Starting to lose hope.....

after living with anxiety for 8 years. I know that is just a drop in the bucket for some of you. There was a period of about 3 years after CBT that I felt at peace with little to no anxiety. In the last year it has come back with a vengeance. How? Why? My GAD seems to have morphed into health anxiety and I have had more panic attacks in the last month than I have in the last 8 years. When they do hit I feel completely out of control like I am unable to get the smallest grip on them. I am well versed in Claire Weekes. I am very much on top of the neuroscience behind anxiety. I understand how my body systems react to anxiety. But, for the first time I really feel like I am suffering. My therapist tried some EMDR. I just couldn’t buy in. We’ve reviewed some CBT skills. I’m exhausted and I have no idea how to move forward. I don’t even really have a question. I guess I just need a place to say out loud the things I would never tell my family. 😞

[deborah27]

you have relapsed. this is soooo common and often like most awful things in life has little or no explanation! there is usually some expectation that even after a long time, a period of panic can jump up and catch us unaware. how tedious this is! the positive thing is, if i can call it that, they stopped before and they will stop again. this time round concentrate on your fatigue and hydration. take about fifteen minutes during the day to concentrate only on the here and now, the present. try to focus on what you can see around you, what you can hear, what you can smell, what you can touch and what you can taste. say things out loud, write things down, sketch things... anything as a distraction and to manage those jumbled up panicky thoughts. i know, all sounds like too much hard work, it's not though and we will do anything to manage panic and make life a pleasure again. this is short-lived, they will go again and each time they visit, you will be well prepared.

[Hidden in reply to deborah27]

Thanks so much for the feedback deborah27. I have read quite a bit about relapse and I think that has a lot to do with it. I have a lot of trouble making myself a priority. Not to mention, sometimes I feel like I am slogging through anxiety.....feeling great one day and really crappy the next. I am going to take your suggestions and see where I can work them into my life. Thank you so much for the support!!

[Hidden]

You know, I can't really pinpoint anything specific. I did have a pretty significant set back in February when I had to start blood pressure medication. Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to manage my health, I looked at it as thought I was a walking heart attack (and in reality my pressure wasn't super high). I can't really think of anything that started the back slide last year though. It feels like it was out of nowhere. I'm sure that isn't the case, I just can't put my finger on anything major that happened. Going froward from there...just general life. Happily married, work because I want to, comfortable financially, healthy family....what could I possibly have to be anxious about?!?!