Really been having a struggle....

[Bluetj]

I don't know wats going on, I have really been struggling I think since the new year has started. Can't seem to get thru this attack. I've been tryn to just let it take its course, like I have a choice, but its lagging on. I have 2 weeks & my niece, who God just bless to be cancer free almost a year ago, will be here for a follow up. How can I be there for her when I'm a mess? I have really been amazed at how big this mental health thing is. Seems like everyone I have spoken with is experiencing some sort, mostly anxiety. How? Why? What's really going on? I just want my life back b4 anxiety. 😢😢😢😢😢

[KittenMittens22]

I’m not sure if it’s the same for everyone but my anxiety is usually trigged when I don’t feel in control of something. Maybe something triggered your anxiety and it’s a matter of trying to find out what it was so you can target the root. Sometimes it is simply chemistry of the brain so maybe seeing a doctor for medication would help.

I’ve noticed too when I have bouts of bad anxiety periods, I’m afraid and worried that another attack is going to happen and that fuels the anxiety. Our brains can easily get stuck in that fear and worry mode and it takes self-talk, breathing exercises, and positive affirmations to try and get out of that mindset.

As to multiple people you have heard having anxiety. I just think the world is a very stressful and demanding place. People have too much pressure on them from multiple directions. I personally think people take on more than they should or need to that leaves us out of balance.

[Bluetj in reply to KittenMittens22]

Only thing about this is I have never figured out what started this anxiety thing nor have I ever determined what my triggers are. It seems like everything is a trigger for me. My could be going just fine, and just out of nowhere the anxiety rears its ugly head. Yea, just like I told my therapist, they feed off of each other. I get depressed worrying about the anxiety, then I get anxious because I am depressed. The medicine helps, I guess I am just looking for a miracle because I am ready for this all to be over.

[Anxietyguy]

Anxiety goes up and down I've found. You'll feel awful for a few weeks, or like things will never be the same. But they will. You can start by telling yourself it's temporary and things WILL get better. Keep telling yourself everything's fine and take deep breaths.

Focus on stress relief, like meditation or deep breathing. Also go for a walk or any exercise. I found exercise to be very important because it allows your mind to decompress.

If nothing else works you can try medication, counseling etc.

You're not alone. Hang in there

[Bluetj in reply to Anxietyguy]

It just seems like the ok days are so quick and the anxiety goes on forever. I just try to hang in there even if I feel like I am hanging on by a thread. I have tried the deep breathing, I have tried the exercise, I have even tried sex (which I don't have the desire for anymore), nothing helps. I am currently on Vistaril & Lexapro, I go to therapy once a week. I guess I just desperately want my old life back. I don't do anything because I always worry about an anxiety happening if I am in public. I have no life anymore!!!!!

[Anxietyguy in reply to Bluetj]

Could try switching to different meds. I've heard people say they went on a different med and it helped a lot.

Not wanting sex, sounds like depression. So you maybe are struggling with both.

I can understand not leaving for fear of panicking in public. I've had that. Best thing to do imo is force yourself out. Little by little. Once you see you're fine and didn't have a reaction you'll improve. Get outa the comfort zone. Keep pushing yourself, you'll get better!

[Bluetj in reply to Anxietyguy]

I've been on other meds, the ones I'm on does me the best. I know wat the sex part is about, so moving on. As for gettn out, just doing the simple like going to the store or gettn gas is enough for me.

[LiveandLetLive42]

I hate the ups and downs of anxiety too. You have something amazing to be blessed about, which I am sure you are. Try sticking to a routine, go for walks, read, write, keep your mind busy. When we are busy, we don't think as much. Best of luck to you

[JaaKK]

I am sorry to hear about this anxiety that you are experiencing now. Anxiety is the fear of______. Here it looks like you might not do well when are not in control or plans fall through and nothing seems to work out. Have you ever hear of the term "Failing Forward"? - Meaning, it is okay for things not to work out or that we lose control. Failure, worry, stress, anxiety...can all be good teachers if we accept the fact that we can learn a lesson or two from them. We pick ourselves up, we know what we did not work that time. Now, we can take what did not work and we can try again with a fresh and new plan until we figure out what does work. - I was born with epilepsy and in my teenage years, long ago, I was bound and determined to figure out how to best overcome my seizures. My parents and doctors had very different ideas and recommendations of what I should have been doing to help myself. I did not agree, I wanted more out of life- they gave me a death sentence as far as I was concerned. - I hated that fact that every time a seizure came on I lost physical control of my own body. My muscles went crazy shaking everywhere and my mind would black out and I went into like a dream state of mind. I felt like my very soul was imprisoned and could not escape. - I failed a lot of attempts of trying to figure out how regain the control of my body. I went to church by a school bus on Sunday mornings, so I got this idea. one Sunday from the pastors' sermon. He was mentioning how we can find peace through Jesus Christ. I really wanted peace and love in my life, I was not getting it at home. Before service was over he gave a Salvation prayer for those to follow who wanted to accept Jesus into their lives. I prayed that prayer. So, I started talking to Jesus about my fears and dreams that I had. I told Him that I need His help and ideas of what I can do to help me overcome the fears and anxiety of going through these seizures. Just knowing that I can talk to Jesus at anytime and anywhere gave me comfort alone. Wow! In no time, ideas started coming to me. - I started feeling more peaceful because I was giving up wanting my control and asking Jesus to take control of my body each time that I was seizing. I still lost control of my muscles and still black out, but I pray "Help Me right as I go into a seizure. - Control and anxiety is not the issue anymore, but to give it to God and have him help me find away through the storm. I hope this helps you! - God Bless You!

[Bluetj in reply to JaaKK]

Thank u so much for that. 😉

[Chisl]

I have dealt with anxiety since I was 13, 31 years ago, and I am still here, now married with kids, and working as a counselor. It was the worst during my teenage years, and I didn't think I would live to see 30, but I am here and grateful to be alive. Initially I self-medicate with alcohol and street drugs, which led to depression and suicide ideation. In my mid-twenties I finally got medical help, and paxil helped tremendously. But what works for each person is different.

Regular cardiovascular exercise releases endorphins, and perhaps more than any medication can ease the anxiety and improve your mood and outlook. I still have bouts of anxiety and depression, but knowing that I've survived them before makes them much more bearable. Believe that you will have better days and you will. God bless you.

[crowningglory19]

Yes, mental health is important and there is much more anxiety than before. Do yourself and your friends a favor and tell them about magnesium and take it yourself. It is lacking in today's diet and most are depleted in it, then stress depletes it more and yet is what we need most in stress. That is why anxiety is on the large rise. Turn off the news, protect your mind and heart. Help others around you and it will help you. Also, ginseng is great to get rid of sticky negative thoughts that loop around, so that helps a lot too. Best to you and yours. You got this, baby steps. =)