New member seeking support and reassurance

Going through a very difficult time this past month with severe anxiety and insomnia. The insomnia is fueling the anxiety and I am in a constant state of fight or flight mode and just need some support and encouragement.

I have GAD and have had two similar episodes of severe panic/anxiety/insomnia but they were both postpartum. I am now menopausal and have been managing my GAD throughout my life with medication, diet and exercise. This current bout came out of the blue...no particular stressors or major life changes. It is frightening and I feel like it will never end. I have been working with a dr. and trying all types of sleep meds and have been doing guided meditation, breathing, etc. which helps during the day but at night, my mind won't quiet.

Can anyone offer their experiences or share some hope or help?

Thank you so much and I am glad to be a part of this community.

[012703060610]

you’ve come to a great source! Oh do I know the night time no sleep circular thinking. You know you need sleep to think clearly. I am happy to hear you’ve managed for a good chunk of time with a good routine. I too had post partum depression issues and always had GAD. It is scary because we just don’t know when these things creep in. You may not know why things are rough. It may be worth a visit to gp for short term med to sleep. Once rested you may be able to source the anxiety. With little sleep, I trouble to problem solve. Welcome!

[designguy]

Hello and welcome to the group. Obviously I have no experience with menopause but do have experience with andropause and have found that they can cause or contribute to anxiety/depression if they are functioning properly so it could be why it just came out of the blue for you. So if you are not you might look into hormone therapy and also have your thyroid checked and make sure they do a full panel lab test and not just use the TSH number only. I knew having our hormones, thyroid and adrenals affected our mood but didn't realize how much until recently when my testosterone clinic ran out of part of my treatment and I had a setback.

[PDXpatrice]

Definitely ask your doctor about Lyrica (pregabalin). It's changed my life for the better. Taking 600 mgs two hours before bedtime. I then fall fast asleep and wake up so refreshed and in good mood all day. No insomnia. No anxiety. I am sooo grateful for this drug. Do your research about it online and discuss with your doctor. I gained 6 lbs in a few months and then upped my exercise routine and watched my diet until I lost those extra pounds and then noticed it no longer caused excess hunger. So that side effect was only temporary and I was able to self correct. Try it. You will like it!