Hi! I am new here and having some trouble with anxiety.

[Sara_C]

I have been having an awful time with my anxiety/depression lately. I started having panic attacks daily about a year and a half ago and went on Lexapro which really helped. I also have some xanex which I only take in an emergency. I decided to go off medication almost two months ago because I gained about 20 pounds and that made me even more depressed. I also was feeling fine, wishful thinking I know. Most of my anxiety stems from health related issues. I just always have this feeling that I am going to die soon. I am a 31 year old woman and have never really been sick in my life, but I just can't shake this feeling. It keeps me up at night because I am scared to sleep for fear of not waking up. I know I should just start the medication up again, but now with my health anxiety I am terrified to take pills, including simple stuff like Advil. Its so dumb, but everytime I take a pill I get anxiety thinking that there is something wrong with the medication and it will kill me. I sound crazy I know, I have never used one of these websites before, but I could just use some advice/ someone to talk to who might feel this same way. Sorry if this post is all over the place. Thank you!

[Janebee]

Hi Sara C you have come to the right place for help now sit down and take a slow breath in for the count of 5 and a slow breath out for the count of 7 while you get your breathing slow start at one corner of the room you are in start naming everything you see on the walls and on the floor don't miss anything out every little thing you see in that room when you have finished one corner move to the next one carry on doing this until you get back to where you started I find that takes my mind of other thoughts in my head. Start back on your mess they are there to help you not do you any harm and make a appointment to see your doc and explain the the thoughts you are having don't go this alone there is help out there take all the help you can get and remember these thoughts are not real although you may feel like they are Please get help I will be thinking of you all my love. Janebee x

[Sara_C in reply to Janebee]

Thank you for your reply. I have been working a lot on my breathing exercises and concentration. I will try this for sure. Just your response and knowing people are out there to help makes me feel better. Thank you!

[Janebee in reply to Sara_C]

Hi Sara-c I will be hear for you at anytime please let me know how you are doing and don't let things build up in your head just reach out for help there is loads of good people on this sight so you will never be alone

All my love Janebee x

[AuntBea]

I totally get that gaining weight doesn’t help with depression! Lexapro made me sleep all the time, which didn’t help either. Maybe you could ask about a different medication - I have heard that Bupropion doesn’t cause weight gain.

All medications have possible side effects, that is true. But most of the time, the benefits outweigh the negatives. You want to be able to experience happiness and enjoy life. We are lucky to live in a day and age where we can get help. Please go back to the dr and at least talk about your concerns.

In the meantime, guided relaxation, listening to soft music, aromatherapy, might help you relax a little. Go outside and take a walk.

[Sash86]

Heya,

I have been really anxious the last few days and am breaking out in acne. I’m always up for a chat. Sry your going threw this. It’s ok to tell others how you feel

[Cattownfl]

Hi

I can see where your coming from but honestly, maybe you should try the lexapro again. Just might help you. I’m going through hell finding the right one.

But hey if it helps it’s all worth it.

[Bellamafia]

Aloha Sara! I’m 35 and have been going through the same thing. I’m scared to take meds. I used to never be😪. I feel I’m going to die young and it sends me into panic mode. I get a strange brain fog over me and then panic sets in and I try to calm myself down. I have bad muscle pain because of all the tension. But if you need someone to talk to please message me. We can support each other and know you are not alone in this!!!

[Hidden]

Welcome Sara_C

This group is amazing and it's a great support system. Just remember that you are not alone. Just reading lots of responses here especially Janabee and AuntBea, which as some very helpful and inspirational ideas as well as sharing there own experiences. Its extremely helpful to share your experiences so that we can all be supportive. I strongly believe in breathing exercises, going to the gym, or working out in the comfort of your home, I find that listening to soft music and Mozart is very helpful. You have a whole support system here anytime 24/7 just open your heart and we are here for you. Again, just talking about this is a positive step to getting stronger and defeating this.