Hard Times

[johannamuller]

4 years ago I had a mental breakdown. I have always had health anxiety, but 4 years ago I woke up with Bell's Palsy. I was put on prednisone and it got better, but my mental health declined. I started wondering what caused it and how sick I really was. All my doctors said it was probably just a virus, but I wasn't so convinced. I had so many tests done the following weeks and I was a mess. I was half-depressed and half-screaminganxietyriddencrazyperson. I went to my doctor and we decided to start me on 10mg of Prozac. A couple of days later I started getting brain zaps when I was trying to fall asleep. I slept a total of 5 hours in almost 2 weeks. I barely remember those weeks of my life but I do remember how scared for my life I was. One night I just felt a calm rush over me. I could breathe again and I felt the world was beautiful again. This continued wonderfully for 4 years. Over the last year, I have gained 80 pounds and was drinking excessively every night. Due to this weight gain, I could feel the prozac not working as well. I became increasingly concerned about my health and it started to affect my life. I visited my doctor and we decided to switch my meds over to Effexor. One 75mg dose later and I was a mess. I was exhausted and scared and depressed. I woke up the next morning with horrible muscle rigidity and muscle spasms and popping in my legs. I instantly called the doctor on call and she told me to stop taking the effexor and wait one day then restart the prozac. I have uncontrollable anxiety in the morning and crying fits and severe depression in the afternoon and then at night, I feel completely normal. I'm scared I will never be completely normal again. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

[mdowning81]

I have not had the exact same medication issues but am struggling to find the right combination for me. I can totally relate to your daily cycle, severe anxiety in the morning, deep depression once it calms down then feeling somewhat normal by six at night. I go through this cycle every day and it is exhausting. Somedays I am able to fake being ok better than others but today is not one of those days.

[Hidden]

Hello!

I recall having a period of health anxiety during my 20’s after acquiring a severe sinus infection that ended up in my having to have a “sinus window” procedure done where the ENT broke the bone leading to that sinus cavity and then flushed it out while I was completely awake. I cried through the procedure, they injected me with Valium which made the crying worse. I also lost a tooth at that site. And so it began that I had ear infections one right after the other and was always taking antibiotics. I was very sensitive about my health until I became sick and tired of feeling that way as it’s exhausting and scared. I told myself that if I died, I died and ceased worrying about my health. Obviously, I’m still here many years later!! All I know to tell you is to let go of the obsession and live your life to the fullest! I know have far worse chronic issues and I try very hard not to obsess. Engage yourself in some healthy distraction measures to keep your mind occupied! Wishing you the best!!

[Bradys1]

Yes it is what I am feeling now. My anxitety actually gets better as the day goes on and I have people around me. I am temporarily staying with my sister due to no air conditionerand being highly anxious to the point of panic. In the evening I feel.much calmer. I am not able to get anxiety medication but it was a life saver to me before. I would rather have medication and be able to function even if long term it is detremental to my health. This is going to put me in a mental hospital and I just can't do that. I need help now.

[Marysblue]

Drinking is terrible with depression.. I try to stay as physically healthy as I can. I walk 30min day and no alcohol. I eat superfoods. You say you were drinking, I hope you quit. I think taking medication with alcohol is not good.I hope you feel better. Meds are such a trial and error and I've tried about 10 this last year.