Severe anxiety

[Ellielmay]

Suffering from severe anxiety, can anyone give advice o n mental health symptoms, as finding it very emotional

[Agora1]

Welcome Ellielmay. I too suffered from very severe anxiety at one time. Severeenough that I was afraid of everything, "fear of fear". Eventually, it led me to

Agoraphobia for 5 years. But I NEVER gave up. I knew there was an answer out

there.

Rather than focus on the symptoms, it's best to focus on a plan you will have to

once again gain control over your thoughts. Anxiety starts with a negative thought

that if we allow it to, will grow until we feel the physical effects of it.

We have the power within us to change our way of thinking from negative to

positive thoughts. It doesn't happen overnight but it is more than possible with

a little work and determination. We're here if you need that shoulder to lean

on while taking that step forward. Wishing you well. You can do this xx

[Ellielmay in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so y for your reply , l live on My own and seem too have anxiety and panic All Day long , don't even want to get up, feeling so alone and frightened , can't stop crying,

[Ellielmay in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much,Agora1, I'm on here as have no one to talk to about it, I do feel very alone, as no one to ask regarding symptoms, Thank you for a shoulder to lean on, it has made me cry ,

[Rick1on1]

Please tell us more about your situation...

[Ellielmay in reply to Rick1on1]

My anxiety is very high at the moment, Im frightened off mental and physical symptoms I get, sometimes I think it's making me go mad, I don't have any one too talk to about it, Have spoken too doctor, he want's me to have medication but said there Will be side effects , I'm too frightened to take it, Got this after I got COVID, then my sister passed away, Have not been out since funeral, so now indoors all the time, I feel My life is gone and feel lost in my head, can't stop crying, Could go on but wont as anxiety has affected my eyes making them blurry, Doctor said it's another symptom, Thank you for your reply,

[designguy in reply to Ellielmay]

I've taken numerous meds and the only side effect I had was mild sexual dysfunction with one of them. It's highly unlikely you will have side effects, remember that you can also quit taking it but if you do, taper off it slowly to give you mind and body time to adjust. You might as well try it and see if it helps, the only way to know is by trying. It's also up to you to decide if you want to get better and if you do, that requires making changes in your thinking and behavior.

i highly recommend you check out the books and youtube videos by Dr. Claire Weeks or the DARE Anxiety program. I personally have found the DARE program very helpful for learning what anxiety really is and how to accept the anxious thoughts and feelings. They also have phone app I have found very helpful. DARE is a great book and place to start for dealing with panic.

[Ellielmay in reply to designguy]

Thank you, for reply, will look at you tube,

[Rick1on1 in reply to Ellielmay]

I agree with DesignGuy - the side effects are usually mild. Doctors have to warn as a small percentage of the population may have serious side effects. What meds was your doctor proposing?

It sounds more like Depression than Anxiety?

Are you still grieving for your sister?

I can help you with a plan to manage your situation better. PM with any self-help techniques you have tried.

[Ellielmay in reply to Rick1on1]

A little depressed, but more anxious, got anxiety bad after getting COVID, Would be Very grateful for your help, Tablets called ssri, I'm sure that's what he said, Can't take as to frightened

[Rick1on1 in reply to Ellielmay]

Many people here take SSRI's (myself included) without any mishap.

[Hollick]

Hi Ellie, not sure what it is your asking for? Are you under the care of a Dr, there are several medications to help with chronic severe anxiety...please seek some hlep if you can, living with it can be really scary and isolating, I know..my mornings are usually filled with dread, because of what they call morning anxiety...as the day goes on, I tend to feel better..a lot of it for me is major depression, so mornings are difficult, always thinking how will I get through another day? really hope you are feeling better soon..don't give up, keep going...you've got this! keep you in prayer n thought...🙏

[Ellielmay in reply to Hollick]

Doctor said it takes 2 weeks to kick in, will feel worse before you feel better, also offered dizapan, said they have less side affects, As I live on my own I am frightened , I would like to know if I could get better without pharmaceutical medication, Thank you Hollick, also yes under Dr,

[Hollick in reply to Ellielmay]

Hi Ellie, no need to thank..trying to understand what takes 2 weeks to kick in? Are we talking an AD, antidpressant, cause that's about right? That said, most antidepressants can take a total of 6-8 weeks, everybody is different right? And yes, feelings/emotions tend to get worse in the early stages, but they do get resolved, most of the time..Diazepam is valium, you have to be cautious when using this class of drugs called benzodiazapines, which is what valium is, there are many others of these..the problem is their addicting, can affect long term memory, and horrible withdrawl when discontinuing.. they can create a rebound effect, thus causing a re-emergence of symtpoms? Unfortuneatly, most Drs don't mention this, its brutal coming these off drugs, I know...regardless, I don't mean to put a scare into you, hoping you feel better soon..I know you don't want to go the pharmeceutical route, many don't, but don't discard it, it could be helpful? Anxiety is painful to live with, and left untreated, it is not a good thing, by any means, it depletes your quality off life..you will get relief with the drugs I mentioned about, they work fast! However something longer lasting might be essential, Idk? Good luck to you Ellie...

[Ellielmay in reply to Hollick]

Thank you, Dr spoke about ssri, I think that's what he said,

[Daveacr1959]

Here’s what helps me. 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 2 rounds of the Wim Hof guided breathing exercises free on you tube. The 3 round begginer.. rinse 5 minutes after your shower in cool water.. if you can take full cold do it .. but you might have to work up to it., 40 minutes of daily cardio exercise to produce endorphins that calm us

[Ellielmay in reply to Daveacr1959]

Hi Daveacr1959, Thank you for reply, So did you manage to do it without pharmaceutical medication,

[Daveacr1959 in reply to Ellielmay]

Low dose beta blocker. The antidepressants made me worse.

[Ellielmay in reply to Daveacr1959]

Dr offered me dizapan, been told to be careful as very addictive

[Daveacr1959 in reply to Ellielmay]

Usually they have to try antidepressants first, because they are non addictive. But I have seen people on here who say they withdraw from them too? Usually they will try one antidepressant and if it works ok. If not they try another, maybe another. If so only take 1 at a time, and try a half dose for a couple weeks first. Always check with your dr. We are going to have a bad day now and then, it’s just part of life. The proper sleep and breathing exercises, and cold shower, I actually like a cold bath or plunge better. And the excercise. It’s all amazing. They gave you the good stuff right away which is odd now days due to addiction. Whatever you do , only take it in emergency. Be around people who love you and I like pets . Just remember the bad feeling is only an emotion. An emotion can’t hurt you, unless you give it the power. It’s why I like the things I said. That cold water will snap you out of anything. More and more people are using it. Look up Wim Hof .. and come on here and talk to people when you need support. Today is a rare day, I am having trouble getting motivated for anything. I did the 3 and 5 round breathing exercises. Then I ate and now I want to be lazy. Even though I know how good I feel when I get out of my 43 degree swimming pool after 6-8 minutes. And get to the gym and swim laps . I will do the cold plunge and walk the dog . Maybe at my age a just need a day off from lap swimming. But it’s the thing that makes me feel the best. Jogging or exercise bike it’s all good. Just more tools for you to have. The creator wants us to love each other. People who claim to know everything about the creator, run like crazy. Or they are on t v wanting your money for thier mansions and planes . I am trying to help you out of love , because I know love is the only thing that matters. I might need you to help me, or maybe 1-2 of my methods will help you and you help others. Love can fix anything. I like you name, because I used to watch the show just to see her .. lol

[Ellielmay in reply to Daveacr1959]

Thanks for advice , will be careful, Panic and anxiety attacks has stopped me from leaving home, I will be grateful for your help

[Daveacr1959 in reply to Ellielmay]

You got this, you probably just got overly stressed. And needed a reset. The sleep and breathing exercises and cold water and exercise will reset you.

[Hidden in reply to Daveacr1959]

Cold showers do help! I thought I was the only one. I feel like most people like hot showers.

[Hidden]

Hi Ellielmay! Meds can def help, but I would also suggest therapy if you can get it. I know not everybody can. Also, if you get side effects from a med you can always go off of it. Be completely open and honest with your doc so you can get the best care. I hope you feel better soon.

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

Hi , thanks for reply, Have been Very straight with doctor, as knowing him a long time, Have a very bad side affects from medication in the past, the reason I don't want it, He has spoken about therapy,Also can I please ask can panic attacks come along with anxiety ,

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

Yes, it is possible you might have Panic disorder... which is an anxiety disorder where you experience multiple panic attacks. It depends though. How often are you having panic attacks? I would ask your doc about it.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Since I am not a doctor 😉 I am here for you though!

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

Maybe 2 a day, thank you so much, if I need to txt is that ok,

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

Yes, you can private message me. 💚

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

Thank you sooo much, I'm now having a little cry,, as I've had no one to talk to

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

Aaaawww, well I need to cry, but have been avoiding it. Crying can be good. It lowers your blood pressure.

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

I cry a lot since this happen as I get very frightened,

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

I understand.

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

Also, you don't have to thank me.

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

Ok, but again will say thanks,

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

I will try to respond as soon as I get your messages. Hang in there.

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

Please can I ask you one more question, have you know people to recover from this without medication

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

I have a friend who had panic disorder, and took meds for awhile to help, but then eventually got better (with the help of therapy/meds/taking care of herself) and she doesn't have to take meds anymore!

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

Her panic attacks became less and less. She just had a baby!

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

So pleased to hear, also she's better now

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

She still gets anxious, but she's learned to cope.

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

That's great, I just want to be myself again, and get My life back

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

I believe in you. We are stronger than we think.

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

I'm still crying, as all this came from me getting virus . then my sister died, then found a lump in my boob

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

I am so sorry about your sister. I bet she would want you to stay strong. Has the lump been checked out?

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

Have to go on the 15, off this month, Don't known how I'm going to do it as not manage to leave my home since funeral,

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

I am not religious... just spiritual, but you are in my prayers. I want to try to be there for you.

[Ellielmay in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, can I ask Which country you live in, but you don't have to say

[Hidden in reply to Ellielmay]

🇺🇸

[Suzi_]

Is there a reason for your anxiety?

I think deep slow breathing, meditation and positive thinking helps!

I am a worrier, when I try to focus on one day at a time rather than the whole future, it makes things easier!

Talking to friends or a therapist helps.

There may be a hotline number to talk to someone where u live.

I try to remind myself, things will change, they never stay the same! Think positive, all the good u have in your life instead of negatives! I hope this helps! 🤗 hugs.

[Ellielmay in reply to Suzi_]

Thanks, for reply, Have had lots going on in my life,