Anxiety after a burnout

[Ben1505]

Hi, I’m after a bit of advice. I had a burnout caused by work last year. I was off work from March to May. I battled back and got to a stage where I was pretty much back to normal. Since then, I’ve had 4 bouts where I have had three or four days of absolute dread, fearing the worst, finding it difficult to concentrate.. then I wake up one morning and I’m back to normal.. I didn’t get a restful holiday over Christmas and I’m currently going through one of these bouts. My sleep is terrible, I am taking a zopiclone at night just to knock me out. Anybody else experience this and any solutions to get better?

[Marysblue]

Yes, depression is terrible. Hope you are out of this one soon.

What

Meds, supplements , coping skills have you tried for your depression this time?

[Ben1505 in reply to Marysblue]

I’m taking propanalol (spelling) as and when I get stressed. I take quetiapene at night yo help me sleep as well as Shanti herbal pills. I’m going for a few walks a day to reconvene with nature and I have a psychologist appointment booked for the 28th. I also have a fortnightly de-stress massage booked.

[Dell12345]

Hi Ben, Sorry you are going through this. I had a very similar experience recently. It's horrible.

I have found that medication worked fairly well for me, one called venlaphaxine.

I feel I'm 90% better, but going to talk to my doc about how to get the last 10% back.

It sounds like you are doing the right things.

Maybe talk to your doc about a different medication?

[Ben1505 in reply to Dell12345]

What strategies did you use alongside medication?

[Chrissyann1551]

Be wary of masking your anxiety with medications. Look for alternative solutions. Medications have the potential to do more harm then good, the side effects alone can make you seriously unwell. I’ve also suffered the feeling you describe over the last few months, absolute dread and a couldn’t care less attitude. We are going through a period of global unrest, so give yourself space and look after your needs.

[Ben1505 in reply to Chrissyann1551]

Hi, what has worked for you in the past?

[Dell12345 in reply to Chrissyann1551]

Hey Chrissy, I don't believe this is good advice. Some people really need and hugely benefit from medications. It really depends how severe the symptoms are.

Some people are lucky and can manage there symptoms without medication, but for others medication is a life saver.

They have side effects for some people, but for most these are mild and go away.

There are a lot of scare storys and accounts of bad experience online because people tend to report these symptoms, whereas those who feel better don't tend to feel the need to warn others about it.

My advice is keep taking the pills if they are helping. If they are not then talk to your doctor about other options. There are a lot of different medications available and the majority of people find one that works well for them and has few if any side effects.

[Chrissyann1551]

To come off of all medication and let yourself feel, we mask everything but the hidden feelings are still there. I’ve come to terms with the fact I’m a highly sensitive person, perhaps I’m always going to be anxious, no amounts of meditation and inspirational books can sort it. I maybe can come to terms with it in a calm way. Perhaps we are built like this. It might be gift of insight. Medications are the work of the devil, the number of suicides and harm related intention that are the consequence of these drugs is phenomenal. Give your mind and body a break, give it peace. Hey I’m not a religious fanatic, I’m just me.

[Ben1505 in reply to Chrissyann1551]

Thanks.. what about herbal remedies? Can I give them a go once I’m off the pills?

[Chrissyann1551]

Yes by all means, I’m looking to make my own. The plants are out there, look at the books available and let’s make our own medicines. The plants are free in our woodlands and gardens. It’s hidden because they don’t want us to know the benefits. Besides it gives us an objective, hope and probably a new start. Let’s go for it, I’m going too. I must admit at times I’ve been feeling so fed up, not only down in the dumps but worse. So I’m with you.