New here and just out of the hospital

Hi everyone

I'm 38 years old and I have dealt with anxiety and depression for most of my life. I had a good run of 13yrs with no hospitalizations until this past June. I ended up inpatient for 3.5 weeks. Away from my spouse and my kids. This was the first time I have been away from my kids for longer then 3 days. I was discharged on Tuesday last week and I've been hanging on ok. Saturday morning I woke up with some serious GI upset that has continued and is clearly some kind of stomach virus. However, this has really stirred up my anxiety big time. One of my main symptoms is appetite loss and nausea when I'm depressed or anxious. I had finally started to get away from that and bam! I have been clobbered with a virus and it's not helping. I'm so scared I'm going to end up back in the hospital and let my family down.

[chatnoirmd]

It sounds like your family supports you if were able in get inpatient care. It sounds like they love and care for you.

I would advise you to check with your primary care physician and see what's going on with your GI.

Perhaps the worry and anxiety of the virus is making things worse because it's stirring up that same cocktail of emotions? My mind always plays tricks on me. I hate fish, but am trying to eat healthier so I ate a little tilapia. Now my tummy is unsettled and I swear it's that damn fish. I know it's all in my mind, but I need to figure out how to stop having the reaction. The fish even tasted good, so my aversion makes no sense.

Everybody has something lol

[Hidden in reply to chatnoirmd]

You are absolutely correct. The virus is most definitely stirring it all up and then the anxiety kicks in. It's just so frustrating! And you're right, everyone definitely has something!

[chatnoirmd in reply to Hidden]

You'll get there. When you feel the anxiety.... take a break. For me, I can literally feel my blood pressure rise. I try to go lay down and take deep breaths. Sometimes curl up with my hubbys pillow when he's at work. Or I go treat myself to a donut because we have the best place across the stress.

[chatnoirmd]

You know if you think 'you're going down that road again'.... consider that you might be. But seeing a doctor now and being proactive will help you handle it better

Your family would see the improvement because you are willing to get it checked I think it would mean your visit worked and it's helping you overall.

I'm rambling but be you and be proud to admit you had the strength to get help.

[Hidden in reply to chatnoirmd]

I don't think it's helping that I saw my therapist this past week and bow she's away this week. Then back for a week and off for 2. And that my psychiatrist is on vacation and my first appt post discharge is not until Aug 1st. I'm feeling abandoned by my providers so soon post discharge. I mean they are completely entitled to vacation, just really terrible timing.

[chatnoirmd in reply to Hidden]

I can see how that would make you feel that way. In my experience there is always someone filling in for them, especially psychiatrists. Perhaps you can call and speak with the nurse or back up?