topic Drug Induced Daily Anxiety in Anxiety

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

DassaJassa — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 23:37:00 GMT

Hello readers
Here is my story...
I'm a 22 year old Male who has been struggling with daily anxiety and now depression as a result.
Around 4 months ago, I was using the Illicit drug methamphetamine with a friend, I never regularly experimented with this substance, let's say every few months we'd set aside a few days and have a bender with mutual friends. Maybe 10 times in my lifetime, max. I was a regular weed smoker and on occasion ecstasy, so we can establish I wasn't a model citizen. I was caught up in the fun and it was common practice with my friends, this is my main regret, I can't undo it, i wish I could now, with that said, let me tell you about my incident.

That night, 4 months ago, after smoking quite a large amount of the drug ice, not knowing at the time how much was too much as I generally thought I could handle it and having been awake for possible 48 hours? Hard to say considering how long ago it was, I then proceeded to smoke some weed, which this wasn't a new thing, I often would mix drugs without incident. I proceeded to have a shower, shortly after getting in i began to feel really uncomfortable in the chest, my focus was then drawn to my heart-rate, being on a stimulant, it was racing, I immediately left the shower, got dressed and entered my roommates room, complaining of chest pain and concerned, he said not to worry, that i was just "paz". the intensity increased and I began having problems breathing, and was convinced I was having a heart attack, I demanded he call 000, After a half an hour wait with me on the ground, fearing I was about to die, I was taken to hospital, they diagnosed an overdose. I was sent home and since then, have had daily chest pains, chest tightness, constant palpitations and pounding heart, headaches, random pains, constant fear of having another incident, panic and various other terrifying symptoms. After countless visits to GP's, I was referred to a psychologist, I'm on my sixth session and it does help, I have longer periods without losing control but I'm still struggling. I've been considering antidepressants since it was recommended by the GP months ago but I'm really worried about it making me feel worse in the initial weeks, my symptoms already terrify me, particularly heart related one's. I've read myself into hysteria about side effects, what's worse, my parents aren't even aware of any of this, for their own sake. I just don't see myself ever being normal again, I fear this is permanent

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

blondguy — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 01:39:51 GMT

Hello DassaJassa

Welcome to the forums and good on you for having the strength to post!

Im sorry to hear about you being in the anxiety spot you are. It is a painful place to be in. I must say well done to you for being so self aware and pro-active to have your GP and a psychologist set up to help you recover. I understand what you are going through as my first mega anxiety attacks started when I was 23.

The good news is that the intensity of the anxiety will decrease over time with regular counselling. For me weekly counselling really helped for a minimum of six months and then back onto fortnightly. This really took the edge off the attacks big time.

Re AD's, they are a great healer for me (after I wasted 10 years not taking them)as they provide a platform on which I could heal using the coping techniques from my psychologist at the time. They arent a fix all but they did take that awful edge off the anxiety within just a couple of weeks. The side effects were minimal. Dr Google can be an excellent resource but not where mental health is concerned as people's symptoms and requirements are all different. The internet can even exacerbate our anxiety which is the last thing we want.

Anxiety is not permanent as the fear of the fear can be dealt with by your therpist thus replacing the fear with calm acceptance of the anxiety which will assist in decreasing the severity of the disorder (regular therapy)

Anxiety disorder is also partially a physical issue as well, so please dont think that its all psychological. The adrenaline pumping away is a chemical which does make it similar to a physical health issue Dassa.

Telling your parents about the anxiety might seem scary but it is a very common problem so when you are comfortable doing so it will take a lot of weight off your shoulders 🙂

The anxiety symptoms (feelings) are awful but they are harmless. Your heart is a lot tougher than you think and palpitations cant hurt you physically. Thats just the adrenaline gland working overtime because you are highly sensitised at the moment.

There are many kind people on the forums that suffer the same as yourself Dassa and can be here for you 🙂

Even if you just want a chat we are here for you. It would be great if you could stick around!

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

DassaJassa — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:52:32 GMT

Thank you for taking the time to read and share your experience, this has helped

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

blondguy — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 22:17:24 GMT

Hey Dassa

Thanks for posting back. I hope your pain is somewhat bearable.

Anxiety disorder may be common but its still a dreadful place to be in for sure.

you are not alone

Paul

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

big_J1 — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 08:51:41 GMT

Hi Dassa

Thanks for sharing your story and having the courage to do that, up until now I have lacked the courage to post so thought I would have a go.

My experience is nearly identical to yours except that it happened approx. twenty years ago. I was in my twenties at the time and doing similar drugs to you and one particular occasion when I hadn't slept for 48 hours or so because of amphetamines I decided to smoke some pot. Not too long after that smoke my life changed and then the terror started. I had panic attack after panic attack after panic attack and this is how my life continued. I too thought I was going too die and have a heart attack every time the attacks came. At the time I didn't know what was going on and I had no idea of what to do about it. It was a year or so later when I sought help and was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I too regretted the decisions I made back then in regards to drug use and that is why to this day I won't drink alcohol or use drugs. It is so good to hear that you have sought help immediately because the earlier the intervention the better the outcome can be.

I haven't had much experience with antidepressents so can't really comment there, One thing I wish I had done earlier though was talk to my parents about it, as hard as that sounds. I spent years trying to hide how I was feeling from them and this took up so much effort and energy. I did it alone for too long and in my opinion the more support the better.

Words will not do justice for the experiences and place you feel you are in and I wish you a healthy recovery. Thanks for inspiring me to share.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

ashstanley — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 21:39:48 GMT

Hello DassaJassa,

I am currently going through something very similar. It has now hit the two month mark since I took what I thought was MDMA. It was my first use of any form of drug and it wasn't a pleasant experience either.

My symptoms hit almost instantly in which I would have multiple panic attacks daily and feel so out of body that it would increase my anxiety. Two months later and my anxiety symptoms begin from the moment I wake up to the minute I fall asleep. My vision is so off, my brain won't work, my heartbeat is out of this world, I temor, I have complete loss of appetite, loss of libido, and can't focus or think of anything. I was prescribed medication as my GP diagnosed me with severe anxiety/stress with reactive depression in which I had a huge allergic reaction, making me against any form of medication. I have had 1 session with a psychologist and am beginning exercise but I fear this will never go away.

Please update me on how you're going and steps you're taking to be on the right path. There are not many follow up or progression stories which makes me feel even more down.

Thanks.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

ashstanley — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 21:40:12 GMT

Hello DassaJassa,

Thanks.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

geoff — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 22:01:10 GMT

hello Ashstanley, I am sorry for what you have been through, however what I would do is type in the search bar 'ask Dr.Kim', I think she is the one to be able to respond to your post, that doesn't mean that we aren't concerned because we are and want you to get all the appropriate help that is available. Geoff.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Joey123 — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 04:11:06 GMT

Hey all

I am currently going through a very similar experience. I tried some drugs 2 months ago and have had bad aniexty which led to depression since. I find it hard to concertrate on things such as work / homelife and thinking about upcoming events such as a trip overseas now give me aniexty. I have been suffering daily and just want to know how you guys are traveling now? if anything just for some hope as I’m losing a little everyday. Everyday I wake up hoping this nightmare is over but it’s just not going away.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Bunster — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 04:52:45 GMT

My daughter left home and spent six months in Brisbane frequenting Fortitude Valley party hotspots. My wife had to fly over when she was admitted to hospital with severe stomach cramps. They took her appendix out. There was nothing wrong with it. Then, in her early 20's, she became and anxious, depressed mess with chronic panic attack which she regularly called ambulances for. We had a good relationship and she fully blames her use of ecstasy for her current predicament. She has changed from the super relaxed, confident and beautiful young lady she was. My point I suppose is that she told us early on. That meant we are able to be more informed as parents without making judgments and flying blind as far as our support went. Talk to someone close or someone you can trust.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Lukesydney — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 10:14:25 GMT

Hey Joey,

Had a similar incident a few weeks ago after having some coke and not a regular user. Jus let a one off party. Since I have been feeling anxious and struggling daily to get to work and concentrate.

Reading here to see what others are experiencing and if anyone found any help.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Joey123 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:51:52 GMT

Hey Luke

Sorry I haven’t checked this post in a while; I guess when things get better we forget the tough times and move on. I will be monitoring this now just incase I can help someone out bec when I went through it all I wanted was some help.

I know exactly what you are going through mate because a few months ago I was there myself; but trust me when I say things gets better and go back to normal.

ill detail my experience so you can relate:

The next day after waking up my heart was pounding literally out of my chest and I didn’t feel right. it wasn’t the same feeling as when Ive been hungover.

I spent the next 2 days sleeping on the couch. After the two days the insomnia started; I would go to bed and be awake within 2 hours. I would spend the night with all these rapid random thoughts which I couldn’t control. This lasted around 4 days after which I broke down and told my wife what I had done. My wife was awesome in supporting me.

I went to my GP and told her everything. She prescribed some sleeping pills as I was extremely exhausted and hadn’t slept in days.

After that first week I went back to work but still I wasn’t feeling right. I was restless, anxious, couldn’t focus, would go to the toilet and cry, get home and cry, couldn’t relax or do things I did before.

This lasted around 3 months, the 3 worst months of my life. Within the 3 months I had been regularly seeing a doctor, phycologist, doing meditation, going gym etc all helped a little but nothing fixed it.

Eventually I told my mother and in-laws of what I am going through. Again no one judged as I thought they would. they all just helped. This was one of the best decisions I made. I found my brother in law had gone through EXACTLY the same thing years before so seeing him normal gave me hope. I also got guidance on what he went through and how he got better.

My father in law took me to a doctor friend of his who prescribed me with anti depressants and benzodiazepines. I was very reluctant to take them honestly bec these meds have side affects and can become addictive; however I was SOO desperate for help I took them. I was very strict in monitoring how I took the meds and slowly tapered off to where now I have not used any for months and feel myself again.

hows life now - we’ll better, I have learnt a lot about myself. I take care of not only my physical health but mental health also. I exercise, meditate, yoga etc. I don’t drink often and will never try a drug again.

IT GETS BETTER!

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Billyc — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 19:42:26 GMT

Hey Joey 123,

thanks for sharing your experience.

3 years ago I took ice for about 6 months behind my wife’s back.

we separated and I pretty much lost everything.

Ive been hiding in a dark space since then, I couldn’t leave the house.

until recently when I tried to go back to work. The first day was horrible. I had trembles all over my body, I couldn’t hold a cup of coffee as I would just spill it. I lasted 2 months and started not showing up.

Eventually they ran out of patience and terminated my contract.

I’ve stayed in touch with the company as they said they enjoyed having me around and said I did some really good work, but I just couldn’t get passed the crippling anxiety, I would stay in the toilet for a while just to escape the open plan office.

They mentioned upon a new position opening, theyed like to talk with me again subject to where I’m at head space wise.

So there’s opportunities ahead, wing on hear and reading all these shared experiences is amazing..

thankyou very much

very best

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Lukesydney — Tue, 28 May 2019 04:07:45 GMT

Hey Joey,

Thanks for coming back on and sharing. Happy for you that its cleared up and also that there is hope for us all that this shall pass.

I know like me, many others will be doing endless google searching to try and find an "answer" I started a blog to track all the things I have tried, a bit like yourself (Yoga, Meditation, vitamins and so on)

I have since gone on an SSRI also. VERY RELUCTANT, as I don't want to be on something long term. But was probably for the best short term, I'm no longer crying randomly, anxiety is pretty well gone too.

My brain fog is still there, but it's not stopping me at work. Looking forward to the brain fog clearing and eventually tapering off.

Thanks again for coming back and sharing your update. I think it will mean the world for sufferers like myself.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Findingpeace — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 11:48:38 GMT

Thanks for the post and updating on your mental well being!

i also, rarely ever did drugs,

however in November while intoxicated had drugs,

then had a very stressful break up in the Same weekend. I already was diagnosed with GAD, however had been off my Ssri for a year, now I’m back on my ssri and still suffering from daily anxiety and aggitation. With every panic attack, I question if this is the one where I finally crack.

Any suggestions In my endeavour? I’m taking medication, trying to keep busy at work, excercising and mediate when possible. My physical symptoms are debilitating.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Lukesydney — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:15:23 GMT

HI Findingpeace,

Not sure what you have tried so far and what your symptoms are. Maybe list those and others might be able to make some helpful suggestions aswell. Things do take time to work, you do need to hang in there.

Meditation takes time and is a new skill, I think even with what you are going through it's a worthwhile thing to stick at if you can. I'm personally finding it hard todo it every day also, as I'm choosing sleep over meditation, but am looking to do it more often myself.

Have you tried seeing a psychologist? Even calling Beyond Blue, sometimes talking through your symptoms with someone as opposed to reading it on the internet can help you. I have found talking about how im feeling and some of my thoughts helps, as people can help rationlise.

Also going back to your GP, as there is a number of different SSRI's and other options if the SSRI isn't helping.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Ryan7272 — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:45:05 GMT

Hey mate how are you now??

I am going through the same stuff now.

Has it got better for you now?

I am really struggling still I’m nit sure what to do!

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Ryan7272 — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:51:00 GMT

Hey mate , I’m having the same problems as the first post.

I have tried antidepressants but they make me angry and I’m not myself.

I have panic attacks daily now . I’ve been in hospital most weeks thinking I’m having a heart attack . It’s embarrassing. I did a stress test in my heart the other week and I’m really healthy. It’s only from reading this post I’ve realised what’s happening to me.

My life is stuffed now , I can’t do anything. I’m always tired massive headaches .

so you think meditation is the best way? What about hypnosis??

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Billyc — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 08:44:22 GMT

Hi Ryan,

i know what you mean by you feel like your life is stuffed.

i too get the panic attacks, I’ve started work again, and it’s very hard to remain even keeled,

i had horrible anxiety today, but I’m pushing on with it, I’m going to take the stand that this is going to stay with me and there is not a lot I can do about it, other than manage it and keep trying to work hard...

i did a bulk of work while dealing with this, and came out the other end. Feeling proud of what I achieved.. that to me is the best cure, You just have to put a few days of hard work under your belt at a time, small wins.. and don’t forget to pat yourself on the shoulder and remind yourself that your life is not stuffed, find a way to start liking yourself again.. I’m learning to get rid of shame I feel.

Drug Induced Daily Anxiety

Lukesydney — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 00:37:26 GMT

Hey Ryan,

Sorry to hear you are feeling this way also. I have had a couple of panic attacks before, but mainly around certain scenarios. But nothing where I have ended up in hospital, must be pretty freighting.

I am of the belief that the brain can repair itself in time. I still have the foggiest head and some days are harder then others, but I believe the things I have changed in my life are helping. I'm also learning to live with it. I need plenty of rest, steering clear of big nights with the boys and other changes in lifestyle.

I've spoken to a few people who have come out the other side and functioning again.

1. Meditation & Focus on your breathing - I used to not be able to sit for long enough and feel like Im not getting anywhere with it. But it takes time and is a new skill. I actually enjoy it now.

Look up the apps on your phone insight timer and headsapce. Both have 7 days free and teach you the basics. From there you can either go onto spotify or youtube for free for your daily practice. I have splurged and invested in insight timer.

The skills of focusing on your breathing can help you get to sleep, maybe even when you a having panic attack.

Give yourself time and go easy on yourself.

2. Yoga - I was daunted by going into a classroom full of women, but once I got a few classes under my belt it became easier. Again helps you focus on breathing and stretching.

3. Get a referral for a psychologist.
Medicare give you up to 10 visits subsidized. It's still not cheap and may not be a feasible option. But they can help you with your panic attacks and give you ways to work through them.

The advice I give to everyone, don't be afraid to pick up the phone to beyond blue. Talking to people really does help.

4. Try different methods
What works for me, might not work for you. So get out and try some things. Hypnosis is worth a shot for sure. There is a thing called Breath work and freedom techniques. Reflexology and Massage is also a great way to relax.

5. Pharma -
On the big pharma side there is a whole bunch of other options too, speak to your GP again. Things can take months to work. First 8 weeks on my SSRI i was feeling more anxious than ever, feeling like Ive had a line of Speed and charging. Couldn't sleep, feeling like spewing, it was horrible. But it's all cleared up now, except for a bit of sexual dysfunction, which Im hoping will calm down too.

Report back in mate, keep us up to date with your progress.