I just signed up here today, hoping to find some relief and understanding of my daily fight with fear and panic, despite medications

[T1nkerBell]

A few months ago, after weaning off of venlafaxine, my fear and panic have re-emerged. I'm on clonazepam and Lexipro, but still fighting to keep the fear inside and hidden, while I try and act normal. What helps me most is being around people, which is hard now. I'm in individual and group therapy, both via Zoom, but they aren't enough to fill the hours in the day. I used to paint, write, crochet, do crossword puzzles, read, and more, but I can't find the motivation anymore. I'm looking for other people who live with constant fear and panic, who might have some tools or ideas to share. Thanks!

[trs179]

The world is a scary place. I try to get outside for fresh air, and do yoga to take my mind off of things.

[Agora1]

Welcome T1nkerBell No need to fight or hide the fear, it just gives more power

to our Anxiety. Once we learn to accept our fears it becomes easier to live with.

Medication and Therapy are a good combo as well as working on yourself and not

staying stuck in a cycle of fear. Hopefully, the meds will help you take that step forward.

Over the years, my go to has been YouTube. There are many helpful videos by credible

professionals that can help enhance your mind.

I use daily meditation (morning, afternoon & night) as well as Diaphragmatic Breathing.

These 2 tools have helped me get over 5 years of Agoraphobia as well as my Anxiety.

I am now here to pass my success forward and help others achieve their goals. xx

[T1nkerBell in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for your caring reply. Maybe I'll take a look at YouTube. Congrats for overcoming 5 years of agoraphobia! What an achievement!

[Agora1 in reply to T1nkerBell]

xx

[JFishing2]

I try to get outdoors as much as possible, especially now with so much being closed or risky. I’ve tried to use this time to explore new places that I normally might not have time or energy to go.

[Afgan]

Understand where your coming from

[Lin1944]

Hi, if Venlafaxine was ok for you why did you come off it. I have friends who have been on it for years and no side effects. Like you I feel better being around people so even if it’s the last thing I want to do I mix when I can. Luckily we live in the North West where you can start up a conversation without being looked on as weird. I am very chatty so it’s easier for me and most people love to talk about themselves. I have kept myself from getting really depressed this year by meeting up with friends and walking. As long as we are sensible we should be ok. It’s a horrible illness and wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

Take care x

[T1nkerBell in reply to Lin1944]

Hi Lin, Thanks for your reply. I was on venlafaxine for about 6 years, and if I was late with a dose I had terrible side effects, like brain zaps. It also wasn't working as well, and I hoped I could find something better. It was VERY hard to get of, but I finally did. After trying some other drugs that did nothing I tried venlafaxine again, with the side effect of really loud tints every morning, so I stopped again. But now I'm thinking of trying it a 3rd time, because the first time it really helped with my fear and anxiety, but I'm a little afraid. The problem with friends is that I'm new to Seattle, so haven't had the chance to meet many people who are free during the days, when my husband works. The 2 friends I've made both work and it's hard to get together. We try, but it's not enough, I need more people to do things with. But I'm trying. Please keep in touch. It helps! Kim

[Lin1944]

Hi Kim, I thought you were in UK and see you are in Seattle. I lam from Liverpool and saw Beatles on the cavern as same age as me. I am on an antidepressant called Duloxetine about 12 years and no side effects. Maybe try that. You all have therapists but as our Health Service is free we have to pay a lot to see a phsyciatrist as you only see them if you are suicidal. It must be so hard moving to a new area, we have lived just outside Liverpool for 55 years and won’t move because all friends and family around. .

My daughter joined a running club and a gym and made new friends, she is not really sporty but it helps her mental health and helps meeting people.

I have been to USA five times altogether, Florida twice, SAN Diego twice and Hawaii. I love American food and the people are so friendly and easy to get on with.

A big City like Seattle must be hard to make friends but just get the local paper and join yoga groups or similar. You have to push yourself and you probably fear being rejected. You seem like a nice friendly lady so once you have made more friends it will help a lot.

I bet you never see our Politicians on your TV but Trump is never off our News.

I love Housewives from Orange County and Also the Beverley Hills and Atlanta ones.ha ha

Take care Kim, you will be fine love from Lin x

[T1nkerBell in reply to Lin1944]

Thanks Lin. I've been on duloxetine (Cymbalta) and it didn't work for me. I have more fear and anxiety than I do depression. And I haven't watched the news in a couple of months because I get too upset with the man who is incapable of admitting that he hasn't a clue what he's doing. What a mistake this country made in 2016. Hope we can correct it this year!

It's nice chatting with you, and I'm glad you found a medication that works for you. Let's talk again soon! Kim