I have had severe anxiety on and off for 17 years. Last year I had nine good months and functioned normally. I woke up one morning last November and felt lost and frightened. I have been like this every day since and am not functioning at all. Memories of previous episodes are there all the time and I'm frightened I'm losing my mind. Can anyone relate or help please? I've tried every therapy and medication/vitamins etc under the sun but the problem has just passed before as suddenly as it comes. This is the longest period I have had and have no quality of life. Tku.
Describe your symptoms...
Petrified of everything. Brain fog. Nothing feels real. No pleasure in anything. Can't look after myself. Was always well dressed etc and very capable. Used to be up early every morning and busy. Now frightened of moving about even in my own home. Even simple tasks make me anxious. I shake and retch. No appetite. Went on a holiday in April and was the same whilst away. Frightened of every noise and didn't feel real. Don't know what I'm doing and can't hold a normal conversation. I was so well most last year and determined I would remain so then bang back it came. I have seen a neurologist for possible MS but he says not and have had a few tests for Cyclical Cushings which they say prove negative so far. I queried these conditions as I have suffered for so many years on and off without resolution. Can you relate to this?
Hi Jo, You are not losing your mind. YOU WILL NOT LOSE YOUR MIND.I have had severe anxiety and depression for almost 3 years now without relief. I am going to group therapy, I see a psychiatrist, and have tried different medications. I also spent 9 days in a psych ward. Just recently (within the past 2 weeks) I am beginning to believe I might see some relief. I am taking a new med and my psychiatrist has increased the dosage twice. She said I need to have patience with it. Anxiety and depression takes a lot of patience and work on our part. Keep working at getting better. I wish you the best of luck. (((Hugs)))
Hi Jo I can relate to the way you are feeling. It is a symptom of anxiety, your mind is very tired from all the thoughts and worries. You need to get to the root cause of depersonalization which is your anxiety, are you on any medication for your anxiety? I know depersonalization is very frightening but try not to fear it, the more you fear the more you will feed your depersonalisation (I know easier said then done!). I've had it for 12 years 24/7 and it will not go away, it frustrates me so much, I can manage it but lately I had trouble with my meds and it got quite severe the past couple of months and on Monday I am finally seeing a psychiatrist (I have kept my depersonalisation to myself for 12 years until recently ) Anyways you have to get on with your life and still do the things you like, I know you don't get enjoyment with anything feeling like this, but tell yourself it's not forever. I can't remember what reality feels like and if mine went away I think I would freak out lol. Keep strong Jo and if you need any help at anytime just pm me. Xx
Its heartening you are seeing some way ahead, its been four years for me but no success. What are you trying now ?
Hi. How do I pm you please?
Hi Ann, I am trying Cymbalta. I saw my psychiatrist this morning. She is upping my dosage for a third time. I still feel anxious and depressed. Weekends are the hardest for me. The holidays are hard for me too for some reason. How are you doing today?
What medication are you taking please? TIA Hope you are feeling better. Happy Christmas x
Hi there. I have had a rollercoaster of toothache appts, gp appts etc and not feeling well.
have been given antibiotics for bad chesty cough and now i have to go see about my warfarin as it is affected by antibiotics.
meatime the depression and anxiety continue and i just try to get through the days.
they also think my daily problems after eating then it going through me are related to a botched gallbladder op. So many things wrong, no wonder ive got anxiety. Trying to push myself but its hard when you feel so bad
how is the cymbalta? Do you think it is helping you? Sometimes i think they up the dosage as they dont know what else to try.
my psych appt is March and i dont know if he will bring that forward. I do not relish a stay on the ward, were you ok with it? I had one a few years ago and i was one of the few with just depression, it was awful with screaming in night etc coming from rooms. Home is best if you can do it.