So terrified

[Giraffe2]

I have this awful feeling that something absolutely horrible is going to happen. It’s like impending doom, and I’m just waiting for “it” to happen. I have general anxiety with OCD tendencies, and I take the generic form of Lexapro (been on it for two years now). Im just sure if it’s bc the holidays are here, or what. It just feels like my feels are out of control. Right now, everything is very good in my life. My two kids (my world) are healthy and happy. My job (a teacher) is actually the least stressful it’s been in a long time (which is so odd considering the way things are right now). Financially my husband and I are doing better than we ever have. My family is amazing. So, I just feel like something tragic is coming, bc this can’t just stay this way. So I’m just waiting for the hall to drop. And I’m constantly tearing up privately bc I’m thinking of all these terrible things that might or could happen (mainly deaths). I run through all these scenarios and I’m not able to be “present” in a lot of moments. I do see a psychiatrist but I’m not supposed to until January. I’ll probably make an apt sooner…but in the meantime I was wondering if anyone has ever dealt with anything like this? I’m really struggling.

[ElephantsHear]

Hi Giraffe, it sounds like your panic is being caused by your inability to control things in your life. There’s a saying, “man makes plans and God laughs”. I’ve had anxiety so much lately that it’s made me feel absolutely paranoid that I’m getting very mentally ill. My psychiatrist put me on buspar 5 mg for anxiety three times per day and that’s helped some. I hope your fear goes away. Hugs!

[Starrlight]

I am going through the exact same. I’m tearing up right now. My family is amazing. My husband recently changed to a better job. My kids are doing great and I am at home helping my younger ones with virtual learning and they are happy which makes me happy I have been stable for a long time ( I have bipolar ocd anxiety ptsd) now but there’s always that thing you speak of that thing that something terrible like a death is about to happen. We live with and help my parents who are 74 with Alzheimer’s and 84 so there is that and there’s a lot going on I’m always on edge and my psychiatrist thinks it’s the ocd distorting my reality of what is. My brain is obsessing a lot and I know mindfulness meditation breathing techniques exercise nature and such help but my motivation has become low lately I do stay busy which is good but also off and on getting feeling drained and sick maybe I do so much or maybe it’s a med causing it. I’m in the process of figuring it out. But anyway yeah it’s a nagging feeling in the back of the mind saying “it’s going to happen” I try saying back to it things like “yes death is a part of life” and “yes I am strong enough to take on anything that may happen. “ Sometimes nothing helps though. I do hear you it’s a type of feeling that can take us away from the present moment which is why I’m trying so hard to focus on the breath to pull myself back into now. I am going to talk to my therapist about these things tomorrow. Let’s keep in touch.

[blackcat64013]

👋Hi,Thanks for your post 👍

When I am struggling with my mental health, I dig out my old stress ball 🙂. Yes, it really is yellow with a smiley face! Distraction is the key - focus on the squeezing action and which hand you are using. Time your squeezes until you have completed 5 or 10 lots of 10 in each hand. It works for me so recommend you give it a go.

If the weather is good, I go for a short walk to burn off the stress hormones circulating in my body. If I need to stay inside, I have a 10 minute exercise routine to work it's magic.

You are quite right in bringing any appointment forward if you need extra help and support sooner. A lot of health practitioners do pack up for the Christmas/New Year break .

Regards from Australia🦘

[Nikiskian]

Hallo Giraffe, and hope you are feeling better! Said the same thing to my Daughter two nights ago...last time I had this impending doom feeling, had a Big earthquake here in Alaska! Then my intense anxiety subsided! My antianxiety meds are doing very little to relieve my anxiety.. personally I think some of us are very sinsitive to vibrations...I think sharing my experience with you might help you feel less alone with this...my current way to deal with this is to walk a few miles a day, with my fellow dog friend...my mind clears, and my stress lowers! If you cannot get rid of the intense anxiety, do or go somewhere that helps you feel calmer? Here to listen and reply anytime...🙂

[designguy]

I think that if we are so use to be hyper-vigilant from anxiety disorder that it can become a habit sometimes. And it's difficult to turn it off when things are calm and going ok. Learning and practicing simple mindfulness has been really helpful for me to learn to let go and live in the moment. Your anxious mind is doing the anticipatory "what ifs" in trying to predict the future, none of which you have any control over, it's all an illusion. Surrendering to the moment and being in the moment is really all there is and knowing that when bad shit happens it will hurt like hell but you will be ok and come through it. It gets easier with practice and awareness.