Anxiety Has Taken My Life

Mental health
1

I guess I'm here for some empathy. My severe anxiety started 16 months ago when my husband had major surgery. It continued and was made more difficult by an ill parent, an ill step dad, and a mean boss (after having a great one for years).

Too make things worse for myself I went on Citalopram cold turkey last September.

Then in November I lost my mom and in March I lost my stepdad. Now I'm left taking care of their spouses.

Stress, sick, panic, and freaking out.

I thought when my job ended I will feel somewhat better, but I don't at all.

I know think I am dying, My body feels like it just can't function anymore. I feel like my body will shut down at any minute. I'm dizzy, soooooo weak, anxious, loss of appetite, angry, shaky, stuffed head, on and off back pain, and more.

Has anyone else felt like they can't do anything; like their body is DONE.

Can anxiety finally put you down?

Docs tell me it's GAD, but man is this tough,

I am a happily married, successful, woman with three great kids and a very happy life. I, however, don't enjoy a second of it because I am always sick and anxious.

Thanks all.

I would love to hear if anyone was this bad and survived. And, if so, how did you survive?

 

2

Hi,

I am sorry to hear you are going through so much! You sound stronger than you realise to me, you've coped with an awful lot.

Be proud of all you have achieved and continue to achieve. Is it possible for you to have a day or weekend to yourself? Could you ask someone else to help too?

I was diagnosed with GAD in 2013, I find it difficult and I don't have half of your responsibilities. You cope with more than you realise, well done! But we all need a break!

I suffer the physical symptoms you mention, it's hard to believe but it is anxiety. I've tried many things, therapy, numerous medical tests etc. I am starting swimming this week on my Drs advice and I've joined this group. It's a case of not giving up and trying everything available to us until we feel better 😊

3

Wow you certainly have been through a lot and no wonder you feel like you do! Caring for others and so many stressful events can take their toll on even the strongest of us. Are you able to do anything just for you as you have been through so much lately. Stress and anxiety go hand in hand. I have felt just like you raising my children alone, working 2 jobs, studying at Uni... A few events to add to the stress and very quickly I became so overwhelmed and thought I was surely going to die. I felt my body had reached its capacity and was having extreme anxiety symptoms/ reactions. I couldn't even walk anymoreI spent the next 5 weeks in my bed allowing my body to recover and giving it the kindness it deserves. Our bodies are amazing but we must listen to them when they talk to us.

I hope you can find ways to give yourself lots of self care and love amongst your responsibilities.

4

Hey,

I do understand completely where you're coming from. I too have GAD. It's mostly with health (which I put crazy thoughts in my head) and family. I also had a horrible boss and I thought the quitting my job in February it would help. But what ends up happening is you have more time on your hands to ruminate about other things. The only advice I guess I can offer you is counseling and making sure that you're on the right kind of medication. I know that my anxiety has led me into a bit of a depression which I'm trying to climb out of right now. And the saying I'm trying to remember is "this to shall pass"!

5

I do suffer with GAD and its torture, it really gets one down.

Just fight on, battle on. Try everything like Councelling, phychotherapy, mindfullness, reiki etc

6

Wow, I love all of your kind and understanding poss. Thank you. It means the world to me to have people understand. Powering on!

7

Hello Sunny

That is a lot for anyone to handle, even someone with no predisposed disposition for anxiety.  If you arent already, it sounds like there should definitely be a therapist involved.  Talking through these experiences can be very helpful in the healing process.