Coping with Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Discussion
Although I have never officially been diagnosed with it, as I've never been to the docs, I truly believe that I have been a long time sufferer of it...
How do I know this? Well I've often been what I consider myself to be a "serial worrier" who is quite often easily wound up or stressed out, despite on the face of it, not having a really stressful job (although it can be very tedious and annoying but thats a different thread) or any other major stresses to worry about.
I quite often find myself at work, suffering a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches, chest pains, "disassociation", lack of concentration, poor memory, irritability and very tense, and often suffer from a racing mind, and can make rash decisions.
My symptoms are often severe enough that it detracts from my productivity at work.
If ever I am met with a situation that is merely stressful to some people, it can be totally overwhelming to me, to the point where I can no longer think or act rationally... sometimes I cant even speak; this particularly worries me since one day I could possibly envisage a time when I could go postal on someone.
They have also at times caused arguments at home, as sometimes I just feel like I want to be on my own and locked away, which my girlfriend does not understand because I have not told her about my suspicions of my mental health... she is a bubbly character and simply does not understand how my mood can change like it does, seemingly for no apparent reason, and I can be quite nasty to her if she tries to "get to the bottom of it". Of course I've never been physically nasty (as in hit her) and I dont think I ever would, but in such moods I can make the likes of Simon Cowell seem like a pussy in terms of put downs - I am not proud of it, and its not me, as I'm normally a well liked, good mannered, generous kind of bloke, I'd rather be liked than thought of as a c**t.
The thing is, it doesnt seem to take much to trigger it, the slightest thing can sometimes throw my mind into disarray and can dwll on it for a prolonged period of time.
I have found exercise helps temporarily, but I usually go to the gym after work, and of course, feel like any benefits have worn off by the following day... and I'm not a morning person so cant usually face exercise first thing...
Not only that, but I have abused substances and alcohol historically as another way of coping. Sometimes I will have a bad day and all I want to do is break open the wine... I always feel very much more relaxed after a good drink... like a huge weight is lifted, and sometimes the effects even last through the following day despite the other negative symptoms that come with a hangover.
Obviously I am well aware that drinking is not really a good way to treat this, before anyone lectures me on it, thats not the issue - I've felt this way for a long time before drinking....
I guess the point of the thread is to ask whether anyone else has / does suffer from it and what they do to cope?
How do I know this? Well I've often been what I consider myself to be a "serial worrier" who is quite often easily wound up or stressed out, despite on the face of it, not having a really stressful job (although it can be very tedious and annoying but thats a different thread) or any other major stresses to worry about.
I quite often find myself at work, suffering a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches, chest pains, "disassociation", lack of concentration, poor memory, irritability and very tense, and often suffer from a racing mind, and can make rash decisions.
My symptoms are often severe enough that it detracts from my productivity at work.
If ever I am met with a situation that is merely stressful to some people, it can be totally overwhelming to me, to the point where I can no longer think or act rationally... sometimes I cant even speak; this particularly worries me since one day I could possibly envisage a time when I could go postal on someone.
They have also at times caused arguments at home, as sometimes I just feel like I want to be on my own and locked away, which my girlfriend does not understand because I have not told her about my suspicions of my mental health... she is a bubbly character and simply does not understand how my mood can change like it does, seemingly for no apparent reason, and I can be quite nasty to her if she tries to "get to the bottom of it". Of course I've never been physically nasty (as in hit her) and I dont think I ever would, but in such moods I can make the likes of Simon Cowell seem like a pussy in terms of put downs - I am not proud of it, and its not me, as I'm normally a well liked, good mannered, generous kind of bloke, I'd rather be liked than thought of as a c**t.
The thing is, it doesnt seem to take much to trigger it, the slightest thing can sometimes throw my mind into disarray and can dwll on it for a prolonged period of time.
I have found exercise helps temporarily, but I usually go to the gym after work, and of course, feel like any benefits have worn off by the following day... and I'm not a morning person so cant usually face exercise first thing...
Not only that, but I have abused substances and alcohol historically as another way of coping. Sometimes I will have a bad day and all I want to do is break open the wine... I always feel very much more relaxed after a good drink... like a huge weight is lifted, and sometimes the effects even last through the following day despite the other negative symptoms that come with a hangover.
Obviously I am well aware that drinking is not really a good way to treat this, before anyone lectures me on it, thats not the issue - I've felt this way for a long time before drinking....
I guess the point of the thread is to ask whether anyone else has / does suffer from it and what they do to cope?
pbirkett said:
Although I have never officially been diagnosed with it, as I've never been to the docs, I truly believe that I have been a long time sufferer of it...
How do I know this? Well I've often been what I consider myself to be a "serial worrier" who is quite often easily wound up or stressed out, despite on the face of it, not having a really stressful job (although it can be very tedious and annoying but thats a different thread) or any other major stresses to worry about.
I quite often find myself at work, suffering a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches, chest pains, "disassociation", lack of concentration, poor memory, irritability and very tense, and often suffer from a racing mind, and can make rash decisions.
My symptoms are often severe enough that it detracts from my productivity at work.
If ever I am met with a situation that is merely stressful to some people, it can be totally overwhelming to me, to the point where I can no longer think or act rationally... sometimes I cant even speak; this particularly worries me since one day I could possibly envisage a time when I could go postal on someone.
They have also at times caused arguments at home, as sometimes I just feel like I want to be on my own and locked away, which my girlfriend does not understand because I have not told her about my suspicions of my mental health... she is a bubbly character and simply does not understand how my mood can change like it does, seemingly for no apparent reason, and I can be quite nasty to her if she tries to "get to the bottom of it". Of course I've never been physically nasty (as in hit her) and I dont think I ever would, but in such moods I can make the likes of Simon Cowell seem like a pussy in terms of put downs - I am not proud of it, and its not me, as I'm normally a well liked, good mannered, generous kind of bloke, I'd rather be liked than thought of as a c**t.
The thing is, it doesnt seem to take much to trigger it, the slightest thing can sometimes throw my mind into disarray and can dwll on it for a prolonged period of time.
I have found exercise helps temporarily, but I usually go to the gym after work, and of course, feel like any benefits have worn off by the following day... and I'm not a morning person so cant usually face exercise first thing...
Not only that, but I have abused substances and alcohol historically as another way of coping. Sometimes I will have a bad day and all I want to do is break open the wine... I always feel very much more relaxed after a good drink... like a huge weight is lifted, and sometimes the effects even last through the following day despite the other negative symptoms that come with a hangover.
Obviously I am well aware that drinking is not really a good way to treat this, before anyone lectures me on it, thats not the issue - I've felt this way for a long time before drinking....
I guess the point of the thread is to ask whether anyone else has / does suffer from it and what they do to cope?
I'd seriously go and talk to your doctor. He/she will be able to refer you to a psychiatrist, who can put therapy or medication or whatever's needed into place. You'll feel stupid when you walk into that doctor's surgery and start talking about it, but if it's severe enough to be affecting your life the way it is then it's severe enough to require help. How do I know this? Well I've often been what I consider myself to be a "serial worrier" who is quite often easily wound up or stressed out, despite on the face of it, not having a really stressful job (although it can be very tedious and annoying but thats a different thread) or any other major stresses to worry about.
I quite often find myself at work, suffering a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches, chest pains, "disassociation", lack of concentration, poor memory, irritability and very tense, and often suffer from a racing mind, and can make rash decisions.
My symptoms are often severe enough that it detracts from my productivity at work.
If ever I am met with a situation that is merely stressful to some people, it can be totally overwhelming to me, to the point where I can no longer think or act rationally... sometimes I cant even speak; this particularly worries me since one day I could possibly envisage a time when I could go postal on someone.
They have also at times caused arguments at home, as sometimes I just feel like I want to be on my own and locked away, which my girlfriend does not understand because I have not told her about my suspicions of my mental health... she is a bubbly character and simply does not understand how my mood can change like it does, seemingly for no apparent reason, and I can be quite nasty to her if she tries to "get to the bottom of it". Of course I've never been physically nasty (as in hit her) and I dont think I ever would, but in such moods I can make the likes of Simon Cowell seem like a pussy in terms of put downs - I am not proud of it, and its not me, as I'm normally a well liked, good mannered, generous kind of bloke, I'd rather be liked than thought of as a c**t.
The thing is, it doesnt seem to take much to trigger it, the slightest thing can sometimes throw my mind into disarray and can dwll on it for a prolonged period of time.
I have found exercise helps temporarily, but I usually go to the gym after work, and of course, feel like any benefits have worn off by the following day... and I'm not a morning person so cant usually face exercise first thing...
Not only that, but I have abused substances and alcohol historically as another way of coping. Sometimes I will have a bad day and all I want to do is break open the wine... I always feel very much more relaxed after a good drink... like a huge weight is lifted, and sometimes the effects even last through the following day despite the other negative symptoms that come with a hangover.
Obviously I am well aware that drinking is not really a good way to treat this, before anyone lectures me on it, thats not the issue - I've felt this way for a long time before drinking....
I guess the point of the thread is to ask whether anyone else has / does suffer from it and what they do to cope?
Best of luck,
Katherine
Sounds like you may have caught "The Mental" off your missus?!! 
On a more serious note, Anxiety can cause many symptoms, not just the ones you may think are obvious, (we all have an idea of "panic attack" symptoms). Many of the ones you mention are very very real and can be caused by anxiety. However, there are other causes of these symptoms too, more physiological causes, whihc themselves can lead to anxiety...
So it is a chicken and egg thing sometimes IMO. I agree, you NEED to see your doctor, however, be careful. Docs can diagnose anxiety disorders a little easily and quickly sometimes, when for example a patient is convinced they have a serious illness etc...and they are mostly right, but not always...
You have the other sitution, where you beleive you have an anxiety disorder, and you may well be correct. But make sure your doctor also tests for more physiological issues aswell, rather than just lobs the diazapam your way...
Have you had anything happen that could explain some anxiety? An illness, loss, job or money worries, trauma???
If you do have anxiety, have you yet tried some relaxation techniques, yoga, breathing etc etc? Pills are good if you need them, but alternatives are useful too.
Go speak to the GP, write down all your symptoms and times of day/situations they occur in, it is easy to forget some key symptoms when they are so many and varied. And make sure you are happy with his or her diagnosis, dont just take the anxiety diagnosis if you are not 100% happy with it.
Good Luck with it. Rest assured you are not alone at all, it affects most of us at some point in our lives.
On a more serious note, Anxiety can cause many symptoms, not just the ones you may think are obvious, (we all have an idea of "panic attack" symptoms). Many of the ones you mention are very very real and can be caused by anxiety. However, there are other causes of these symptoms too, more physiological causes, whihc themselves can lead to anxiety...
So it is a chicken and egg thing sometimes IMO. I agree, you NEED to see your doctor, however, be careful. Docs can diagnose anxiety disorders a little easily and quickly sometimes, when for example a patient is convinced they have a serious illness etc...and they are mostly right, but not always...
You have the other sitution, where you beleive you have an anxiety disorder, and you may well be correct. But make sure your doctor also tests for more physiological issues aswell, rather than just lobs the diazapam your way...
Have you had anything happen that could explain some anxiety? An illness, loss, job or money worries, trauma???
If you do have anxiety, have you yet tried some relaxation techniques, yoga, breathing etc etc? Pills are good if you need them, but alternatives are useful too.
Go speak to the GP, write down all your symptoms and times of day/situations they occur in, it is easy to forget some key symptoms when they are so many and varied. And make sure you are happy with his or her diagnosis, dont just take the anxiety diagnosis if you are not 100% happy with it.
Good Luck with it. Rest assured you are not alone at all, it affects most of us at some point in our lives.
Thats the thing, I've had very little in the way of stress in my life. My health is good - better than it has any right to be frankly, considering my drinking habits, past "recreational habits", lack of exercise etc... I've always got on with my family, never had to cope with a job loss, really, nothing too terrible has ever happened in my life.
All I know is I've felt this for a long time and I dont know why. I've always just tried to ignore the symptoms and get on with it. Some days are better than others (usually Thursdays and Fridays!), and some days are worse than others (usually Mondays and Tuesdays)... and yes I know how it sounds
I cant really explain why I feel like I do, because I dont know myself. Its bloomin annoying though! I think overall, I feel as if I just wish I could "chill out", that is all I want. Sometimes I can, and I am, and I'd love to be that way all of the time.
All I know is I've felt this for a long time and I dont know why. I've always just tried to ignore the symptoms and get on with it. Some days are better than others (usually Thursdays and Fridays!), and some days are worse than others (usually Mondays and Tuesdays)... and yes I know how it sounds
I cant really explain why I feel like I do, because I dont know myself. Its bloomin annoying though! I think overall, I feel as if I just wish I could "chill out", that is all I want. Sometimes I can, and I am, and I'd love to be that way all of the time.
Had exactly the problems you describe after quitting a ten year weed smoking habit, unbearable head loops from the most trivial of situations.
GPs did not give a toss and simply tried to replace the weed with their own chemical coshes.
Realising that swapping self medication for prescription medication was leading nowhere I began looking into the whole arena myself. What I discovered changed my life around within a couple of months.
I strongly recommend you look into the work being done by Dr John Eaton into the development of emotional intelligence. Basically, anxiety results from us ignoring emotions which are telling us to protect ourselves from factors in our lives which are not good for us. By learning to intepret these emotional signals at an early stage we can avoid anxiety.
It really is that simple.
All the chemicals do is numb the neurological responses to our emotions which in turn shuts down the physical symptoms. As a result we persist with the factors which are causing all the grief in the first place and so when the chemicals subside the symptoms come back shouting louder, vicious circle.
There is a hell of a lot of information out there which will help you move on. Two links to start you off:
http://www.reverse-therapy.com/pdf/reversetherapyf...
http://noedb.org/library/features/50_quick_and_eas...
GPs did not give a toss and simply tried to replace the weed with their own chemical coshes.
Realising that swapping self medication for prescription medication was leading nowhere I began looking into the whole arena myself. What I discovered changed my life around within a couple of months.
I strongly recommend you look into the work being done by Dr John Eaton into the development of emotional intelligence. Basically, anxiety results from us ignoring emotions which are telling us to protect ourselves from factors in our lives which are not good for us. By learning to intepret these emotional signals at an early stage we can avoid anxiety.
It really is that simple.
All the chemicals do is numb the neurological responses to our emotions which in turn shuts down the physical symptoms. As a result we persist with the factors which are causing all the grief in the first place and so when the chemicals subside the symptoms come back shouting louder, vicious circle.
There is a hell of a lot of information out there which will help you move on. Two links to start you off:
http://www.reverse-therapy.com/pdf/reversetherapyf...
http://noedb.org/library/features/50_quick_and_eas...
http://www.uncommonforum.com/index.php
A very helpful forum. I kind of self-diagnosed myself with anxiety (very, VERY mild compared to some people) after my girlfriend moved away. Everytime I feel low or anxious for whatever reason I go on that forum and read some threads, makes me realise that what I feel is nothing compared to what some people have to cope with day in-day out.
Probably best to go to your GP, there's plenty of drugs available to help. Just knowing that someone can help will help massively.
A very helpful forum. I kind of self-diagnosed myself with anxiety (very, VERY mild compared to some people) after my girlfriend moved away. Everytime I feel low or anxious for whatever reason I go on that forum and read some threads, makes me realise that what I feel is nothing compared to what some people have to cope with day in-day out.
Probably best to go to your GP, there's plenty of drugs available to help. Just knowing that someone can help will help massively.
Edited by DiFontaine on Wednesday 30th September 00:10
Talk to your GP, most definitely. Don't let them bung you onto happy pills willy nilly, some will prescribe Prozac like others do "go home, take paracetamol and plenty of fluids" (for a cold). They can put you in touch with groups who can offer support and help.
Getting yourself in the right frame of mind is going to be key, and there are many ways you can achieve it. Plenty of help groups around - you'll have to do a bit of local research for where you live. There must be something you do that makes you feel good, or at least better? Try to find out what that is, and if it's legal, do it more if you can!
I didn't get clinically bad, but about 10 years ago I was having all sorts of doubts due to work and working environment issues. In the end I bailed out, changed my job direction and have been pretty happy ever since.
DILLIGAF also works wonders.
Does
It
Look
Like
I
Give
A
F
Brings a smile to your face sometimes!
Getting yourself in the right frame of mind is going to be key, and there are many ways you can achieve it. Plenty of help groups around - you'll have to do a bit of local research for where you live. There must be something you do that makes you feel good, or at least better? Try to find out what that is, and if it's legal, do it more if you can!
I didn't get clinically bad, but about 10 years ago I was having all sorts of doubts due to work and working environment issues. In the end I bailed out, changed my job direction and have been pretty happy ever since.
DILLIGAF also works wonders.
Does
It
Look
Like
I
Give
A
F
Brings a smile to your face sometimes!
Babu 01 - your past situation pretty much echoes mine (re weed). I think it might have something to do with it, but also I remember I was affected by GAD-like symptoms before the weed ever became a huge problem anyway. Still, thanks for the links, I will certainly read them over the weekend.
Thanks for all of your advice chaps, I may go to the GP, but i'd rather help myself first if I can, as I'm sure they'll probably just bung me on prozac or something, last thing I want is another bad habit!
Thanks for all of your advice chaps, I may go to the GP, but i'd rather help myself first if I can, as I'm sure they'll probably just bung me on prozac or something, last thing I want is another bad habit!
pbirkett said:
Babu 01 - your past situation pretty much echoes mine (re weed). I think it might have something to do with it, but also I remember I was affected by GAD-like symptoms before the weed ever became a huge problem anyway. Still, thanks for the links, I will certainly read them over the weekend.
Thanks for all of your advice chaps, I may go to the GP, but i'd rather help myself first if I can, as I'm sure they'll probably just bung me on prozac or something, last thing I want is another bad habit!
Sounds like you are already dismissing the help that may be available to you. Would it harm to go and chat to a GP? They may not prescribe you anything to start with and if they do, well no one will force you to take it, they may recommend a support group or other techniques that dont involve medication.Thanks for all of your advice chaps, I may go to the GP, but i'd rather help myself first if I can, as I'm sure they'll probably just bung me on prozac or something, last thing I want is another bad habit!
Matt_N said:
pbirkett said:
Babu 01 - your past situation pretty much echoes mine (re weed). I think it might have something to do with it, but also I remember I was affected by GAD-like symptoms before the weed ever became a huge problem anyway. Still, thanks for the links, I will certainly read them over the weekend.
Thanks for all of your advice chaps, I may go to the GP, but i'd rather help myself first if I can, as I'm sure they'll probably just bung me on prozac or something, last thing I want is another bad habit!
Sounds like you are already dismissing the help that may be available to you. Would it harm to go and chat to a GP? They may not prescribe you anything to start with and if they do, well no one will force you to take it, they may recommend a support group or other techniques that dont involve medication.Thanks for all of your advice chaps, I may go to the GP, but i'd rather help myself first if I can, as I'm sure they'll probably just bung me on prozac or something, last thing I want is another bad habit!
Right well its been a while, but I've finally booked an appointment at my docs. I know I should have done this sooner, but I thought (hoped) it would pass.
Instead, I think I may even have full blown depression.
I always feel like its there, putting dark clouds over everything, but normally I can just about keep it in check. I've always known there was something not quite right, but I've never as yet done anything about it.
However, I have very much gone downhill this last week, and tonight, I'll be honest, although I've calmed down a lot now, I pretty much spiralled out of control.
Today, I felt fine in the early part of the day, but I had quite a hectic, albeit, relatively productive day by my standards.
However, then I started to feel feint.
Then this feintness turned into a feeling of overwhelming doom
This then brought on a severe headache that was virtually blinding.
I had to leave work early because I could not even face anyone. I didnt even tell anyone I was leaving, I just left. I had to.
When I was walking down the street, I felt in a daze, almost like I was under the influence of a hallucinogen, such was the surrealness of the experience.
Headache got worse. Went to pub to try and relieve it. Ended up virtually legging it out of the pub.
Went back to our lasses car to meet her after work. Head in bits. I'll be honest, I felt practically suicidal at that point. Bless her shes been great
I've now calmed down a lot, but feel really drained.
Doctors appointment on tuesday. Dreading it to be honest. It was hard enough to try and explain what was wrong to our lass.
What I want to know is, what happens next, what can I expect?
What I don't get is, why do I feel like this? On the face of it, I don't have a bad life. I can only assume that it really is an illness. It sure as hell ain't getting better though, but part of me is glad I'm finally facing up to it.
Instead, I think I may even have full blown depression.
I always feel like its there, putting dark clouds over everything, but normally I can just about keep it in check. I've always known there was something not quite right, but I've never as yet done anything about it.
However, I have very much gone downhill this last week, and tonight, I'll be honest, although I've calmed down a lot now, I pretty much spiralled out of control.
Today, I felt fine in the early part of the day, but I had quite a hectic, albeit, relatively productive day by my standards.
However, then I started to feel feint.
Then this feintness turned into a feeling of overwhelming doom
This then brought on a severe headache that was virtually blinding.
I had to leave work early because I could not even face anyone. I didnt even tell anyone I was leaving, I just left. I had to.
When I was walking down the street, I felt in a daze, almost like I was under the influence of a hallucinogen, such was the surrealness of the experience.
Headache got worse. Went to pub to try and relieve it. Ended up virtually legging it out of the pub.
Went back to our lasses car to meet her after work. Head in bits. I'll be honest, I felt practically suicidal at that point. Bless her shes been great
I've now calmed down a lot, but feel really drained.
Doctors appointment on tuesday. Dreading it to be honest. It was hard enough to try and explain what was wrong to our lass.
What I want to know is, what happens next, what can I expect?
What I don't get is, why do I feel like this? On the face of it, I don't have a bad life. I can only assume that it really is an illness. It sure as hell ain't getting better though, but part of me is glad I'm finally facing up to it.
pbirkett said:
Right well its been a while, but I've finally booked an appointment at my docs. I know I should have done this sooner, but I thought (hoped) it would pass.
Instead, I think I may even have full blown depression.
I always feel like its there, putting dark clouds over everything, but normally I can just about keep it in check. I've always known there was something not quite right, but I've never as yet done anything about it.
However, I have very much gone downhill this last week, and tonight, I'll be honest, although I've calmed down a lot now, I pretty much spiralled out of control.
Today, I felt fine in the early part of the day, but I had quite a hectic, albeit, relatively productive day by my standards.
However, then I started to feel feint.
Then this feintness turned into a feeling of overwhelming doom
This then brought on a severe headache that was virtually blinding.
I had to leave work early because I could not even face anyone. I didnt even tell anyone I was leaving, I just left. I had to.
When I was walking down the street, I felt in a daze, almost like I was under the influence of a hallucinogen, such was the surrealness of the experience.
Headache got worse. Went to pub to try and relieve it. Ended up virtually legging it out of the pub.
Went back to our lasses car to meet her after work. Head in bits. I'll be honest, I felt practically suicidal at that point. Bless her shes been great
I've now calmed down a lot, but feel really drained.
Doctors appointment on tuesday. Dreading it to be honest. It was hard enough to try and explain what was wrong to our lass.
What I want to know is, what happens next, what can I expect?
What I don't get is, why do I feel like this? On the face of it, I don't have a bad life. I can only assume that it really is an illness. It sure as hell ain't getting better though, but part of me is glad I'm finally facing up to it.
One of the hardest thing in the world with depression is trying the answer the why me? question. The hardest thing to accept is that often there is no 'rational' answer and the more you try to evaluate your life, the more rationality you seek to justify why you should not be feeling the way you do the more frustrating and the less sense it seems to make..Instead, I think I may even have full blown depression.
I always feel like its there, putting dark clouds over everything, but normally I can just about keep it in check. I've always known there was something not quite right, but I've never as yet done anything about it.
However, I have very much gone downhill this last week, and tonight, I'll be honest, although I've calmed down a lot now, I pretty much spiralled out of control.
Today, I felt fine in the early part of the day, but I had quite a hectic, albeit, relatively productive day by my standards.
However, then I started to feel feint.
Then this feintness turned into a feeling of overwhelming doom
This then brought on a severe headache that was virtually blinding.
I had to leave work early because I could not even face anyone. I didnt even tell anyone I was leaving, I just left. I had to.
When I was walking down the street, I felt in a daze, almost like I was under the influence of a hallucinogen, such was the surrealness of the experience.
Headache got worse. Went to pub to try and relieve it. Ended up virtually legging it out of the pub.
Went back to our lasses car to meet her after work. Head in bits. I'll be honest, I felt practically suicidal at that point. Bless her shes been great
I've now calmed down a lot, but feel really drained.
Doctors appointment on tuesday. Dreading it to be honest. It was hard enough to try and explain what was wrong to our lass.
What I want to know is, what happens next, what can I expect?
What I don't get is, why do I feel like this? On the face of it, I don't have a bad life. I can only assume that it really is an illness. It sure as hell ain't getting better though, but part of me is glad I'm finally facing up to it.
There is a lot going on here. See your GP next week. Try and stick with it until then. Take it from there. That for now is the best bet. There is plenty of help available from many different places, but first you need to have some idea what you are dealing with. Try and remember that you have choices. What happend next? Well, that is entirely up to you.
I suffered similar symptoms to the ones you describe.
My anxiety usually seemed to follow the consumption of alcohol, the next couple of days I was often feeling anxious and occasionally had full on panic attacks. All this started about ten years ago and it was relatively simple to deal with; I just didn't drink much.
Last year however, I started to feel anxious and get panic attacks regularly and for no apparent reason. This started around March and became progressively worse throughout the year until it basically finally stopped me in November. My panic attacks had got so bad that I though I was going to crash the car on more than one occasion.
It was in November that I worked out what was wrong. My anxiety was brought on by poor quality sleep. We had a baby daughter last year and I was not getting much sleep. This lack of sleep made me feel anxious. I realised that it wasn't the case that I had a problemm with alcohol as such, alcohol just caused me to sleep poorly and therefore also caused anxiety.
Anxiety is very much linked to depression and certainly in my case I had also become depressed to a degree. I remember saying to my fiance a one point that I could not remember the last time I woke up and felt good.
I visited my GP and explained what I thought was going on, he agreeded, and prescribed SSRI anti-depressants. I started taking the drugs around the 10th December. These can take a while to work and can be very unpleasant to start with. I felt dreadful to start with, a horrible anxious feeling all the time. After a month or so thought I feel better than I have in years, the difference is really incredible. I have been back to see my GP and renewed the prescription, my plan is to remain on these until I can consistantly get good sleep. My daughter is now 6 months old so I think I will be on them for a while.
I would say you definitely have depression. I would also highly recommend the drugs, they have made a huge difference to me and it is very clear now that I was suffering from depression. I wish I had got it sorted years ago, I feel like I have got my life back.
My anxiety usually seemed to follow the consumption of alcohol, the next couple of days I was often feeling anxious and occasionally had full on panic attacks. All this started about ten years ago and it was relatively simple to deal with; I just didn't drink much.
Last year however, I started to feel anxious and get panic attacks regularly and for no apparent reason. This started around March and became progressively worse throughout the year until it basically finally stopped me in November. My panic attacks had got so bad that I though I was going to crash the car on more than one occasion.
It was in November that I worked out what was wrong. My anxiety was brought on by poor quality sleep. We had a baby daughter last year and I was not getting much sleep. This lack of sleep made me feel anxious. I realised that it wasn't the case that I had a problemm with alcohol as such, alcohol just caused me to sleep poorly and therefore also caused anxiety.
Anxiety is very much linked to depression and certainly in my case I had also become depressed to a degree. I remember saying to my fiance a one point that I could not remember the last time I woke up and felt good.
I visited my GP and explained what I thought was going on, he agreeded, and prescribed SSRI anti-depressants. I started taking the drugs around the 10th December. These can take a while to work and can be very unpleasant to start with. I felt dreadful to start with, a horrible anxious feeling all the time. After a month or so thought I feel better than I have in years, the difference is really incredible. I have been back to see my GP and renewed the prescription, my plan is to remain on these until I can consistantly get good sleep. My daughter is now 6 months old so I think I will be on them for a while.
I would say you definitely have depression. I would also highly recommend the drugs, they have made a huge difference to me and it is very clear now that I was suffering from depression. I wish I had got it sorted years ago, I feel like I have got my life back.
Burty124 said:
I suffered similar symptoms to the ones you describe.
My anxiety usually seemed to follow the consumption of alcohol, the next couple of days I was often feeling anxious and occasionally had full on panic attacks. All this started about ten years ago and it was relatively simple to deal with; I just didn't drink much.
Last year however, I started to feel anxious and get panic attacks regularly and for no apparent reason. This started around March and became progressively worse throughout the year until it basically finally stopped me in November. My panic attacks had got so bad that I though I was going to crash the car on more than one occasion.
It was in November that I worked out what was wrong. My anxiety was brought on by poor quality sleep. We had a baby daughter last year and I was not getting much sleep. This lack of sleep made me feel anxious. I realised that it wasn't the case that I had a problemm with alcohol as such, alcohol just caused me to sleep poorly and therefore also caused anxiety.
Anxiety is very much linked to depression and certainly in my case I had also become depressed to a degree. I remember saying to my fiance a one point that I could not remember the last time I woke up and felt good.
I visited my GP and explained what I thought was going on, he agreeded, and prescribed SSRI anti-depressants. I started taking the drugs around the 10th December. These can take a while to work and can be very unpleasant to start with. I felt dreadful to start with, a horrible anxious feeling all the time. After a month or so thought I feel better than I have in years, the difference is really incredible. I have been back to see my GP and renewed the prescription, my plan is to remain on these until I can consistantly get good sleep. My daughter is now 6 months old so I think I will be on them for a while.
I would say you definitely have depression. I would also highly recommend the drugs, they have made a huge difference to me and it is very clear now that I was suffering from depression. I wish I had got it sorted years ago, I feel like I have got my life back.
Do you mind if I ask which SSRI they prescribed?My anxiety usually seemed to follow the consumption of alcohol, the next couple of days I was often feeling anxious and occasionally had full on panic attacks. All this started about ten years ago and it was relatively simple to deal with; I just didn't drink much.
Last year however, I started to feel anxious and get panic attacks regularly and for no apparent reason. This started around March and became progressively worse throughout the year until it basically finally stopped me in November. My panic attacks had got so bad that I though I was going to crash the car on more than one occasion.
It was in November that I worked out what was wrong. My anxiety was brought on by poor quality sleep. We had a baby daughter last year and I was not getting much sleep. This lack of sleep made me feel anxious. I realised that it wasn't the case that I had a problemm with alcohol as such, alcohol just caused me to sleep poorly and therefore also caused anxiety.
Anxiety is very much linked to depression and certainly in my case I had also become depressed to a degree. I remember saying to my fiance a one point that I could not remember the last time I woke up and felt good.
I visited my GP and explained what I thought was going on, he agreeded, and prescribed SSRI anti-depressants. I started taking the drugs around the 10th December. These can take a while to work and can be very unpleasant to start with. I felt dreadful to start with, a horrible anxious feeling all the time. After a month or so thought I feel better than I have in years, the difference is really incredible. I have been back to see my GP and renewed the prescription, my plan is to remain on these until I can consistantly get good sleep. My daughter is now 6 months old so I think I will be on them for a while.
I would say you definitely have depression. I would also highly recommend the drugs, they have made a huge difference to me and it is very clear now that I was suffering from depression. I wish I had got it sorted years ago, I feel like I have got my life back.
Burty124 said:
Do you mind if I ask which SSRI they prescribed?
Not at all. I am taking Citalopram, a 20mg dose. I split the tablets on the first few days so started on 10mg.
Same here about a month ago. Sorry to go off topic by the way. Started on 10mg and the side effects the first day knocked me for six. Now up to 20 and don't really feel that much different really, even though the side effects has gone away mostly. Not at all. I am taking Citalopram, a 20mg dose. I split the tablets on the first few days so started on 10mg.
Luke. said:
Burty124 said:
Do you mind if I ask which SSRI they prescribed?
Not at all. I am taking Citalopram, a 20mg dose. I split the tablets on the first few days so started on 10mg.
Same here about a month ago. Sorry to go off topic by the way. Started on 10mg and the side effects the first day knocked me for six. Now up to 20 and don't really feel that much different really, even though the side effects has gone away mostly. Not at all. I am taking Citalopram, a 20mg dose. I split the tablets on the first few days so started on 10mg.
My father has also suffered from depression in the last few years. He is now retired, he was a consultant anaethetist, he had to try several different drugs until he found one that worked for him. His depression manifests itself differently to mine, he just suffers from a lack of motivation and loss of interest in things that he was previously engaged with.
Unfortunately curing depression is often a matter of trial and error; finding the drug that works for you.
I am also on 20mg of Citalopram daily for depression (start a club? 
)
I suffered from depression about6 years ago - I work in IT and I went for an extended period with no project work so I was basically doing nothing Mon-Fri every week. This led to me losing my feeling of self worth and eventually I spiralled into depression.
I had no get up and go, never wanted to do stuff with my family at weekends, etc. It eventually came to a head and I went to see the doc who put me on antidepressants. This coincided with a new project starting for me and after a few months I felt much better so came off the tablets.
I became depressed again last year. We are having separation anxiety and anger management issues with my 8 year old daughter at the moment.We are seeing psychologists for this and working thru it but it is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with (more so than when my parents died!).
Part of this has caused me to lose my sense of role in the household and the doc thinks this has led to my depression returning - my work is good so it's not that!
I went back on Citalopram in December and it is helping but I can't see me coming off them until things get much better at home.
My mother suffered from depression a lot, my 2 older sisters both have had it - one of them was off work for 1 year + due to it and eventually sold up and moved to Cyprus to live a new life (no kids) she works in a bar, had a 1 bedroom apartment with her hubbie and a rescue dog and she has never been happier!
I must admit sometimes I feel very low still, but you must go and see the doc, be truthful and they will be able to help.
I find even just sharing on here very cathartic and helps - even tho it's just a bunch of strangers on a forum! Sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers than people you know.
Keep your chin up mate, it helps to know there a lot of us nutters going around
)I suffered from depression about6 years ago - I work in IT and I went for an extended period with no project work so I was basically doing nothing Mon-Fri every week. This led to me losing my feeling of self worth and eventually I spiralled into depression.
I had no get up and go, never wanted to do stuff with my family at weekends, etc. It eventually came to a head and I went to see the doc who put me on antidepressants. This coincided with a new project starting for me and after a few months I felt much better so came off the tablets.
I became depressed again last year. We are having separation anxiety and anger management issues with my 8 year old daughter at the moment.We are seeing psychologists for this and working thru it but it is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with (more so than when my parents died!).
Part of this has caused me to lose my sense of role in the household and the doc thinks this has led to my depression returning - my work is good so it's not that!
I went back on Citalopram in December and it is helping but I can't see me coming off them until things get much better at home.
My mother suffered from depression a lot, my 2 older sisters both have had it - one of them was off work for 1 year + due to it and eventually sold up and moved to Cyprus to live a new life (no kids) she works in a bar, had a 1 bedroom apartment with her hubbie and a rescue dog and she has never been happier!
I must admit sometimes I feel very low still, but you must go and see the doc, be truthful and they will be able to help.
I find even just sharing on here very cathartic and helps - even tho it's just a bunch of strangers on a forum! Sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers than people you know.
Keep your chin up mate, it helps to know there a lot of us nutters going around
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