Today officially marks the 5th year since my panic and anxiety disorder began. Nothing to really celebrate here and kinda makes me a little sad it's been this long. I'm not sure how I even managed to make it this far.
Does it make me crazy that I actually saved the small container of antidepressants (with the pills still in it) they gave me that night at the emergency room? I'm not sure why I hold on to them. A sick reminder I guess.
It’s a rough road for sure. Going on three years for me and seeing countless doctors and neurologist and test after test to figure out what is causing me all these problems. Hard to believe anxiety and panic can cause persistent crippling symptoms.
Cheers to you for getting up everyday and living life. Those little pills are a reminder that you are a strong person and don't need them to get by.
Big hug on your anniversary!
Think I'd put that pill container well out of sight, hidden away or bin it - and the labelling of a condition that it implies - free yourself.
Anxiety is such a huge and complex subject and you've had many suggestions already.
Just some ideas, throwing them out to you, please excuse if stating the obvious.
As we all know, it's all about calming the over-reactive nervous system, calming the adrenaline/cortisol "flight/fight" response, the thought processes, not being over-stimulated.
Some of us simply have more sensitive nervous systems, genetic - get stuck on flight/fight. The job is to find ways to turn the switch to OFF. To boost serotonin levels, naturally.
Personally I think this is key: Getting to understand yourself, your life story can help immensely - understanding your triggers - "parenting" yourself, how to treat yourself, monitoring thought processes, being kind and understanding to the self, how you were as a child, genetic and family influences, how you've evolved. Learning how to control the "catastrophizing" thoughts. Certain stressful life events can trigger character traits that have always been there but not realised.
Have you had 24 hour and/or 7 day heart monitor to rule out any heart irregularities - to see your heart pattern.
(I've never taken meds - eg. ADs, beta-blockers as found they make things worse, use supplements)
Have you tried any supplements: Magnesium - Taurate or Glycinate daily can help calm the nervous system, particularly if taken at night - sleep is so important for calming the nervous system.
These could be worth a try:
Rhodiola herb (adaptogenic herb)
St John's Wort
Bach Rescue Remedy
CBD Oil
For some of us, due to our innate nervous system, our stress response is hyper-responsive, nor the norm, too easily triggered to flight/response. To calm the thoughts is a challenge. But understanding what's going on makes it easier to bear. As I'm sure you know, breathing techniques can help, just breath in more oxygen to calm the thoughts. I found yoga beneficial, the distraction of it.
Neurodiversity - we're all so different. What were you like as child, growing up - is there any possibility you could be HSP (highly sensitive person), worth researching if this may be a possibility (20% of people are) as it can help explain a lot. See Elaine Aron, hsp.com - or Imi Lo, Eggshelltherapy.com.
I found Acupuncture to be good for soothing the nervous system, there is a lot to be learnt from ancient practices.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - reframing thoughts. Stop the automatic thoughts.
Emotional Freedom Technique - see youtube
Having a dog is incredibly therapeutic and calming, they teach us humans how to live more in the moment. Sounds cliche I know - but just being outside, long walks, nature around us, the comforting rhthymn of just walking rather than vigorous exercise which can be over-stimulating, taking in the sky - helps increase melatonin.
You will find a way forward, evolve, learn about yourself, wishing you well on that path - maybe try the magnesium or St John's Wort, a few Acupuncture sessions - it could help, just one thing could change how you're feeling?
“I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
Mark Twain
Excellent Post. You're wise. I cured my SEVERE Generalized Anxiety Disorder with much that you write and then some. No doctors; no meds .... they just mad things worse.
What an amazing post Thank you for sharing I will look into a lot of the ideas you have suggested
All the very best
Sorry.
Typical 17-year-old?
Need someone to talk to me please 💜
Panic about 5, solve 1, gain 10.
