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General Anxiety Disorder Help Please!
Hi All,
I was diagnosed with GAD about 5 years ago and have had a few hiccups since, but for the most part have done quite well. However, most recently, I have hit a HUGE "bump in the road" with anxiety. It started, along with extra stress, with not feeling physically well, which causes anxiety, which causes me to feel worse, and it just snowballs. I have talked to both my psychiatrist (making a small med. change) and therapist, but continue to struggle (both of them are quite busy right now, making it difficult for me to get in). I'm terrified I'll end up in the ER or committed as an inpatient. People familiar with my situation tell me it's nowhere near that serious, but it FEELS like it! Does anyone here have similar experiences with "bumps in the road", and any suggestions on how to make it through? Thanks!
I was diagnosed with GAD about 5 years ago and have had a few hiccups since, but for the most part have done quite well. However, most recently, I have hit a HUGE "bump in the road" with anxiety. It started, along with extra stress, with not feeling physically well, which causes anxiety, which causes me to feel worse, and it just snowballs. I have talked to both my psychiatrist (making a small med. change) and therapist, but continue to struggle (both of them are quite busy right now, making it difficult for me to get in). I'm terrified I'll end up in the ER or committed as an inpatient. People familiar with my situation tell me it's nowhere near that serious, but it FEELS like it! Does anyone here have similar experiences with "bumps in the road", and any suggestions on how to make it through? Thanks!
Anxiety-wise, a problem for me now is eating; my stomach doesn't feel well before or after eating, so I'm not eating as much, which heightens my anxiety. Any suggestions anyone? I'm also worried the continual anxiety is starting to cause depression, which scares me even more. Does anyone have experience dealing with both? I really am trying to use the positive thinking, but I feel like it's not doing enough!
Yes, I've been there! One day, I was in the midst of a full on panic attack, and I was terrified of calling 911 for the same reason. When I shared this with my psychiatrist, she very kindly looked at me and asked, "do you want to hurt yourself?" "No." "Do you want to hurt anyone else?" "No." "Then no one's going to commit you."
I know it's rough when you're experiencing this, and it can make us feel helpless when our normal resources for help (meds, drs, etc.) aren't available. I agree with the above poster - self talk is huge. Just keep telling yourself, "It's just anxiety. It's no fun, but it's just anxiety." Focus on deep, slow, into-your-belly breathing. Drink plenty of water, eat well. Exercise. Do kind things for yourself: watch fave tv, listen to fave music, connect with people who are good for you. Avoid your triggers (even if that means family/friends). Break your day down into small, manageable tasks - looking at a big to-do list may be overwhelming. Applaud yourself when you accomplish something! My inner pep talks sound like I'm talking to a 3yr old, but it sure helps. "Yay! Look at you all ready to go to work! Now all you have to do now is drive to the office. You can do it!"
I'm sorry it's so tough right now. I was doing great for several weeks, then have been struggling the last several days myself. Don't be hard on yourself - anxiety is a journey. Let us know how you're doing!
I know it's rough when you're experiencing this, and it can make us feel helpless when our normal resources for help (meds, drs, etc.) aren't available. I agree with the above poster - self talk is huge. Just keep telling yourself, "It's just anxiety. It's no fun, but it's just anxiety." Focus on deep, slow, into-your-belly breathing. Drink plenty of water, eat well. Exercise. Do kind things for yourself: watch fave tv, listen to fave music, connect with people who are good for you. Avoid your triggers (even if that means family/friends). Break your day down into small, manageable tasks - looking at a big to-do list may be overwhelming. Applaud yourself when you accomplish something! My inner pep talks sound like I'm talking to a 3yr old, but it sure helps. "Yay! Look at you all ready to go to work! Now all you have to do now is drive to the office. You can do it!"
I'm sorry it's so tough right now. I was doing great for several weeks, then have been struggling the last several days myself. Don't be hard on yourself - anxiety is a journey. Let us know how you're doing!
Also, I have really been trying the positive thinking (which my therapist advised, as well), but I find that to be a struggle when my stomach is still feeling "fluttery".
Thank you for the advice! I had a routine physical in September and everything was fine, so that doesn't really worry me. It was my stomach/intestines (I'll spare you the details) that weren't feeling well, which started this recent "spike". It's just very frustrating!
I may be wrong but it seems you are stressed about your health? If that is the case go to your doctor and talk to them. Tell them you would like blood work, x-ray, ekg, have them check you out, whatever. I get a CBC once a year, I always think oh gosh its gonna come back with something wrong. so far it has always been good which helps my anxiety.
I have more like "Mountains in the road" Try positive thinking. I had anxiety about not feeling well and you are right stress makes it worse. i finally went to the doctor had a bunch of tests, all came back fine. this helped me. It also helps me to self talk, think positive, pray, and take medication. Seriously one time my anxiety got so bad I thought I was gonna call 911 and say, "Yes, hello there, can you please take me to the nearest mental hospital." It will get better. and you are seeing doctors so this will help, maybe try to find a different one you like since they are so busy? THINK POSITIVE!
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