trying something new

Hi all,

I have suffered with anxiety for 20 years and have taken Zoloft, a low dose, for almost the entire time. It seems as I get older, now 58, things trigger my anxiety more frequently and if it is a big issue it is also a BIG anxiety issue. Recently I was diagnosed with a respiratory infection that includes shortness of breath so of course before seeing the doctor I googled symptoms and put myself in a state of constant worry. After leaving the doctor's office the anxiety seemed to disappear and I thought ...great. NOT. Over the next 4-5 days the anxiety creeped back and with more intensity each day. I had to use an emergency inhaler as part of treatment and guess what they cause..excitability, nervousness and they exaccerbate anxiety symptoms.

I don't really have anyone to talk to and I think that is a huge part of my problem. I have my 20 year old sone at home, who also has anxiety, but I don't want to burden him. But my gerneralized anxiety is one of those situations where I obcessively worry about what if this breathing condition is fatal, what if I can't work, what if and what if and what if. I am estranged from my siblings and I don't want to burden friends who probably wouldn't understand anyway so I thought a support group might help. Others who have anxiety will better understand my ramblings and sometimes you just need someoneto talk to..or a good cry, which is where I am as I type this. I am going to speak to my doctor about upping my dose of Zoloft but being "alone" on this anxiety journey I think I need some contact with others who understand.

Thanks for reading

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Welcome!! I’ve only been here a couple weeks but I have received great feedback on many of the questions that I have asked. I’ve also found some great resources through other’s posts. The best part is reading someone else’s post (like yours) and nodding in agreement that I know exactly what you are going through. I think you’ll like it here!!