Any helpful advice?

[Redheaded-girl]

Good morning everyone. I have been writing on here a lot lately, but I have been going through so much, sometimes I don't know where else to turn. My depression has been getting pretty severe lately. I have actually been having panic attacks, every single day for a week. I am taking an antidepressant, for generalized anxiety disorder and massive depressive disorder. I recently just started taking this medicine, after being on the same medicine for over two years, which makes me think it could be another reason everything is so much more sensitive to me. I don't want to go through my story all over again, but it is in my page thing. Anyway, on Monday, I start a new job and I have horrible anxiety about it. It isn't the job itself, because I finally managed to get a job as a pastry chef and it is four days on and three days off and good hours. I am currently a direct care worker, for my gram and have been since like 2015. I love this job because it has done so much, for not only her, but also for myself. It makes me very sad to be leaving, but it doesn't come with anymore chances to advance in pay and I had to buy my own insurance, because it doesn't have benefits, even though I do work full time. This story seems really drawn out, but my main question is, how do you guys deal with horrible anxiety/ panic attacks in the morning? The company is awesome from what I have been told and everyone is like a family because they are three businesses ran by two people. It sounds like, it isn't going to be stressful and more just like something I want, but it isn't helping lessen my anxiety any. I just don't want to make a mistake and let my depression get the best of me, to where I cannot handle it. I had a full time hob before my current one, that I obviously just took because I had to, but I ended up quitting it, into a couple days of just the training because I couldn't take it anymore. Life is so much more difficult now than it was back then, which makes me have even more fear. I did switch to a new therapist and I am going to try and go weekly, but until I go next Friday, what can I do to help calm myself down? I am at the point in my depression right now, that I actually don't really enjoy music, or the simple things I did before everything went down.

[Kat63]

I tend to have bad anxiety in the mornings, and then it decreases as the day goes on.

Today is a little different - I’m not having the crazy feelings. But it could be situational for me. I lost my job 6 weeks ago, and today I’m going to a job fair, and one of the companies has already expressed interest in me.

But other than today, every morning has been torture for several weeks now.

I guess until you see the therapist, make use of this place. It has helped me. Also, if you know any coping techniques like deep breathing.....that can calm you down just a bit.

[JAYnLA]

Something that is helping me right now is to take a mindfulness break (meaning just sit with your eyes closed) and remember the last time you felt 'good'. I've found that I can somewhat pull that energy into the present. It isn't a 'cure', but it helps. Maybe it would help you as well. Also, remember this: regardless of your feelings, you are equal to any task in front of you. It's true.

[Agora1]

Hi Redheaded-girl. Unfortunately, morning anxiety is one of the most common

complaints for the anxious/stressed person. Not only a psychological issue but

a physical one as well. As we get into the wee hours of the morning the Cortisol

levels start rising. By the time we open our eyes, adrenaline is at it's maximum

level of the day. Those who are anxious to begin with feel that surge in many

different symptoms. Sometimes taking out a few extra minutes before leaping out

of bed can make a world of difference.

I found that meditation and deep breathing have been the key in solving my

morning anxiety issues that I've had over the years. Accepting that it is not

harmful but a fact of life preparing us for the day ahead. I start my relaxation

meditation upon opening my eyes. Lying on my back and deep breathing in

itself helps tone down the butterfly feeling. 10-15 minutes of breathing and

focusing on your mind/body relaxing can make a huge difference.

Mid day, I take a 5-10 minute respite and just allow my mind to wander to a

safe place while I slowly breathe in and exhale any stress I may be having.

Before bed, I push aside the events of the day, put myself into a mindfulness state

in feeling the comfort and security of the bed. I then go into deep breathing as my

last function of the day putting me into a sound peaceful sleep.

Practice makes perfect. This needs to be done each and every day and not wait until

you are desperate for relief. It's like a bank account that accrues money for when you

need it. I hope this helps some in knowing that all is not lost. With time, this will come

more naturally. Medication can only go so far, this added step (or anything you find

that works for you) can take you to a better place of peace and calm. xx