Newbie stressed out

[JustMe00]

Hi, I’ve suffered with anxiety for years. I’ve never taken meds for fear of becoming a zombie and dependent. Just work through it and sometimes are tougher than others . It’s so hard ,but I just tell myself It will pass and you will be ok. Recently it has become 10x worse. My teen daughter has also been suffering with anxiety for a few years and is seeing a therapist for her anxiety and I feel guilty that somehow I passed this to her and helpless because I know what she’s going through. Her Dr. prescribed Zoloft to help with her anxiety while she gets through her senior year which is a few more weeks ! I’m now worried how it will affect her but praying it works wonders ASAP. It’s so hard to see her daily struggles when she has to leave class due to panic attacks😩 I think me worrying about her so much is causing my anxiety to hit the roof👆🏼🤯 Hopefully we can both get to a peaceful place soon. Anyone else have a child who is going through the same struggles?

[Rpan]

No I don’t have a child going through this, it’s my biggest fear though. I don’t want my child dealing with this. I have to imagine though that you are best equip to to help her with her issues. Your experience with this will reassure her that she is not alone. I hope this brings you guys closer, with love and compassion you both will be able to heal and manage this fear.

[JustMe00 in reply to Rpan]

Thank you.

[MARYRD27]

I was your daughter when I was in HS. It was a very long time ago, but I spent so much time in the Nurse’s Office due to panic attacks I was afraid how I would graduate and how long I could continue that way. I had no one to talk to, unlike your daughter, and suffered through it. So good to see you are getting treatment for her. If the Zoloft doesn’t do the trick along with therapy to see if there are underlying causes, I recommend some Xanax as a temporary measure for both of you. I found that as long as I was happy and in control of my life, the anxiety went away. I had low self-esteem and came from a dysfunctional family with so many children that I rarely got any attention and was considered to be of less value (by my father) than my 5 brothers. So that was the origin of a lot of my anxiety. Also, I was very bright and my father said he didn’t want to waste money sending me to college. He changed his mind and I went to college, but I eventually discovered that I am susceptible to bouts of depression and anxiety, especially when I’m feeling very conflicted about my life. Has anyone recommended the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne? I found it to be tremendously helpful and it’s even more helpful when you have a therapist who uses it.

[JustMe00 in reply to MARYRD27]

I am praying the Zoloft does the trick. So far day 2 no side affects. She said she felt relaxed and HAPPY😃 I’m monitoring her closely . She attended a rally at school to recognize students who will be attending college , which is a big deal, she hates rallies. Yay!!! No I haven’t heard of the book. I will definitely look into getting it . Thank you.

[hypercat54]

Hi why would you become a zombie or dependant on meds? Most people just use them for a short period in order to start feeling a bit better and more able to tackle your issues.

The ad's they use these days aren't the strong addictive ones of years ago you know. They are much safer than they used to be so why not give them a try? You won't know until then if they do help! x

[JustMe00 in reply to hypercat54]

I agree. All you ever hear about are the bad experiences. Yes I learned you don’t stay on them forever. I took my daughter to therapy and dr because I didn’t want her to suffer like I did and sometimes still do. I just realized why am I just dealing with it instead of getting help myself???? Stay at home mom just trying to keep it together. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Hidden]

I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and I think the core of it is low self confidence, a feeling that I can’t handle life. Working on my codependent issues and writing down a lot of my fear and exploring my feelings plus establishing time to pray and read the Bible before I sleep has helped me as an adult. When I was younger I didn’t have this insight and didn’t know why I was so anxious. Medication has its place for sure but social support and calming practices such as meditation and prayer are also very effective. Also just plain learning to train yourself to breath through the panic feelings and allow them to rise and dissipate. It’s a long road I wouldn’t wish on anyone but thank goodness you as her mom understand her struggle

[JustMe00 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Yes I have taught her to just breathe and it will pass. Meditation really helps us too. I do believe she has all the steps she needs to get better and work through her anxiety. Hopefully the meds will be the last small piece of the puzzle.

[Robinrenae]

Hi JustMe, I can relate to what your going through. I have a teenage son who has anxiety and depression issues and refuses to see a therapist at all. And a 19 year old son with severe autism. It's heartbreaking and the guilt is real. I feel as their mother I should be able to fix anything for them, of course logicly I know I can't fix everything but it doesn't stop me from feeling that way. I hope you both find peace soon. Sending love and light your way.

[JustMe00 in reply to Robinrenae]

Hi, you are a supermom! So hard to see our kids struggling. Even harder when they don’t want to seek help. My daughter wouldn’t at first. Until one day she had a full break down while I was dropping her off at school. After many days of saying she was sick I eventually didn’t believe her. I asked to talk to school counselor who came out to talk and did get her to talk . Then we homeschooled for 3 months. Counselor came to our house 2x week and did exposure therapy. Which I thought at the time was crazy no way this kid would be better in 3 months. Eventually she returned to school anxiety free. Until a few months ago from senior year stresses. Back to therapy and meds this time. Hopefully your son accepts therapy and feels better soon.

[Robinrenae]

Thank you, from one super mom to another 😊School can be so stressful for them. I actually homeschooled both of my boys when my oldest entered high school. Besides his autism, he is also on a very strict diet do to gastrointestinal issues and food sensitivities. The program at our high school was horrible! I could not let him be there. My younger son was in 7th grade at that time. He is a senior this year too.

I'm so glad your daughter is getting help. Hopefully after graduation she will be less stressed. One day at a time I guess. Could you tell me more about exposure therapy? Ive never heard of that.

[TalonNimbus]

I really hopes the medication helps your daughter (high school is hard enough without panic attacks) and I hope that her doing better will help your anxiety as well.

[Hidden]

I know I’m just a guy

But

Take a big piece of paper

And draw a smiley face on it and post it from all of us who get it and care about u

U care about yur daughter

Hello?? Not all moms do

U worry and are protective of yur daughter

Hello?not all moms do

Try going to the stairs and buying cards for yur friends and then give them

To

Yursekf and put on the refrigerator

Winnie the Pooh wisdom can help

Knowing

Knowing we get itvand care knowing u have friends who get it

Help remind me Hey doc take a long deep breath orctselve

Like we arnt worry warts Christ we are professional worry warts

What would u recommend to me

If I were having a panic or worry event??

What would help me?? U have insight so

Please advise and counsel me

Please

Know everyone cares here.

Some places don’t

But here I’ve never heard anyone laugh

Take care we are part of a community

Ur not alone