feel like nothing is helping

[Gjm506]

hi everyone. I am new here but not new to anxiety. I’ve had this on and off since I was 10 years old and I am now 42. I started a new job last August with a longer commute and started getting panic attacks during the drive, but was fine when I was at work, I started obsessing about how the panic attacks kept happening despite technically exposing it to myself every day. The obsessing then turned into dreading going to work now I’m at the point where I can’t even be comfortable at work I am constantly in a state of anxiety, and just feel off where I can’t even describe what I’m feeling I was on Paxil for a few decades, and went off to see if something else helps with the panic attacks. In December I started Lexapro and that didn’t do much and then Zoloft which made me very depressed so I decided to go on Paxil two weeks ago and I haven’t been feeling good. I’m hoping it’s just because it takes time for it to kick in and get to the right dose but I have been taking Xanax at least twice a day which I don’t like doing but it’s the only thing that gets me through sometimes, I am afraid I’m going to lose my job even though I’ve been working with human resources to put in a leave. I apologize for the long post. I just feel everything is crashing down on me and I’m not getting any better and I read books and listen to podcast and all the coping skills and I just feel like I’m not in a place where I can help myself so I don’t know where to go from here. I am just terrified that this is going to be the rest of my life even though in the past I have recovered but I just feel like nothing is going to help right now I don’t know what I am looking for by posting, but I just wanted to vent. Thank you for reading.

[Twistedopher]

I feel like you are reading out of my book here. I really hate to hear someone else has the fear of this being the rest of my life. Nothing seeming to help. I pray God will lead us to an answer or healing.

[TangledUpIn]

Hi Gjm506, I don't feel like anything is working for me either. During the last 10 years, my panic attacks at work worsened to the point I would just walk out on jobs! I hope you, Twistedopher and I find relief soon. Thank you for sharing your story.

[20_Daffodils]

Hello. If your panic attack interferes with your job, consider getting professional help if you don't have one yet, like a therapist maybe. Taking Xanax twice a day will become a habit that will be difficult to break.

[Gjm506 in reply to 20_Daffodils]

thank you. I do have a therapist and med provider. Just going through a tough time where I’m hoping with continued care and med adjustments I’ll come out the other side. I’ve been through periods of this before and they got better with time just hoping the same is true this time but it’s a struggle.

[mindys253]

Hi Gjm, I also am on Paxil 25 years.. after surgery for cancer I started suffering depression and anxiety. The Dr tells me she does not think it is working anymore. I am so lost. I also take Clonazapam. I am now taking Deplin which is supposed to help.. It is a medical food... but in pill form.. Today is day 2.. I would advice anyone to only stay on Paxil for a couple of years.... I truly believe some Dr,s do not care...I had a generic test done that said Deplin would work.. so I am praying.. I wish you the best and you can reply to me. I am here for you, best, mindy stay strong

[Gjm506 in reply to mindys253]

thank you for your reply. I definitely agree that meds can stop working after a while. I am hoping that taking a break from it now going back on it might help. I know meds aren’t the magic answer but some relief would be nice! I never heard of the one you are taking. Did you find that through a functional medicine doctor?

[Secfan]

Hello, I hope you’re feeling better. I know when my anxiety symptoms get worse it usually has to do with my thoughts. The more obsessed I get with my symptoms the worse they get, so I try to use breathing skills and meditation in order to gain a new perspective to reduce my symptoms. I hope this helps.

[Gjm506 in reply to Secfan]

thank you. Things are starting to look up. I agree on the meditation for perspective in the sense I’m working on reframing my responses to things. Thanks for the response!