Anyone else suffer from chronic Anxiety?

[D-Lish]

I've posted about my anxiety before, but a few threads of late have prompted me to write about it again. Sometimes it helps to not feel so alone with the disorder. I've spoken to some on here in private and exchanged stories- but tonight is a bad night and I wanted to talk about it.

 

What I find is that people that don't have anxiey, can't understand it.

I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I don't have panic disorders or social phobia, etc. What I experience is chronic worry that manifests as a heightened fear response in the body. I just posted to someone about how it feels to live with anxiety. My best explanation is that every day, all day- I live on the cusp of a fear response. You know that feeling you get when something scares the crap out of you- like someone sneaking up behind you when you are caught off guard? How your body gets a rush of adreneline, the hairs stand up all over your body, you might get a warm flash followed by a cold flash, your stomache does flips...? It's a fight or flight response.

 

That feeling is my existence all day- all the time. It never ceases.

 

I've taken meds for it in the past. A cocktail of wellbutrin combined with clonozopam works well for me, but I don't really want to be a slave to meds, so I go off them and try and control it.

 

I masque it very well. I have learned to adapt since I have had anxiety since I was a child. I don't remember ever not having this physical feeling of the butterflies in my tummy.

 

I am def going back on my meds soon as I know I feel better when I take them.

 

Yesterday I got a call from my doc's office that I had 2 abnormal pap smears in a row and they are sending me for a clonoscopy (sp?) (looking for cervical cancer). Of course I am in huge worry mode now waiting for the next test and results. I don't go for that test until next week, and of course I can't eat, sleep, or concentrate believing I have cancer. I think such an issue would cause any normal person to worry- but I am currently experiencing such an intense physical reaction that I can't settle down.

 

I guess I am just looking to others that can relate to me and if anyone has ever found a coping mechanism that I might not have heard about.

[skydiveaddict]

I'm betting you dont have cancer. Take it easy, you will be ok. the waiting is the worst part of all this

Edited May 9, 2010 by skydiveaddict

[jenifer1972]

GAD is such a biochemical problem that is strongly inherited, that you can't look at it like problems such as character flaws like anger, jealousy, that can be overcome with counseling.

 

You can't 'pull yourself up by the bootstraps' with this one. You will do best if you acknowledge that this is not a character defect, but a biologically based problem like diabetes or hypothyroidism. No one would expect people like that to go off their meds.

[alphamale]

yea i do .

[D-Lish]

GAD is such a biochemical problem that is strongly inherited, that you can't look at it like problems such as character flaws like anger, jealousy, that can be overcome with counseling.

 

You can't 'pull yourself up by the bootstraps' with this one. You will do best if you acknowledge that this is not a character defect, but a biologically based problem like diabetes or hypothyroidism. No one would expect people like that to go off their meds.

 

Well that I do know. I understand that it is a bio-chemical issue, and I don't beat myself up over it, and I know it's not a flaw in my personality. I just want some respite from the problem. I don't want to feel like my heart is in my throat 24 hours a day.

 

I am going back on my meds soon. I go on them, feel so much better, then go off them because I feel like I have been cured.... then within a month I am back to the same ole' problem. I've tried Yoga, meditation, meds, talk therapy, group therapy, cognitive therapy...

[D-Lish]

yea i do .

 

Like you read what I posted and you related?

You have anxiety too?

 

Sometimes it just helps to hear that someone, anyone, experiences life in the same way...

[whichwayisup]

It sucks.

 

All I can tell you is, exercise, walk, do yoga and meditation. Buy a meditation tape..I swear I didn't think it would relax me or make me feel different. IT DOES! (EDIT TO ADD, I Just saw you've tried these all. keep doing it! ..

 

As for the tests, waiting is the worst. Keep busy and when you feel your heart racing and have heart palps, (boy those suck too!!), stop, close your eyes and breathe in and out slowly, tell yourself you're going to be OK.

 

Be careful what you eat. Less sugar, less carbs, no caffeine..Focus on salads, fruits, better rounded meals.

 

Sorry you're feeling this way.

[Green]

You are going to be fine.

[jenifer1972]

Well that I do know. I understand that it is a bio-chemical issue, and I don't beat myself up over it, and I know it's not a flaw in my personality. I just want some respite from the problem. I don't want to feel like my heart is in my throat 24 hours a day.

 

I am going back on my meds soon. I go on them, feel so much better, then go off them because I feel like I have been cured.... then within a month I am back to the same ole' problem. I've tried Yoga, meditation, meds, talk therapy, group therapy, cognitive therapy...

 

 

All the above techniques are great for "situational anxiety", that is, anxiety related to specific life stressors in people who do not have GAD. Life stress causes the adrenals to pump out cortisol which then alters neurochemical balances, but in general, when the stress lets up, the cortisol goes down and the chemicals "reset their balance".

 

That is different than GAD - there the chemical imbalance is persistant and constant, like a car that has a gas pedal that is "stuck" on "floored" because of a defect in the pedal, not the foot on the pedal. Does that analogy make sense?

[D-Lish]

All the above techniques are great for "situational anxiety", that is, anxiety related to specific life stressors in people who do not have GAD. Life stress causes the adrenals to pump out cortisol which then alters neurochemical balances, but in general, when the stress lets up, the cortisol goes down and the chemicals "reset their balance".

 

That is different than GAD - there the chemical imbalance is persistant and constant, like a car that has a gas pedal that is "stuck" on "floored" because of a defect in the pedal, not the foot on the pedal. Does that analogy make sense?

 

Yep. It makes perfect sense to me.

[CLC2008]

I've posted about my anxiety before, but a few threads of late have prompted me to write about it again. Sometimes it helps to not feel so alone with the disorder. I've spoken to some on here in private and exchanged stories- but tonight is a bad night and I wanted to talk about it.

 

What I find is that people that don't have anxiey, can't understand it.

I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I don't have panic disorders or social phobia, etc. What I experience is chronic worry that manifests as a heightened fear response in the body. I just posted to someone about how it feels to live with anxiety. My best explanation is that every day, all day- I live on the cusp of a fear response. You know that feeling you get when something scares the crap out of you- like someone sneaking up behind you when you are caught off guard? How your body gets a rush of adreneline, the hairs stand up all over your body, you might get a warm flash followed by a cold flash, your stomache does flips...? It's a fight or flight response.

 

That feeling is my existence all day- all the time. It never ceases.

 

I've taken meds for it in the past. A cocktail of wellbutrin combined with clonozopam works well for me, but I don't really want to be a slave to meds, so I go off them and try and control it.

 

I masque it very well. I have learned to adapt since I have had anxiety since I was a child. I don't remember ever not having this physical feeling of the butterflies in my tummy.

 

I am def going back on my meds soon as I know I feel better when I take them.

 

Yesterday I got a call from my doc's office that I had 2 abnormal pap smears in a row and they are sending me for a clonoscopy (sp?) (looking for cervical cancer). Of course I am in huge worry mode now waiting for the next test and results. I don't go for that test until next week, and of course I can't eat, sleep, or concentrate believing I have cancer. I think such an issue would cause any normal person to worry- but I am currently experiencing such an intense physical reaction that I can't settle down.

 

I guess I am just looking to others that can relate to me and if anyone has ever found a coping mechanism that I might not have heard about.

 

I think there are more people who understand and can relate, then you may realize .

 

You have to manage it, like anything else. There are triggers that set it off, and that's the part you have to work on (i.e. figuring out what those triggers are and how they are linked to the present).

 

Think of your brain as a muscle, something you have to condition and exercise (that's how I look at it).

 

Worrying about your doctor's visit, is perfectly normal, but also keep in mind that the excessive worrying is just your minds way of controlling a situation, that you really have no control over. And fwiw, abnormal pap smears are actually quite common, my sister and my aunt have had several and they are fine.

[Engadget]

Lately my anxiousness has been getting so much worse day by day. There's times I'm stuck in it and can't actually escape no matter how I try to relax.

 

I've had issues with getting really bummed out and sad, now it's pretty much all anxiousness. I don't think I have any sort of disorder related to it, but it's driving me nuts.

[Peaceful Guy]

I guess I am just looking to others that can relate to me and if anyone has ever found a coping mechanism that I might not have heard about.

 

im sorry bud.. fresh air is good.. sitting beside a lake or the ocean.. something about the oxygen coming off the water..

[D-Lish]

Worrying about your doctor's visit, is perfectly normal, but also keep in mind that the excessive worrying is just your minds way of controlling a situation, that you really have no control over. And fwiw, abnormal pap smears are actually quite common, my sister and my aunt have had several and they are fine.

 

Thanks:) I have had abnormal paps in the past- but I also know 2 in a row along with other symptoms (lower ab pain) is cause for worry:(

 

This is a situation where normal people would worry, but for me, it just exacerbates the existing anxiety.

 

I go through phases where the anxiety is less, and other periods where my body is just in panic mode 24/7. The last couple days I have just been all butterflies and adreneline all the time. It's the waiting that sucks.

 

As I said, I masque it well on the outside. I think I am going to go back on the meds- it really did make a difference. There is no shame in being on the meds. I have had a pattern of going on the meds, feeling better, then ceasing the meds because I "feel" cured. But the symtoms always come back.

 

Thanks for all your replies- it does help to know others can relate.

[skydiveaddict]

Thanks:) I think I am going to go back on the meds- it really did make a difference. There is no shame in being on the meds. I have had a pattern of going on the meds, feeling better, then ceasing the meds because I "feel" cured. But the symtoms always come back.

 

Thanks for all your replies- it does help to know others can relate.

 

 

That's a wise thing to do D. Meds are sometimes absolutely necessary. When I got back from Afghanistan in nov I was a real mess. (ptsd) the meds really worked miracles for me. good luck to ya.

[CLC2008]

Thanks:) I have had abnormal paps in the past- but I also know 2 in a row along with other symptoms (lower ab pain) is cause for worry:(

 

This is a situation where normal people would worry, but for me, it just exacerbates the existing anxiety.

 

I go through phases where the anxiety is less, and other periods where my body is just in panic mode 24/7. The last couple days I have just been all butterflies and adreneline all the time. It's the waiting that sucks.

 

As I said, I masque it well on the outside. I think I am going to go back on the meds- it really did make a difference. There is no shame in being on the meds. I have had a pattern of going on the meds, feeling better, then ceasing the meds because I "feel" cured. But the symtoms always come back.

 

Thanks for all your replies- it does help to know others can relate.

 

Well I hope everything turns out OK. What is the next step with the paps? You don't have to answer on here if you're not comfortable though.

 

For what it's also worth, I developed cysts in my arm pits a year or so ago, and of course my first thought was cancer. But, they turned out to be clogged pores.

 

Hang in there D-Lish

[BlindbyLove]

I can relate and sorry that you have to go through life like this.

I know for myself,and many people told me to go have it checked out, I hate getting up in morning and shortly afterwards getting that feeling in my chest that i'm losing my breathe. Sorta like that feeling you got back in middle/high school when you gotten into trouble and had to go to principles office.

[alphamale]

Like you read what I posted and you related?

You have anxiety too?

 

Sometimes it just helps to hear that someone, anyone, experiences life in the same way...

i suffer from clinical depression, extreme anxiety and panic attacks so yes i dig what you're saying

[D-Lish]

Well I hope everything turns out OK. What is the next step with the paps? You don't have to answer on here if you're not comfortable though.

 

For what it's also worth, I developed cysts in my arm pits a year or so ago, and of course my first thought was cancer. But, they turned out to be clogged pores.

 

Hang in there D-Lish

 

Thanks- and it's okay, I don't mind answering. I am booked for a clonoscopy. I've had a lot of abdominal discomfort over the past year or so- I always though it had something to do with my cycle.

 

I am trying not to think too much about it, but I can't help it.

 

I can relate and sorry that you have to go through life like this.

I know for myself,and many people told me to go have it checked out, I hate getting up in morning and shortly afterwards getting that feeling in my chest that i'm losing my breathe. Sorta like that feeling you got back in middle/high school when you gotten into trouble and had to go to principles office.

 

I know the feeling well:o Sometimes the adreneline running through my body is so intense I feel faint.

 

i suffer from clinical depression, extreme anxiety and panic attacks so yes i dig what you're saying

 

Sorry Alpha:( I can relate. I don't get panic attacks, I just feel panicked all the time. I'm starting back on my meds Thursday.

[TwilightSky]

I had a psychologist that said I was in the "Top 10" for anxiety patients, that he has had, and he has been in practice for over twenty years. So, yes I can relate to an extent, I guess.

[CLC2008]

Thanks- and it's okay, I don't mind answering. I am booked for a clonoscopy. I've had a lot of abdominal discomfort over the past year or so- I always though it had something to do with my cycle.

 

I am trying not to think too much about it, but I can't help it.

 

I think being panicked by the thought of it though, is perfectly normal.

 

If you're having excessive anxiety aside from this instance, it's worth taking a closer look at.

[Jilly Bean]

D- please don't go off your meds. Having a mental or emotional disorder is the result of faulty brain chemistry, and is not something that can be controlled by sheer will.

 

I get this, though. I've never met a person who takes chronic meds who thinks they can go off and can manage their ailment on their own. Doesn't work, though.

 

I decided to go off my ritalin this week. BAD move. lol

Edited May 10, 2010 by Jilly Bean
typo

[D-Lish]

Dee - please don't go off your meds. Having a mental or emotional disorder is the result of faulty brain chemistry, and is not something that can be controlled by sheer will.

 

I get this, though. I've never met a person who takes chronic meds who thinks they can go off and can manage their ailment on their own. Doesn't work, though.

 

I decided to go off my ritalin this week. BAD move. lol

 

Lol- I went off my meds about 7 months ago. I thought I could manage the problem on my own, but the anxiety is back with a vengence.

 

I am starting back on them Thursday. There is no reason not to take them when they make me feel so much better.

Why did you go off your meds?

[Jilly Bean]

Lol- I went off my meds about 7 months ago. I thought I could manage the problem on my own, but the anxiety is back with a vengence.

 

I am starting back on them Thursday. There is no reason not to take them when they make me feel so much better.

Why did you go off your meds?

 

Right. And it will be, because A/P disorder, without a purely psychological source, will be around for a long, long time.

 

I had A/P after a traumatic event that left me with PTSD. Still, I had to take meds for years, while doing therapy, but my A/P was directly correlated to an event, and not from a brain chemistry issue. Not that it's any better, but point is, it made it a bit easier for me to wean off of it. SO LONG as I don't trigger my PTSD again, that is. I will say sometimes I still do get triggers, and then the A/P will start up again, but won't stick around as long as it did years ago after the initial event happened.

 

Good. And yes. NO reason to not be on them, plus, you get the appetite suppressant bonus. lol

 

I went off because I hate to think about what all these uppers do to my body over time. I think cleaning out for a week or two is good for me physically, and then it turns out I can't get anything done, since I can't focus long enough to concentrate. lol

[sugarmomma]

I used to suffer with anxiety attacks really bad. The only thing that works for me is saying the serenity prayer over and over until I calm down. Sometimes I have said it up hundreds of times. I haven't had one in a very long time.

 

Best wishes.