Please read. 7 weeks of anxiety & looking for solution.

Hello, again! First, thank you for taking the time to read my post. I've been dealing with daily, almost constant anxiety for 7 weeks now and am getting nervous about how long this bad spell is lasting this time. I have been using almost all of my coping skills to get through these weeks but now I'm just frustrated, tired and worried. One thing I have not used though is my Klonopin. I've developed some health anxiety this past year and new medicines concern me. I've taken it two times ever and it did help. But that was a year ago, before the health anxiety blossomed. I want to take the medicine yet I'm worried about further jittering my nerves with worry.

Has anyone ever been scared to take the medicine you know will help? I could use a day of calmness and am really trying to convince myself to take it.

A new concern: is my body ok dealing with such non-stop stress for so many weeks? This anxiety has really taken hold of me this time and I'm just so ready for it to move along.

I appreciate any feedback at all! Thank you so much!

Appledumpling - Hello! Thank you so much for sharing and for the support. I'm so sorry to hear you've been battling with your anxiety for so many months now. It is draining! How have you been helping yourself get through and find moments of relief? I'll tell you that two of my go to's are: 1. Walks while listening to some type of meditation music. This is the one I prefer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QZbuj3RJcjI. And 2. Hot showers.

I know if I just took the Klonopin I'd feel better. Sure, it may increase my nerves temporarily but it is meant for these times. Just working up the courage! Why are some of us so hesitant to take something that's suppose to help?

I truly appreciate you sharing with me! As you know, this can feel so lonely but there are others out there feeling the same way. I'm hopeful we can all find a solution soon and get back to living. I'm here if you'd like to chat as well. Thank you!!

Appledumpling - I can completely relate to everything you're saying. about 2 weeks ago I thought my anxiety was finally calming down. I had two good days but then it returned to waking up with it again. It really does knock you down and makes me feel defeated too. And the sleep being your relief? I get that!

I am currently on medicine for my anxiety. I take a beta blocker and Neurontin. Obviously it's not the full proof solution for me since I'm going through all of this now. It has to be helping some though is what I tell myself. I know that there has to be something out there that can help! Side note: my body plus health anxiety really makes me sensitive to side effects. So, finding new medicines will be a journey.

I know many find relief in daily medications like a SSRI or other options. I recommend finding a great psychiatrist who can help you find the right solution for you. Psychological issues are their specialty, of course, and should take your feelings and concerns seriously. A good therapist can be most helpful as well.

I know this is a long message but I hope something in here helps! We'll get through this!

Liz2014 - Those good days are absolutely great, aren't they? Better than good because anything is better than feeling like death is knocking at your door. At least that's my opinion. My family has been great at helping me and taking care of me and my daughter, but they are wondering if I need to be admitted to the hospital. I'm losing weight rapidly and besides liquid, can't get any food down. I have GERD and damage to my esophagus, on top of other GI issues (all brought on by anxiety of course) and will be starting Nexium soon. I have been seeing a therapist since January and she's been a great help, given me a lot of tools that were truly helping me last month. But my GI issues started acting up, which in turn increases the anxiety. It is a vicious cycle. Wish there was a cure for these types of things.

I also just saw a psychiatrist on Monday and she suggested I try Neurontin, which I am open to. I have a slow heart rate to begin with and it doesn't get very high with my anxiety, so a beta-blocker is out for me. How do you like Neurontin? I do suffer from nerve pain as well so I think it could be good for me.

Pretty kittay - Thanks for sharing that with me! The health anxiety is so frustrating because I know the Klonopin will help but I have such a hard time not freaking out and creating "side effects" that are not real when I take a med I don't normally take. I am hoping to try and take it one day soon. I have to realize it will help. Still building up the courage!

Appledumpling - I have been on Neurontin now for 2 years and I have to believe it is doing something for me. I can definitely feel a difference when I take my medicine in the morning. I also use Vistaril daily as of right now in place of the Klonopin (since I won't take it!). The beta blocker does make my BP run rather low but my GP is ok with where it is at. My only side effect is that I feel cold sometimes but it is nothing outrageous. As for you GI issues, I would think about seeing your doctor. There must be something they can do to help and at least help you rule out any issues. I have learned that anxiety really removes your appetite and causes weight loss when it is at its highest. I try to look for the positive and tell myself, hey I am getting free cardio! Finally, I 100% agree -- I so wish there was a cure all for us suffering. Maybe one day!

Scaredy Cat - I always appreciate your support and insight. I know I need to take the benzo so my body can relax but I am just so scared of it at the same time. I wish I wasn't! I am really trying to work up the courage to take it and let it relax my body. I would love to learn more about pharmacophobia so I can educate myself and work on overcoming the fear.

This forum has been so helpful to me and it is comforting to know I am not alone on this journey. Even though I wish none of you had to go through it too!

Thank you!!!

Hi

You have received some great input and support above.

Have you heard of Mindfulness Meditation? It works wonders on anxiety but can take a while to get into but well worth persisting with we have some good links in our resources thread.

Hibee

Hi...sorry I am late with these...we had house guests this weekend.

Here are a couple of links that are informative in regards to the fear of taking meds...and offer some suggestions.

S.C.

www.changethatsrightnow.com/pharmacophobia/treatment-and-cure/

www.fearofstuff.com/objects/fear-of-taking-medicine/

I agree with what was said by SC, sometimes our brains need a break in the cycle to process and get the coping skills back in order or even established.

When I stopped drinking in late 2014, I had about 10 weeks of non-stop anxiety / panic with little quality sleep. It was so long that I forgot what it was like to NOT feel anxious. When I finally went to an inpatient facility as life was getting unbearable, they gave me a Klonopin to calm my nerves and lower my blood pressure, jumped up my Lexapro to a therapeutic amount and then gave me a sleep aid. The Klonopin alone gave me some pretty quick relief by calming my nerves substantially that first night.

As I was eating my hospital meal by myself that evening (everyone else was watching TV), I just lost it and started crying...not for being where I was but because I felt some tangible relief for the first time. My brain was so happy in that moment and I had confidence that this was a turning point in my anxiety. The sleep med and increase in Lexapro helped too, although at a little slower (but steady) pace.

I was only on Klonopin for about a week and then occasionally thereafter, but it was what got me able to get my nerves under control and allow my brain some quiet time to regroup. I have never regretted taking it during those dark times as it completely broke the cycle and allowed some coping skills I was learning take hold.