be they who experienced side effects. This would be followed by intrusive thoughts, that would be pushed away. However, once you do that, it will only reinforce your anxiety, and belief something may be wrong.

This kind of anxious thinking is sparked by a fear of becoming suicidal. It is a form of health anxiety, not surrounding physical health, but mental health.
Posted 8/17/2015 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Well, it is not our place to guess the circumstances/causes surrounding someone's mention of self harm/self harming thoughts.

We would be remiss in NOT posting the emergency information.

Bottom line, we want everyone to be safe, and have all the resources they may need.

We would rather over react than under react.


Let us know how you are doing when you can KBK!

S.C.

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