I’m a mess

[Pattiz]

I am a 65 year old woman who has suffered with anxiety and depression all my life. I am turning to this site for support as I am going through a difficult time. I am painfully aware that there are no easy answers to get someone through a severe anxiety situation, but I feel that I really need some support. I’d like to think that I could be of some help when I feel better, I’d like to pass on how I have dealt with things that helped me in the past. Right now I need to hear from the rest of you to climb out of this hole I am in. thanks in advance.

[davidthecoder]

Hi Pattiz! Just wanted to say I am dealing with GAD/OCD and it has been quite difficult, so I understand where you are coming from here. I just wanted to take a moment to show support for you. I don't know about you, but for me personally, it can feel pretty "up and down". Sometimes I am feeling pretty good, other times it is extreme fear about the future. Plus physical symptoms like racing heart randomly. It's quite uncomfortable. But still there are many things I am grateful for, and seeing a therapist has been helpful for me so far. But it is my third one.

Something that has helped me personally as well is meditation. Anything that provides relief, I try to do more of that thing. Just focusing on my breathing when I feel the anxiety, I know it will pass.

[Pattiz in reply to davidthecoder]

Thanks David, I appreciate your post, and thanks for the support. I am trying to find a therapist and finding it very difficult, but I keep trying. I added a new med, which is probably ramping up and will hopefully help me calm down. Does anyone recommend any of the online psychiatric sites, there are so many and I don’t know who to try. I am feeling a bit stuck in my anxiety and am trying to find the next steps too take.

[davidthecoder in reply to Pattiz]

Hi again Pattiz,

I found my current therapist through Open Path Collective. But they are for low income people without insurance. I am not sure which online psychiatry sites you might be referring to specifically.

I found great relief from the app called Headspace. They have meditation programs specifically tailored to anxiety. But it took a lot of practice and is more of a longer term aid. But it did significantly empower me to redirect my focusing on worrying thoughts to just my breathing. When my mind wanders (it always does, even after years of practice), I gently bring my attention back to my breathing.

Glad you are here with us, by the way. Also hope the new med you mentioned works well for you. I know this can feel like hell.

[Pattiz in reply to davidthecoder]

Thanks David, I have a few more names to try in finding a therapist. Thanks for your info and support. This does sometimes feel like hell, I agree!

[bonkers65]

Hang in there. It'll get better.

[Pattiz in reply to bonkers65]

Thanks, I hope you are right!

[Downinil]

Hi Pattie! I have found that going on YouToub and typing in “Guided meditation for…” what ever I need help concentrating on to feel better in that moment it helps even if temporarily.