Anxiety

[redkite55]

Hi everyone,I was diagnosed with fibro about 4 years ago. I was always a very laid back person and hardly worried about anything, but in the last couple of years I have become anxious all the time, especially about driving. I have mostly stopped driving altogether and will only do so in my own town, but I have to force myself to get in the car even when my husband drives. We are going away for the weekend soon and I know I will be a nervous wreck until we get there, then spend all weekend thinking about the journey home. I also get anxious about other things but not as bad as getting in the car. Has this suddenly happened to anyone else.?

[Dinkie]

Yes, the same thing happened to me and it's not a pleasant experience is it. In my area we can self refer for CBT, it may be worth investigating as it can help with anxiety and all sorts of things. Alternatively low dose antidepressant can be prescribed and may help.

Hope you have a lovely weekend away.

[Gigiruth]

Hi Redkite55I was not an anxious person usually but have notice when things go wrong or out of my control I do get anxious about other things. BecausecI feel overwhelmed.

My childhood fears of heights etc is more.

I am a bad passenger even though I think my husband is a good driver. I wear a sleep eye mask and headphones or play on my phone.

I have noticed this got worse during covid as I was isolating for about 3 years. I am pushing myself back out slowly.

It might help to cut yourself off (sensory) for just the journey.

Do what works to get there

I hope you have a lovely break

CBT can be very helpful.

Take care

Gigi.

[Loobielu]

Hi, funny enough I've never been an anxious person either but as I got into my late 40's my anxiety got worse and worse. CBT really helped me and going on HRT but it's still an ongoing battle on a daily basis. I've tried amitriptyline and Duloxetine for fibromyalgia and these also helped my anxiety but I couldn't tolerate the side affects so don't take either now. Plus surely the poor quality sleep, pain etc etc etc, all the many fibro symptoms are another layer of complexity to our anxiety. It's so tough but we must keep fighting it and just make enough adjustments to cope and go on living our best lives. Best of luck, my heart goes out to you. Hugs Xx

[2thebeach]

Hi Redkite55. Sorry to hear about that. I'm also not very good in the car. I have had EMDR (blue light therapy) and CBT with a psychologist for it and that has definitely helped me.

[KimiJay]

I have a Parking Angel for finding parking spaces and journeys. Helpful to my frequently anxious state of mind when out in the car (and can be quite fun with the occasional 'wow! This really works if we are late or as a car de-materialises from a much needed potential parking space!) My drivers - son and hubs- have built up a very good relationship with Parking Angel too.

I've managed to be driven on two holiday journeys since posting about that on here and got support and suggestions for being organised and more comfortable. Still grim in many ways but it feels good to have got out, especially if it is to see people you care about and not just appointments. - You are doing well to be still able to drive in town and thoughtful about it all. The covid thing and mixing with people is off-putting, so yes, I share all much anxiety with you. - Managed a short drive to a local garden centre with my new glasses last week but had my hubs in the car who was very encouraging as I was not sure if I remembered how to use the controls even and needed to know I would be up to an emergency.

Just so long as you are well enough, it is good to get out even if you have to recover for the next day or two, or three or ..... So keep your wings in trim as best you can and as long as you safely can redkite. "No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings." William Blake said this and he was a stressed as hell sometimes. Probably had undiagnosed fibro too.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello , I have got now so I drive more local and differently stopped any night time driving, I had too ask for diazepam for our holiday (my daughter drove ,) it did help especially sitting on the A12 , M25 Dartford tunnel ☹️for ages , I had some for the way back too, having some music playing in the background helps , get a station that plays the sort of music you enjoy ,glad my hubbie was driving the other vechile as all I get is Talk Sport ,😞, speak too your surgery , a doctor or practioner nurse should be able too help you , I hope you enjoy your weekend xx

[redkite55 in reply to Yassytina]

I definitely don't drive at night either now. We went out last night, inly a couple of miles away and was saying to my husband that the cars look like they have at least 4 lights each. I know I have double vision without my glasses which started about 6 months ago, my optician said this could be from the fibro. I had new glasses then and they have anti glare coating but still not working that well.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer in reply to redkite55]

I know the lights dazzle , and I’m guessing maybe sensitivity with Fibro related (I wear glasses for driving ) it hurts my eyes and I struggle too drive, we are on the outskirts of a town so not very well lighted and Country lanes a nightmare. I hope you are having a good start too your weekend away x

[2thebeach]

Hi again Also the psychologist taught me 'tapping' for when I'm in the car. If I'm a passenger, hands on thighs and alternatively tap each thigh as fast as possible. If I'm driving, I tap with my thumbs on the steering wheel. By doing this, it helps take your mind off what is causing the anxiety. Hope this helps.