Is it normal...

[nowhopefull]

Is it normal for everything to seem a millions times scarier when you are in a bout with anxiety.  I have a friend and a grandmother that have cancer and the very thought of it makes me panic...  I will snap out of it eventually right?

[nowhopefull]

Thank you! Isn't it funny how we can tell others that it will be ok but we need to hear it from others for ourself!

I agree with you that therapy and coping is very helpful..I just feel like I need the meds to kick in to the point where I feel good enough to exercise and relax to listen to a meditation cd! I'm sure it's coming... I have to focus on the progress I've made I suppose..the anticipatory (spelling?) is driving me bonkers too! Worrying about going here or going there or having to take the kids there! Will that diminish as I feel better?  I'm sure that's all part of it right? Ugh you just feel so bonkers after awhile cuz sometimes I'm scared and i don't even know why, thats still anxiety right?

[nursegirl6572]

No, it will not last forever.  People with anxiety disorders experience a lot of ups and downs.  I'll go for YEARS with no panic attacks, and very little anxiety and then all of a sudden, BAM!  It's back and with a vengeance.  You eventually kind of get used to the ups and downs and will begin to be able to recognize if you're starting to have some more anxiety after a long period of what I call "anxiety remission".  When you DO recognize that, the sooner you remploy your coping methods, the faster you can get it back under control.

The REAL progress happens in therapy.  Also, there are many books you can buy to read at home.  Therapy doesn't end at the office.  The more we can do to empower ourselves, the better.  You can ask your therapist to recommend some books.  One I would recommend for sure is "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook"..it's great!  Also, anything by the author Claire Weekes.  She has written several books about anxiety, they are fantastic.

[nowhopefull]

Thank you! You are so comforting! I literally have been panicking so bad about needing the Xanax everyday but my anxiety is so high I really need it, I'm not taking it to just take it!  I just feel like this bout is so long and the Zoloft is not working as fast as it did last time...will the pace eventually pick up as the Zoloft picks up? Because I feel like at t this rate my whole 2013 will be shot haha...

I can accept that I'm an anxious person but not at this level!  People don't stay in these badd bouts forever do they!! I've gone long periods in the past with my anxiety very controlled..this one just seems different..like I've always panicked over physical health and now I'm panicking over mental health and never getting better...I'm sorry I'm letting everything spill haha

[nursegirl6572]

Definitely give it more time.  Just as it takes up to 4-6 weeks from when you start the med, the same applies after dosage increases (only the wait time usually isn't quite as long).

Just hang in there!  You're doing everything you're supposed to be doing.  The Xanax is only temporary, while you wait for some relief from the Zoloft.  A lot of people don't like taking meds like that, but I assure you, you won't have any long term issues with the Xanax as you're only going to need it for a short while.

[nowhopefull]

Oh that's ok, how could you recognize everybody!  
I've been back on the zoloft for just aboutt 6 weeks but only on the increase for two today.  I don't know if i should give it more time or switch, i know the doctor will know what to do.  I really odn't want to switch meds but i can't go on like this.  I take .25mg of xanax every day.. twice a day at the most but I hate it!!!  It helps but I'm so scared of it, although my psychologist assures me its just temporary until i find the med that works for me.

I've been on zoloft since i was 16 and i'm almost 31 but its been so good, so who knows!!  I just want to know that this won't be my life for the rest of it, but i know that because i've been through this before.

[specialmom]

Ah, sorry for not knowing your history.  I hope to post more on this forum and will know posters by name and can refer back to other posts!

Zoloft/sertraline does have a tendancy to peter out for some people as well as it often takes a higher that one usually thinks dose to reach therapeutic levels.  So, perhaps an adjustment to dosing is in order or a change all together.  Very glad that you are seeing your doctor on Friday!

It sounds like you are doing the right things for youself to which I am happy.  Hang in there and let us know what the doctor says on Friday.

and yes, med help is terrific.  Glad you are getting kind support here!  Peace and hugs

[nowhopefull]

Thank you so much for your response.  I am struggling right now with anxiety, with I say the worst it i've ever felt, but you know how you can forget how it can be.

I am on medication and seeing a psychologist, I posted a couple of my concerns abouut my meds right now but odn't usually get too many responses :-(

I'm on zoloft now but it just doesn't seem to be workign like it used to.  I've been on an increase for two weeks and will be seeing the doctor on Friday.  I'm just struggling with panicking that i'm never going to be back to my old self again ( a common fear with anxiety and panic i know)  I'm afraid that they won't be able to find the right med for me..  But I'm hoping that is an irrational fear that goes with anxiety.  I've been praying an awful lot so we will see..

Thanks again, this is such a nice supportive site that is not filled with horror stories like some of the other ones.

[nowhopefull]

Thank you for your response... I personal message you a while back because I always love your responses.

I happen to be in a bout of anxiety at the moment so things that wouldn't normally bother me or at least make me scared are now doing so.  It's like everything is ten-fold!

[nursegirl6572]

Jinx!   You owe me a coke (or a Dr. Pepper.....the REAL deal I know, no imposters!  LOL...you pop snob you!!)

Great minds think alike.

[specialmom]

Ha, posting at the same time!  You give great insight and advice as usual.  

[specialmom]

Hi there and welcome to med help.  I'm sure sorry to hear about your grandmother and friend having cancer.  That is very scary and knowing the implications of cancer certainly would provoke anxiety.  Remember, there is much research done with cancer and more and more people are overcoming it.  So, please trust that their doctors will do everything they can to help them!

It would be normal to have great anxiety at a time like this.  It makes you worry about the loved one as well as you start thinking about yourself and what if it were you.  It brings out a complex series of emotions that ARE normal.  

Clinical anxiety is such that it is over and above normal anxiety.  Interfering with your life is one way to gage that.  If you are struggling with the anxiety in such a way, please talk to your doctor.  Anxiety is treatable.  

Perhaps start with doing some things to see if they help like keeping a journal to write your feelings in, using your support system as a sounding board to talk about things with, exercising most days (good for mind, body and soul and relieving sress), meditating, praying (if you are into that), etc.  And if it seems to be causing you great distress, then talk to a doctor to be evaluated for anxiety, diagnosed and treated.  

Best wishes to you and your loved ones dears.  

[nursegirl6572]

Yes, most definitely.  For us anxious people, the smallest things seem huge, and the big things are much bigger.  It takes some practice to learn how to get a better handle on your emotions and anxiety, but it is possible.  You will learn how to recognize when you may be overreacting due to anxiety, and when life is just causing you to feel anxious, like anyone else would.

Remember that anxiety is actually a very purposeful emotion, and there absolutely ARE times in life when feeling anxious is warranted and normal.  Because we have anxiety, we think anytime we feel anxious, it's inappropriate, and that's not always true.  For instance, two people you love having cancer would cause anxiety in anyone.  That's normal.  It's just that for you, that anxiety may be more over the top, as that anxious feeling is easily compounded and made worse by us...just FEELING anxiety triggers more anxiety in us.  Hope that makes sense.

Try not to be too hard on yourself for feeling a normal emotion during a difficult time.