Hi Karen -- and etc., Thanks for the response! Yes, I actually have signed up to volunteer at our local Boys' Shelter....I totally can relate to boys since I raised 3 of them. I cannot even begin to...
Hi Aurora (and all others, too!) Is anyone else also dislike weekends even more than weekdays -- more lonely & sad? Gosh, it seems like everyone has 'stuff' to do....but I don't. I especially...
Hi Aurora & Marqi, Glad to have stumbled across your posts. I would like to keep in touch, but my will have to look into the email details, etc. I am also somewhat clueless on computers, and my son...
Hi all, Well add me to the list of depressed, lonely people (56 y/o female) - wish I could say LOL, but it's nothing to laugh about, is it?? I also have an empty nest and zero family anywhere close....
aberlaine, Believe it or not, but I totally share your anxiety issues....I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 11. I am an only child, so had no one to truly understand my pain. I have major...
TICHWA.....Hi, yes I know I shouldn't be so negative, but life's changes on many fronts does make it seem impossible to be upbeat. But, thanks for reminding me that perhaps things could...
Yes, I am freaking out with terrible panic attacks since yesterday (and lots more today), and I don't know what has set me off. It's truly awful. And the weather today here is dull and depressing, so...
Slindsay, I was on Asacol, but I think they stopped making it (?), so I was on Lialda (same active drug but different 'fillers'.) Something about it did not agree with me....didn't work....caused...
Slindsay, OMG, I'm 20 years older than you (ugh!), but I noticed you have UP/UC.....so do I. Crazy, huh? I know my stress/anxiety from the germ/emetaphobia issues also worsen my intestinal issues. It...
Hi, I have it also. For many, many years. I developed very severe OCD (handwashing) because I am so terrified of being nauseous and getting sick. I am an absolute freak. It has affected every single...
Best thoughts to you! I posted yesterday on another thread about my extreme panic about a new job I started a couple weeks ago. I am sitting here eating breakfast before leaving, and feeling...
older guy: Hi, I'm not so young myself, and just started a new P/T job 2 weeks ago. I am in a complete and total panic every single day. I totally have zero confidence in my abilities (especially...
rockoa: Yes, everything you say is what I should be telling myself, but I keep bringing the negative thoughts back over & over again even after trying to repeat positive words to myself. This weekend...
Oh wow, you and I sound exactly alike. I just recently had that same genetic testing done, and also am working up on the Zoloft dosage. Currently I am taking 175mg on my way to 200mg.....and then...
Hi, my anxiety is not linked to method of travel...just being away from my routine....and, of course, the darned OCD/germ issue. Thanks for asking!...
Hi, I am currently in the exact same situation with travel anxiety. I have to leave on Saturday for a trip, and I am making myself sick over the whole deal. I am extremely routine oriented and also...
RedSox, Yes, my anxiety is thru the roof with it, too. We'll have to keep in touch. I'm on my way out of town until Saturday, but hope you check back in. You aren't alone!...
I am also trying to get used to Prozac. I started at 10mg and Dr. has bumped me up slowly and wants me to be at 60mg at this point. (I have severe OCD). I seemed to do okay until I hit 40mg, then I...
Hi, I am finally taking meds, too, after being terrified of them for many years. I just have to try to get some relief from anxiety and severe OCD, so I've been taking Prozac for about 3 weeks....
I get everything you all mentioned plus the freaky inability to speak. I literally cannot get words out....at all. It's scary as heck, and weird and embarrassing. My mind goes TOTALLY blank and I...
Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you! I posted on another thread with you last week that I share your extreme fear of this horrible virus. OMG. Keep washing and hang in there! My thoughts are...
I get so frustrated because even though I am super crazy cautious, people around me are NOT. Therefore, they are bringing the germs into my home and I know they are eventually going to get sick and I...
Hi, just know you aren't alone. I am seriously petrified of stomach viruses and HATE this time of year. I barely function. I developed OCD years ago because of the fear, and it's only getting worse....
Hi, I'm right there with you concerning the trip anxiety. Wish I could encourage you, but just wanted you to know you aren't alone!! We are leaving Thursday for a 600 mile (one way) nightmarish...
Very best thoughts coming your way :)...
Yes, severe OCD here actually. Germs. Hate them. And my OCD is definitely worse when I am under stress from life's twists & turns. Right now I am totally freaked out by having an empty nest. My...
I have lost about 18 pounds in the last year due apparently due to anxiety. I do NOT have any type of eating disorder...I just have no appetite. I am small to begin with, so I look horrible so I am...
Hi all, Terrible anxiety today. Tomorrow we are moving our youngest son into college so I will officially have an empty nest. I am barely coping. Hope I will eventually adjust. (Yes, I'm proud and...
Thanks for the good advice. I will re-read when I can get a minute and wrap my head around this. So much to pack up today. I am also having horrible panic attacks (anxiety is MAJOR problem for me)....
Thanks for the kind words. I truly appreciate all your logical help...it just is so very difficult to wrap my head around all this. I keep thinking how quiet the house will be, and how no one will be...
Hi, I am facing an empty nest in one day, and feel totally unable to cope with this. The logical me knows that I should be proud (I am) that I've raised good kids, etc., etc., but I am completely...
I'm right there with you concerning the empty nest. My youngest son leaves for college in 13 days. I am a mess. Panic attacks daily, don't know what the heck I am going to do with my life now. I've...
Scaredy Cat, THANKS so much for the links. I really am going to try to get a handle on this. I am barely able to function most days. It's beyond miserable to live like this. I hope something helps me!...
Yes, yes, yes! I have an intense fear of the same thing. In fact, I have developed severe OCD over the issue, and am driving everyone crazy. No one wants to be around me anymore because I constantly...
Hi Bathgal, My anxiety about the subject has been thru the roof lately (as usual), and my OCD meds are not helping at all. The Dr. keeps wanting to increase the dosage, but I am phobic about meds,...
I also suffer from the same fears, and in fact, it has ruined my life and many of my relationships. I am simply terrified of stomach viruses beyond belief. I don't have time now to go into details,...
I'm not taking Prozac, but just started Luvox (for OCD) 5 days ago, and I am having a horrible time trying to get any sleep. I have had insomnia issues before, but this is ridiculous. I can barely...
I've posted on here before that I also share the same horrible phobia. In fact, the OCD hand washing has totally overtaken my life. I had an appointment today with the psychiatrist, and he gave me a...
We are all behind you with much support! You are so inspirational to us....
Definitely will have you in my thoughts....
Also terrified of stomach viruses (vomiting). OMG, I am petrified and developed severe OCD because of the phobia. Trying to keep everything 'clean' has taken over my entire life. It's hard to even...
Thinking of you and sending good wishes. You are an inspiration. Hang strong....
Cathy, Believe it or not, but I am going through the same thing right now myself. The background is a little different because it's my stepmother I am supposed to be visiting this summer, but the...
I have been on it since May 24th and I am losing weight like crazy that I do not need to lose. I've always been fairly small (120 lbs.), but now only weigh 100 !! My appetite is greatly decreased. I...
Scaredy Cat: Thanks for the advice...sounds like a good plan! Actually, interestingly I have a FIERCE migraine today (gotten them since childhood), so I have a foggy brain & it is similar to the...
I don't have trouble with the written word, but I CANNOT speak clearly and make sense when I am having a panic attack. I actually started a thread about that issue a couple of months ago. I simply...
I'm on Lexapro also. Started about 5 weeks ago and have worked up to 15 mg currently. I have very severe OCD and anxiety, and the doctor wants me at 20 mg. I honestly don't notice much difference in...
Very best thoughts coming to you for what you are facing. Will be thinking of you for sure....
bakomom, Just checking in and thinking of you. We need to stick together!...
bakomom, Hi, OMG, you could be my twin! I have the exact same HORRID fear of stomach bugs, and have very severe OCD because of that fear. I have been like this for many years as my kids (now grown)...