How to control anxiety? It's affecting me!

[iAdnanShah]

Hello Everyone.

As I've mentioned in my previous posts that I've diagnosed with macular edema (non-diabetic) in my eyes, and when started sewing changes in my vision when i blink, and grey arrow type space (which blocks vision) i went to see a doctor and he advised me to take injections in both eyes. (Minimum three for better results). I'm 37 years old, and according to doctor my condition is stress developed.

Four weeks ago i had taken injections in my eyes after extreme anxiety and panic attacks, i felt little stability in my vision after two weeks, but now it's four week, I'm going to go for OCT test to see if there's reduction in swelling and leakage then doctor will decide what to do. I'm getting extreme anxiety attacks again, and couldn't get a proper sleep in night, waking up suddenly.. i feel loneliness though I've a family. Due to this anxiety feeling I've started seeing small circles in my eyes when i blink.. what do i do? I don't want to live like that. I strongly believe in ALMIGHTY. But is there anyone else feeling the same?

Please advise.

[springcross]

Hi iAdnanShah. Please see PHILhr's post to you regarding this.

[iAdnanShah in reply to springcross]

Can you please share the link?

[springcross in reply to iAdnanShah]

If you just click on Posts above, then click on the post titled Hi iA, it will bring it up.

[99bottles]

I'm 45 and have MMD. I'm starting to have temporary vision loss. With the amount of tests for vision and blood circulation I've had, it's been overwhelming. None of the tests return any indicators of why this is happening. I hate medication, but I finally started taking anti-depressants to just be able to get a clear head and a good night's sleep. It has helped tremendously as I can now just be alone in my thoughts. I cried when I took my first pill because I had such a negative view of needing help. I also see a therapist, spend a lot of time in prayer, and listen to positive sleep meditations as I fall asleep. It's taken a few months to stabilize, but I really feel like I'm in a much better place. I still have a sleep study next week and see an optical neurologist in June. The unknown and waiting is the worst torture. These are definitely life-changing conditions. It is hard. You are not alone. Your reactions are very normal reactions to a very not normal situation. When I was first diagnosed with MMD last year, I went through the 5 stages of grief soooo many times. When these issues with temporary vision loss started, all the fears and stress came back. It was only then that I started prioritizing my mental and physical health.

[iAdnanShah in reply to 99bottles]

So sorry hear that. I know we all are going through different situations which we cannot compare. This happened when you're having a normal life and suddenly you get this problem in one or both eyes. A fear of losing your independence, or just partial independence is something I don't need to explain. Thought different situation have different medications, and I've seen some people in different other groups who could stabilize or slowdown their diseases, but for me.. I'm like a person who like to go out and do whatever i want to.. and suddenly I'm having problem in my eyes which gives me hard time sometimes in nights, and sleeping disorder, anxiety attacks, depression. Tho i try to change my mind too, but this isn't working.. that's why I'm asking because i live in Pakistan, and unfortunately we don't have any center here for counseling etc. I'm thinking to Create a group or forum for local community to share their experiences of medication.

[iAdnanShah in reply to 99bottles]

For you can i pray that you get your vision save and live a happy life. Ameen

[RosMacularSociety Partner]

Hello iAdnanShah,

Just to make you aware, the impact of the diagnosis of any eye condition, and indeed any stage in the process, is generally compared to experiencing bereavement. Individuals frequently go through very similar feelings and responses and in no set order. We do have a free telephone counselling service:

macularsociety.org/support/...

Referral is either via us at the Advice and Information Service (in which case we need the individuals verbal consent), or via the form on the website.

It takes a counsellor a maximum of 10 working days to make the initial call. Our counsellors are fully trained and some have sight loss themselves. Sessions consist of approximately 6 of around 45-50 minutes each.

Please explain that you are based in Pakistan and the counselling team will be able to advise whether they can provide support.

Kind regards,

Advice and Information Service

Macular Society

Tel [phone]

macularsociety.org