Severe anxiety

Mental health
1

I am in my 70s and after breaking my hip last year have had terrible anxiety. Anxious all the time, even at home. I was hospitalised for 4 weeks and am on medication. When I came home I wasn't too bad but now am back to square one. Can't leave the house. Horrible churning stomach and diarrhoea. Everything seems hopeless. Does anyone else feel like this or been through it and recovered?

2

Yes, you are not alone. Have you spoken to a doctor about maybe taking medication for your anxiety? 

3

I don't know where you live but in my search for a psychiatrist that wouldn't try to push medication initially I came across a group of doctors who focus on geriatric integrative psychiatry. I was bummed because I'm not at that stage in my life but it may be something available at a hospital near you.

4

Dear eve30540, It is awful to have anxiety I know and it can spiral into depression. You say you are on medication. Do you mean medication for anxiety? If not, and you are suffering severe anxiety you might need to be on medication for it. You don't get a medal for suffering. Anxiety and depression are treatable. The right medication can really help. My thoughts are with you. Hug.

 

5

Hi eve30540,

I have been receiving treatment for anxiety for over a decade, and been highly anxious from as early as I can remember. I'm not recovered, but I have improved. The causes of my anxiety are different to yours, but I suppose the treatment for anxiety is pretty much the same. Is your anxiety the reason for you not being able to leave the house? The stomach symptoms are very unpleasant, as well as the negative mindset, so you do have my full sympathy! I recommend talking your fears through with a counsellor, until you can see a counsellor, my advice would be to try and think in the present, one step at a time, otherwise you become overwhelmed with 'what if....' 

Also, try writing down whatever it is that's making you anxious, then rate these thoughts according to how likely you think they really are. Challenging your fears can help to get a better perspective on them. I wish you all the best!

6

Hi Nadija

Thanks for the advice. I am arranging to see a counsellor.

7

Dear hugs2you, thank you for the reply. I am on medication for anxiety and am going to see a psychologist.