Tough two weeks

[Grandmaof3]

One of the hardest parts of anxiety is when you go through a time period of feeling good, you know at some point it's going to come back to visit. I've dealt with it off and on since my early 20s. I'm almost 60. I'm finding that the older I get, the worse the episodes can be. I try to stay busy but when the episodes hit, I try really hard to use relaxation techniques, deep breathing, mantras, etc. Sometimes though, they don't help. Times like this I just try to keep going but those close to me will notice me get unusually quiet, I just tell them I'm tired and I am. Mentally and physically. Work is really busy. This week, on top of working, my husband and I are repainting our kitchen so part of the house is a mess. We're leaving Saturday morning to go out of town for a celebration of life for a friend he's known for many years. I dread that 2 1/2 hour drive.

I keep having random anxiety symptoms and it's driving me crazy. I just want my old self back. Some nights I wish I could just sleep til it all goes away. Other times I'm afraid I won't wake up because of all the symptoms. It just sucks. My doctor has doubled my Venlafaxine but it doesn't help much.

[optimismrus]

I'm so sorry you are suffering. I'm a grandma, too. Life is hard enough when you are working, have a husband and family to care for, and on top of that you are trying to manage your anxiety. I know when my house is messed up (the kitchen especially!) I feel out of sorts until things return to normal. You say you dread the 2-1/2 hour drive. You could really use some "me" time. Would it be possible for your husband to attend his friends memorial by himself? After all, just because you are able to push yourself to work, etc., remember you are ill. Continuing to push yourself could add physical illness to your list. Find ways to reward yourself. You are your best friend so treat yourself well. 🥰

[Ryanlion]

How long has it been since your Dr doubled your venlafaxine because it can take up 16 weeks to work properly. What dosage are you on now? I was on 150mgs which was too high for me, i did better on 126mgs. Worth thinking about. Good luck

[punkster]

Hello, I am a kindred spirit (62 years old). I dealt with mild anxiety all of my life, but it went off the charts after menopause and Covid. I try to look at things a little differently. I look forward to the anxiety free times. When I am anxious I tell myself that this won't last, and it doesn't. I am presently not taking any medications for anxiety or any antidepressant, as I have too many unpleasant side effects from them. I, too, use meditation, breathing, mindfulness and exercise to relieve my anxiety. I have started taking piano lessons (I played as a child) and playing the piano does wonders for relieving my anxiety. It sounds like you have a busy life. Please take time out every day to "center" yourself, and cherish the anxiety free times when they come.

[Mumbutterfly]

I’m a mother of three and a grandmother of one and my anxiety and depression are destroying my relationships with them. We were so close when they were growing up and they would talk to me about anything. Now, they avoid talking to me. One calls about once a week but he’s starting to call less and the other two go for months without talking to me. We’re all supposed to be healing from my divorce with their dad but they don’t want to talk about it. I’ve respected that but they still don’t want to talk. They say they love me and I mostly believe it because they show it sometimes but this lack of communication really hurts. I’m trying to accept it and just get on with my own healing but I’m really struggling right now.