Your Anxiety and Insomnia experiences? I'm struggling (again)..c

Mental health
1

Hi all...really didn't think I would need to post on this forum but remembered how helpful everyone was - moreso than a lot of GPs tbh, no disrespect.

I've had anxiety issues on and off all my life, I'm 39 now. Nothing to debilitating but definitely negatively impacting. Some social anxiety, lack of faith in abilities etc. At times I get by like a 'normal' person, other times it sends me crashing, like now. :-(

Two years ago I had a terrible time with anxiety and insomnia which I eventually improved with SSRIs and mental health group work / mindfulness. The social anxiety improved quite a lot. I then stuck to citalopram and I found mirtazapine very good for sleep. When I sleep everything is so much easier, stating the obvious I know.

Recently work has been very tough financially (self-employed) and have had 3-6 months of depression moreso than anxiety. It was a reverse of two years ago. I tapered myself off citalopram and think that's where I made a mistake. I went back to the doctor and she prescribed fluoxetine but then all my anxiety came back because I stopped sleeping and feel dreadful again. I struggle to drop off then I'm awake 3 hours later panicking because I can't sleep yet again.

Anyway I'm looking to get back on citalopram and mirtz for sleep 7.5mg. While I'm sure this will improve things pretty soon, what's the long-term solution I ask myself?? 

I used to be able sleep pretty well up until 2 years ago and then a couple of random bad nights turns into a monster and I'm back on the night time meds and having a meltdown.

Maybe I just need to stick to citalopram for a longer period and the rest will follow - plus keep up the mindfulness, exercise, decent diet which I try to do as much as possible.

I guess I'm just scared that at any time in my life I can just drop like this with an adverse effect on work, relationships and well-being. 

Most people wouldn't imagine I suffer from this for a minute, I usually come across quite confident and together,  but it's like a periodic private hell and I feel alone, embarrassed and worried.

If anyone is going through the same I'd appreciate your thoughts / experiences.

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HI David.

Oh i hear you loud and clear i am afraid i struggle with the same, i come across as happy, helpful and kind at work but once i get home its a dull, heaviness that lingers over me.

I have only recently managed to speak to my GP about this and i have had a hell of a last 6 months with family issues that manifested itself through a very bad event.

I am on citalopram 20mg also and its day 3 so early days, no side effects to report yet though. i also have zopiclone sleeping tablets, which i forgot to take last night bad idea had a rough night sleeping. feel like a zombie now.

I journal most of my thoughts, this helps some of the time. doesnt help when your mind starts ticking when its time for bed.

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Mirtazapine doesn't come in 7.5 mg doses. I'm in the UK - maybe it's different where you are?

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Sorry I meant half a 15mg tab

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Ok, wow! I used to take 45mg mirtazapine and it didn't make me at all sleepy.

I think you need to get back on your meds asap, but remember that all anti-depressants take about six weeks to kick in.

Sorry you're having a rough time again, David. Stay with the forum so that we can support you. You beat this before - I'm sure you'll manage to do so again - but do stay with us.             love Tess

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Thanks Tess - just been to the docs and am back on the citalopram and a crumb of Mirt at night - how are you getting on?

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Yes David I can relate insonia for me started with job stress and just got worse over the course of four years. It has lead to a variety of anxiety symptoms I have not found a medication that does not give me bad side effects. I also come across as confident and " normal" that is what me must do. Good luck and hugs to you.

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Hi Carol - I think the worst part is having to try and carry on as normal when you're on your knees and trying to deal with tiredness and anxiety at the same time. I have been through this before and came out the other end OKish for 2 years. I'm a big believer in the right medication, CBT and particularly meditation and that's what I'm going to do. How are you getting on at the moment? Does help to know others are suffering too.

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Hi David yes this is very diffcult to deal with. I have a psychiatrist whom I like but they are basically pill pushers. I am considering CBT have to find a good therapist.I take .25 or.05 of xanax for sleep that is the only thing I am on, I have had a difficult time with med side effects so it is on going at present.I have cofidence that all willwork out eventualy.Yes David misery does love company!! We are here for each other

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It works for me and hope works for others:

2 things to take ... (1) Taurine 500 mg 1 per day (2) Plain Gelatin 1-2 TBSP daily (the ingrdient to make Jello) that you can find next to Jello in grocery store.

The good thing is no side effective, no harm even not work... try it.