Fear I am going crazy.

[TrippyMcGuire762]

So I've been doing better on cymbalta for about a week as it feels it was finally kicking in. But last night and specifically today I have had really bad fears I am going to go crazy. It came out of the blue as I was doing much better. Started with those fears around 7 last night. Started having really bad heart palpitations at like 10:30. Didn't sleep at all last night and the anxiety is continuing into today. I'm just scared that the meds might not be working or might be making me go crazy or something. I just want to get back to my life...

[bonkers65]

Sometimes those anti-depressants make you feel worse before they make you feel better. See if you can stick it out for a while.

[TrippyMcGuire762 in reply to bonkers65]

I'm just starting week 4 of them.

[bonkers65 in reply to TrippyMcGuire762]

Try to hang in there

[TrippyMcGuire762 in reply to bonkers65]

I'm trying. Have a meeting with the specialist on the 3rd, but it seems so far away.

[ColoradoSunshine]

It sounds like anxiety and catastrophic thinking. Continue the meds (follow what doc says) but have you tried guided meditation? I use 10% Happier. There are some free ones as well like “calm” I think maybe free during the pandemic. The reason I recommend this is that it will talk you through dealing with thoughts , anxiety etc. it’s something that will help in the moment and is cumulative. I have also had panic attacks fearing I’ll go nuts and kill people or myself or other stuff like that. They are just thoughts and like the weather we can’t control them. But we can control what we do in response. I’m on Cymbalta 60 mg and Wellbutrin 150 mg coupled with meditation, 1x1 counseling and talking to those I I am feeling pretty good about life. God bless you. You can get through this.

[Hidden]

The fear of oneself going crazy is surprisingly very common. And it also feels like your own personal hell. On the rare ocassion I have a manic episode, the physical feeling in my brain is just of sheer insanity. No one should have to suffer that. If it happens to you again, can you try grounding techniques?

[TrippyMcGuire762 in reply to Hidden]

I did try. Turns out I had been drinking something that contained grapefruit juice without knowing (read the label on fruit juices) for a couple days. Might have made things worse. But yeah. Its horrible when it happens.

[Hidden in reply to TrippyMcGuire762]

Yes when mania or anxiety get too intense, coping skills suddenly become less effective. Was anyone in the house with you?

[TrippyMcGuire762 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah. Staying with family while dealing with this.

[Hidden in reply to TrippyMcGuire762]

Any of them you're close with?

[TrippyMcGuire762 in reply to Hidden]

Somewhat. My family has never been super close, but most are willing to help out.

[Hidden in reply to TrippyMcGuire762]

k, this is gonna sound weird, but if there's ever someone around who you are comfortable with, and you are experiencing severe anxiety or paranoia, ask them for a big fat tight hug. Unless thats totally not your style. but, it's a great way to deescalate.