I just need to know I'm not alone

[JTMan]

Hi all -- I'm new here but not unfortunately not new to the world of anxiety and depression. I've been battling generalized anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. It often manifests itself in the form of nausea, uncontrollable shaking, shallow breathing, and racing thoughts. Frankly, it's the worst in the morning. It's like as soon as I wake up I am slapped in the face with these symptoms.

In the last two weeks or so, a physical health issue arose which I believe triggered this latest round of severe anxiety. I have been in talk therapy for multiple years and have been seeing a psychiatrist for at least a decade, so I'm covered there, but lately the anxiety has just been unbearable.

Xanax is helpful, of course, but often leaves me exhausted and ready to fall back asleep, thus starting the cycle all over again. I also take Vistaril to help with the shaking but it's not always successful. Marijuana is also helpful at times but can also trigger some depression.

Basically, I'm writing today because I need to know I'm not alone. I know in my hear that there are so many others out there suffering like this but I've really never interacted with anyone who has dealt with such severe morning anxiety and existential dread for the day ahead. It's sort of that feeling that "this won't subside and your whole day is going to be marred by anxiety."

Thank you all and I appreciate each and every one of you in advance.

Solidarity,

Jake

[AnxiousSilver]

"Hi all -- I'm new here but not unfortunately not new to the world of anxiety and depression. I've been battling generalized anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember."

Hi Jake,

First and foremost, I too suffer from severe GAD.

I was officially diagnosed apx 20 years ago, but I probably had it in some form my entire life.

.

"Frankly, it's the worst in the morning. It's like as soon as I wake up I am slapped in the face with these symptoms."

Mine is probably the worst in the morning "overall" as well, but I (unfortunately) I have my triggers as well that can put it at other parts of the day.

.

Either way, I just want to welcome you to this community.

This community here is a good and supportive community.

Take Care,

Silver

[JTMan in reply to AnxiousSilver]

Thank you so much for your reply, and thank you for the welcome. Any tips on how to get through that morning anxiety without resorting necessarily always to Xanax or the "flight or flight" response of running to the bathoom?

[AnxiousSilver in reply to JTMan]

"Thank you so much for your reply, and thank you for the welcome.

No problem.

.

"Any tips on how to get through that morning anxiety without resorting necessarily always to Xanax or the "flight or flight" response of running to the bathoom?""

First and foremost.. Try not to mess with your benzos (Xanax, Klonopin, ETC) unless your doc gives you the green light, and even with that it's best to taper slowly from them.

Second - If there's one thing that's consistent about me, it's my inconsistency of, "what type of person I am going to be when I wake up".

^ One day, I can be fine. Another day, I'm dealing with symptoms. Another day I could be bedridden for that day.

I'm very consistent at being inconsistent.

.

What I can say that may help you is this.

Find a mantra or saying that, "Works for you".

^ Just make sure that it's positive in some way.

That mantra needs to be used, and preferably said to yourself when you are hurting, including when you are hurting getting out of bed.

.

Another tip - Keep a cup or bottle of water by the bed, and have a small drink or sip before you get out of bed. This is really important if you haven't been eating much.

^ That sometimes helps with (some) symptoms.

.

Another tip - Try to stay off your phone before bed, and try not to read anything negative when you first wake up. (all easier said than done stuff at times, I get it, and sometimes mess that up myself too)

.

Finally, I farrrrr from recovered. (let's get that one right out of the way right now)

I am not a mental help professional either.

I do try to read self-help, and pick and choose what works for me "when" I can.

When I'm not in the mood for reading self-help, I try to keep my mind distracted elsewhere, or maybe be with this community/support group.

.

Hopefully, something that I wrote above helps you out.

Take care.

[JTMan in reply to AnxiousSilver]

This is all extremely helpful, thank you so much. Will continue to try and put this into practice. Just a really tough time right now, and it feels like it's not going to end. I know it will, but just stuck.

[AnxiousSilver in reply to JTMan]

"Just a really tough time right now, and it feels like it's not going to end. I know it will, but just stuck."

Here the thing.

In a lot of ways, I feel the same way as you.

.

But I'll say this. Life can be overwhelming, and sadly our minds can get overwhelmed easy too. (sometimes more often than we want)

I'm grateful for this site and this community, because sometimes you can throw something out on the table, and someone may come along, and try to give you advice or change your perspective. (hopefully for the better)

[jackiesj in reply to AnxiousSilver]

I love this!

[AnxiousSilver in reply to jackiesj]

Thank you.

[Roxylox]

I have that dread and some anxiety

[Timetoheal06142020]

You are NOT alone. I too am struggling, every day. Try to keep your head up and just know, recovery is possible, just take it one day at a time.

[JTMan in reply to Timetoheal06142020]

thank you so much

[Deesareg]

Hi Jt man My name is nate. I have been going through the trenches myself. Its been really difficult lately. My anxiety kicked in after a migraine then panic attack and it went on for the last month. These last days have seemed to improve some but its taking so long really harsh. I see your going to some of this as well I think one of the things that can help to improve all of this is to work together in a positive way. Something i have been trying the last couple of days is just to smile and laugh it off its a proven technique. I also wanted to say no you are not alone keep fighting don't ever give up or in it tends to just make everything so much worse.

[JTMan in reply to Deesareg]

thank you so much. hang in there

[jackiesj]

you are not alone. i am wondering if they check your BP, heart etc. how is your sugar level?Things like that. your schedule not steady can show that not eating on schedule may cause shakes dryness, blurry vision palpatations...etc....maybe time for a physical. best wishes,

[JTMan in reply to jackiesj]

Thanks Jackie. I actually just went in for a pretty full blood panel yesterday so I should learn more about that in a week. What prompted this initial wave of anxiety was some physical health issues that left me super uncomfortable. So I'm hoping that the physical results will provide some clarity, one way or another.

[jackiesj in reply to JTMan]

love the chat back and forth...ok so i may be full of anxiety and illness...im worth every penny! oops inflation....dime!👍

[bonkers65]

Welcome to the group. My anxiety is also the worst when I first wake up. I start worrying about everything. I try to distract myself and it usually gets a little better after a while.

[JTMan]

Thanks! And usually yes, that has been the case for me but lately it just hasn't gotten better until very late at night before bed when all the adrenaline for the day is gone. I think what is making it worse right now is the depressive thoughts that keep racing through my head (Will I ever feel joy again? Will I ever be happy again? When will it get better?)

[Deesareg]

Jt man another thing about this is you may need an entire life change to really fix it. At least thats what i have found scouring the internet for the last month while being anxious this entire time. It is super tough but i don''t think life was meant to be so difficult. Just have to find a way to be at peace with everything.

[RemySue]

Glad you're here-you are definitely not alone