Generalized Anxiety Disorder

[Candy198]

Has anyone been diagnosed with GAD? My 1st diagnosis was in 2016 and I suffered and anxiety episode for about 2 months. It scared the crap out of me because I was not sure what was happening to me. I was placed on Lexapro and it helped. I had another episode in 2020 when COVID hit, it was not as bad as the 1st one but it still sucked. I never stopped taking my meds so i did not last very long. I am currently having an episode and I can say the more I have them, the less intrusive they are. My reason for joining this chat is to see if anyone have episodes, not panic attacks. I am surrounded by loved ones who are more than willing to listen, but I don't think they fully understand because they havent experienced it. I hope this makes sense.

[Hidden]

Hi Candy198! I’ve been diagnosed with GAD as well. I used to suffer from severe panic attacks but thanks to Lexapro, they are almost nonexistent, only to be replaced by a state of constant GAD. The fact that the more episodes you have, the less intrusive they are, is a great sign. Perhaps your inner voice is helping you to get a grip b4 they rise to a full blown attack. Try challenging your thoughts when you’re having an episode. Anxiety is really scary to me. Generalized or otherwise. In my case, I have underlying fears that I’m learning are not valid. Just the fear of anxiety is enough to start feeding it. I hear you about family members not getting it. I’m the only person in my entire family, current and extended family, who suffers with this. I guess that those of us who suffer just beat to a different drum which is why I’m so thankful to be a part of this group that understands my beat … and yours. Definitely understand how you feel. Keep fighting the good fight.

[Candy198 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for replying. I have found that many individual have suffered with panic attacks and I don't think that is what I am experiencing. I know my episodes ( I call them episodes because they sometimes last for weeks, which is different than a panic attack, I think) are triggered by stress and I can feel when they are coming but I have not figured out how to stop them from progressing to a full episode. When I have episodes I feel physically heavy, like I'm carrying a weighed blanket around, my brain doesn't stop thinking, I am constantly worrying, does any of this sound familiar?

[Hidden in reply to Candy198]

Completely! All of it sounds familiar. My shoulders start to rise up to my neck, constant worry, tension, internal nervousness. Not an attack, just a generalized feeling of heightened stress. It’s so exhausting. I wake up in the middle of the night, and within seconds, I feel my shoulders starting to go up without reason. More sleep would definitely help but once I’m awake, that’s it. It’s back to visit me again every morning. Exercise is so good for releasing all that excess stress., if possible. You have to get out of your head for a minute too. Easier said than done, I know, but it will help. There are so many great recipes for dealing with this on this site. Most of them you probably already know. For me, it’s a lot about trying to be in a more positive mood, keeping a sense of humor, and distractions. Distractions are my small miracles. I have a ChowChow, an Australian Shepherd, and a cat. Their distractions always get me to a better head space; at least long enough for me to regroup and gain a better perspective on my stress. But, boy do I understand how you feel! Better days are ahead.

[Candy198]

Yes, I know it will, but it still sucks. My small joys are my kids and watching comedy and cooking videos. Please feel free to reach out whenever, thanks for listening.

[EndUser13]

Welcome to the forums Candy!

I don't have GAD but I can appreciate the awfulness that is persistent, uncomfortable levels of anxiety which GAD can bring. There are a lot of good people who use these forums that can relate. It's definitely easier to get perspective from people who understand what you're talking about.

I'm glad you have loved ones around who are supportive and are able to enjoy things, like your kids 😁

I hope you find it these forums helpful, it's nice to have common ground with people who are speaking the same language.

[Agora1]

Hi Candy198, I struggled with GAD for years until I finally learned to accept

that they were not harmful. It was then I noticed they became less often as I

had more control over them.

You seemed to have caught on early that as you experience them you have noticed

they become less intrusive. Good for you. I'm happy to Welcome you to this

understanding and caring support group. xx

[Dardiz1]

Have for 8 years or so Learned coping skills mindfulness and meditation exercise walks music etc. but grabs me every so often . Use Xanax on an as needed basis and have never abused it. Lately I am thinking as I got older it is getting worse always trying to control the outcome of everything. Psychiatrist suggested Buspar thinking of trying . See mixed reviews on this blog . But never depression or panic attacks.

[bethelbee in reply to Dardiz1]

Years ago I had been on Xanax then Serax. I switched doctors and she would not prescribe benzos so put me on Buspar. It really helped me. It is not a fact acting drug like the benzos, need to take it daily, not prn. It took a little bit to work but helped me for a while. These days I take Ativan prn. I don't use it very often, but helps when needed.

[Dardiz1]

thanks for reply it helps a lot had a few negative stories also

[Wisly03]

I have this also. Off and on my whole life. I get mad at myself that I should know how to control it when it comes back but it takes over. Trying to figure it out does not help. Acceptance is key. Knowing it is what it is and keep going on with life as uncomfortable as it may be is what I do. I have busbar and my Dr says to take it as he prescribed it because it does help. I was resistant. He says I would take ibuprofen if he gave me that if I hurt my back so try this. Anyway you are so right about people who don’t have it do not get it. My ex was one of those. But we do and are here.

[Candy198]

Good morning,

Today is definitely better than yesterday. Overall this episode hasn't been as bad as others. The outpouring of support is heartwarming, I appreciate everyone's encouraging words and knowing I am not alone is and talking with others who has experienced this is so helpful!

[Hidden in reply to Candy198]

So glad to hear that today is better than yesterday for you. The encouragement and understanding from everyone on this forum is priceless. Knowing we’re not alone is half the battle! ❤️

[maxinedunn127]

I have had anxiety since the end of August. I have been on clonazapam, adavan and now Valium. I can't stay home in the mornings, go sit in the far while my husband has coffee with his friends sometimes he in there for 2 hrs. I am on my phone to keep occupied. I have been sick the last 3 days with a cold and sick to my stomach but drag myself to go anyway. I haven't gone grocery shopping in months. Haven't cooked we get things to go in fast food places. I am afraid of ssri and don't want to take them. I need a tranquilizer as soon as I get up otherwise my anxiety is through the roof. Therapist ( is new) doesn't understand that just taking a ssri first thing in the morning will stop the morning anxiety only wants me to take Valium when needed. Therapist is not understanding how I need tranquilizer in the morning..this has me stressed out. What do I do? My life is not what it used to be. I have to go everywhere with my husband even tough I'm not feeling well. I am getting run down. I tried 2 different hospital to admit myself for in house help but they say I'm not bad enough. Today my husband is angry with me because I am not better. I am thinking of ending it all. I am a burden to my husband now where before he was supportive.

[Candy198]

Good morning,

I am sorry you are going through this. Have you expressed to the hospitals that you are thinking of harming yourself? If not, please do so they should admit you then. Do you know what triggered the anxiety?

[designguy]

I had panic attacks but got over them and then was diagnosed with GAD and started medication. Did different types of therapy with different therapists but continued to have anxiety. I then realized I was actually dealing with social anxiety and looked for a therapist that specifically treated it but there wasn't one near me so I did an online program that helped with it but I still continued to have anxiety issues. I then found out I had c-ptsd /trauma from being bullied in school and growing up in an emotionally repressive/abusive household and found a therapist that specifically treated trauma/c-ptsd and worked with him. I was also denying and repressing my anger and shame from my childhood and being bullied which was causing a lot of my anxiety. My point is that the better you can investigate your past and try to determine why and where your anxiety comes from the better able you are to get any specific help you need to heal. The other really helpful thing for me was learning that anxiety is a paradox and the more you struggle and fight it the more it persists so the solution is to surrender and let it pass through you. Anxiety is our body's built in warning system trying to tell us something, sometimes it's malfunctioning but it helps to try to understand what it is trying to tell us.

There are also physical aspects that can cause or contribute to anxiety like your hormones, thyroid, adrenals, poor diet, etc... so it's worth making sure they are functioning properly.

[Kinlay]

I have GAD, and I totally get what you mean by having an episode. It's similar a to a hard bout of depression. Suddenly, the GAD takes over ALL THE TIME, and often there is no clear trigger (although Covid was definitely one for many of us). I'm currently battling such an episode, although I don't think I've ever fully gotten back on an even keel post-Covid. I upped my lexapro a bit and am also trying alternative therapies, such as AVE and acupuncture, both of which are helping, but not yet the miracle solution I was hoping for. Hang in there! This is a great forum for sharing. And we understand!

[252210519]

GAD has plagued me for years. Advice I've received that's been helpful are some of what you've probably already heard. Stick to your meds. Exercise. Emphasize each day what you are grateful for. Don't isolate, but be with people each day. Find a good therapist. I wish you well Candy 198.... you CAN conquer this GAD....maybe not perfectly, but gradually and slowly you can ease your way out of it and through it. Blessings.