Could use some encouragement

[Weeniedoglady]

Hi everyone,

I have suffered anxiety/panic attacks my whole life....since I was a kid. I had been on an antidepressant for the last 15 years and thought I was doing so well I should try to taper. Once I got to zero things got really bad....crippling anxiety, constant panic attacks. I've started my medication again and am frustrated at my slow progress to recovery. I feel like I have a good day and then a bad day. I do yoga and meditate and have tons of support and I feel like I'm doing everything right and I'm exhausted from being so strong.

I have no appetite, I'm forcing myself to eat. I am waking up at 5:30 am. Today I woke up sobbing and feel like I can't gwt out of bed.

I'm hoping my meds just need more time to work.

Please no scary stories about antidepressant withdrawal etc I've been down that road and I just want hope and encouragement and to get better.

Could use some helpful words.

[AnxiousSilver]

"Once I got to zero things got really bad....crippling anxiety, constant panic attacks. I've started my medication again and am frustrated at my slow progress to recovery. I feel like I have a good day and then a bad day."

I've been where you are at, and I've also seen people in my previous group there too.

A couple of decades back I was on 20+ different meds, until I got on where I am now. (long story, but I made it, and you will too)

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The key to all of this is keeping your psych/doc informed of what is going on, and listening to his/her instructions.

[Weeniedoglady in reply to AnxiousSilver]

Thank you so much for your reply. A little kindness goes a long way for me right now. I have a great gp and hes helping me through this.Thanks again. 😊

[AnxiousSilver in reply to Weeniedoglady]

It's no problem.

I know that this isn't the easiest thing in the world to do, but you will get through this.

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The fact that you have a doc that you like, is really good to hear too.

Just keep him involved on what's going on, and follow his advice.

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Other than that, try to keep it simple with the food (for now), and let the meds do their thing.

Any concerns, (again) please let your doc know.

We are here for you too, but you will get through this.

[AnxiousSilver]

"I have no appetite, I'm forcing myself to eat."

Personally, I recommend going with the simpler food for now.

This is where crackers and water really help a lot.

Nutri Grain and other breakfast bars work well here too.

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(Again) Follow your Psych's/Doc's instructions with the meds (and food intake suggestions) but crackers and breakfast bars are what I would recommend, and see what your docs suggest as well.

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You will get through this, and remember we are here for you as well.

[Anxyd]

l have been exactly at where you are now many times. Antidepressants would make me better and when l quit them, my anxiety attacks would come back. When you are on meds, did you experience zero anxiety?

I want to tell you that everything that you are going now will take effect and help you. Do not despair. Every time l had attacks, l got better whether it was 2 weeks or a couple of months. At the end, even though you are feeling like you are sinking deep, you will get better.

[Weeniedoglady in reply to Anxyd]

Thank you so much for your reply. No when I'm on the meds I still have bouts of anxiety but they're manageable.

[Anxyd in reply to Weeniedoglady]

Your situation sounds very much like mine. I think that because of the existence of manageable anxiety, the meds are not the full solution. It requires a combination of things like therapy, companionship etc. As l got older, l started to understand myself better. I do not swim against anxiety. I try to accept and ride it.

[Weeniedoglady in reply to Anxyd]

They're definitely not the whole solution. I gave up alcohol about 15 months ago and that helped a lot. I am in counseling now. And i do a LOT of yoga lol. I'm trying.

[catsrock]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Please hang on for the meds to start doing their job. Sending you lots of hugs and support.