topic Anxiety has reared its ugly head in Anxiety

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

nic98 — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 08:59:51 GMT

I'm posting for the first time.

I've a history of migraines intertwined with anxiety.

The anxiety I've managed with medication for several years but a few months ago had to change it to try a migraine treatment.

Anyway, after recently changing back to my original AD, my anxiety has increased. I'm also coming off triptans atm.

I'm highly anxious in the mornings and am needing some support

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

romantic_thi3f — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:35:38 GMT

Hi nic98,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for joining us.

Sounds like you have quite a history of anxiety just from reading your post; can I ask what sort of support or things you may have tried in the past? What works for one person with anxiety doesn't work for another, so it would be great to get an idea of what you might have tried.

It may also be helpful to have a look at our other anxiety threads here and feel free to join in if you like -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety

You may also want to have a look at this link if you haven't already and see what appeals to you or might be worth trying -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

Ladyhawke — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 01:43:04 GMT

Hi nic98,

Welcome to the forums.

romantic_thi3f has listed some excellent threads for you to check out.

I've been in treatment for major anxiety/depressive disorders for over 20 years (I also have a long history of migraines) and was originally prescribed an AD for both issues. The AD, along with therapy, assisted a great deal in controlling both disorders. However, in 2006, my anxiety began to peak for no apparent reason. The onset was rapid - within a week I went from having the anxiety symptoms under reasonable control to waking up shaking and feeling sick with feelings of anxiety. I became housebound for weeks and could only leave my house to visit my psychiatrist when accompanied by a relative.

After having neurological tests, which showed I had no organic issues, I was prescribed a slow-release sedative-type medication which I took before getting out of bed together with a fast-acting relaxant to use if I experienced sudden anxiety or panic attacks. These meds made an enormous difference and, after a few months, I was able to function on a relatively "normal" basis.

I would have a talk with your doctor about the issues you're experiencing. If he/she thinks additional medication is necessary, you may find it enormously helpful; you may only require additional meds for a short period of time. Although these sedative-type meds are often maligned and viewed as a "cop out" by some, my experience has been that they work very well for those with crippling anxiety.

Best wishes, LH

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

nic98 — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 05:39:13 GMT

Thank you romantic for your reply.

My doctor has prescribed an anti-anxiety medication to take in the short term. This helps a bit but I'm concerned how I'll go returning to work when it makes me so tired.

I'm seeing a psychologist next week which will hopefully help.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

nic98 — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 05:40:42 GMT

Thanks Ladyhawke.

It's a tricky time and knowing there is support is so important.

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

startingnew — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 10:18:43 GMT

Hi Nic

welcome to the forums

i too have severe anxiety and the support you have here is great.

just letting you know im around here to supporting you through the bad (and the good) times

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

nic98 — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:00:42 GMT

Thanks startingnew

I'm already feeling it!

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

startingnew — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:05:55 GMT

🙂

How has your anxiety been for you today?

do you find anything useful in controlling it?

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

Ladyhawke — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 23:28:04 GMT

Hi nic98,

Yes, when issues like this come up, they can turn your world upside down, initially. The positive aspect is that anxiety is taken much more seriously than it was a few decades ago, there are many treatment options available and through public education, via organisations such as Beyondblue, many people have an understanding of how debilitating the disorder can be.

As well as using the fast-acting meds, if I feel my anxiety peaking, I divert my attention by playing a meditation or relaxation CD (I've found using these daily very helpful), put on a humorous DVD as a distraction or simply write down how I'm feeling until I'm exhausted. Also, there are breathing exercises, which your doctor/therapist can demonstrate, that can assist, particularly if you're at work. Basically, the idea is to move the attention away from focusing on the anxiety (which can often increase the feelings) to give the brain a "timeout". If you haven't spoken to your doctor/therapist about diversion therapy, it might be helpful if you do.

It might also help if you post on the forums whenever you feel the need for support, at least during these early stages. I find it hugely helpful knowing others have similar issues to me.

Most of us who answer a query tend to check into the forums very regularly to see how the person is coping, so the support is pretty consistent.

So, I hope the meds begin to take effect soon and the sessions with the psychologist are helpful. Hang in there - so many of us dealing with anxiety - you're not alone.

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

romantic_thi3f — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 00:12:06 GMT

Hi Nic98,

Thanks for your post - so pleased that so many people have jumped on board this thread to welcome you!

I just wanted to post about how you had concerns going back to work when you're feeling so tired. I wanted to say that this is incredibly common; and there are so many medications where fatigue is a common side effect.

There are lots of different ways to manage this; so I thought addressing this here might help relieve maybe some of the anxiety.

Often many employees like to talk to their managers about what's going on for them. It's up to you if you'd like to disclose details, but something just as simple as 'on medication that can make me tired' can allow them to brainstorm things that might help.

This may include -

- Working from home

- Working different hours

- Switching job responsibilities to things that are easier/use less energy

- Using more automated systems. This depends on the type of work that you do of course.

- Hiring other people or getting in volunteers to help ease the load for a little while. You may even have work experience students or similar.

- Practicing mindfulness so that you're not going from one task to another (trying to multitask is actually more exhausting on the brain)

- Napping. Unless you work at a Google office or similar my guess is most bosses aren't cool with it - but sometimes just getting a power nap over lunch can make a big difference to the rest of your day.

- Snacking regularly and drinking more water to keep your energy levels up- Getting a good sleeping routine; making sure that you can wind down at night etc

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

nic98 — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 22:56:44 GMT

Thanks romantic_thi3f's

I've been to see an endocrinologist and my eostrogen levels are quite low as well as my thyroid levels.

These could be contributing to my anxiety.

I'm not getting too excited.

I'll just see what happens.

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

startingnew — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 05:02:29 GMT

HI Nic

how are you travelling?

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

Ladyhawke — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 11:19:48 GMT

Yes, hi Nic,

Just checking in, along with 'startingnew', to see how things are going for you.

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

nic98 — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 08:12:50 GMT

I started back at work today and was very wound up beforehand.

I was fine while I was there but am now filled with anxiety about work tomorrow.

I need some advice.

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

Ladyhawke — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 09:28:46 GMT

Hi nic98

Yes, anticipation of any event can, literally, send you into a frenzy. I used to work myself up to the point where I would be physically sick beforehand, however, once I was in the situation, even though I wasn't entirely comfortable, the feeling of wanting to jump out of my skin, settled. It sounds as though your anxiety might take a slightly similar form to mine.

You were wound-up before going to work today, but once you were there you were fine. Telling you to try not to think about it is pointless, because of course you'll think about it.

Can you accept that you might experience the similar feelings that you did today; you may feel very uncomfortable until you are at you workplace, but as with today, once there you will very likely feel absolutely fine. Is there something you could plan to do during your lunch hour that you can look foward to? Window-shopping, having something a little special to eat at lunchtime, or perhaps going somewhere fairly quiet and making a list of activities you'd like to do eventually - a new skill you'd like to learn (perhaps a musical instrument), or list places you'd like to visit when your mood stabilizes (and it will stabilize with professional help and work).

To get you through this evening, until you take your meds, could you do a few things to divert your attention? Things such as having a relaxing hot bath while listening to music, watching a DVD or movie (I find humour especially helpful). You need alternative stimulation other than thinking about how anxious you are. Occasionally, if I'm very wound up, I'll put on a few favourite CDs (usually 'rock') and just dance till I begin to feel tired - very effective. As with any physical exercise, your brain will eventually begin to release endorphins - the "feel good" chemicals - and this really can lower the anxiety levels.

I hope the few things I've listed help or provide a springboard for you to come up with activities that you're drawn to. Time doesn't stand still; everything is temporary. This evening will pass (although it might be difficult) - nothing is permanent, even anxiety.

Don't forget that if you become overwhelmed and need to speak to someone, the professionals on the Beyondblue Helpline are excellent - kind, patient and encouraging with the expertise to give you very practical advice.

Will be thinking of you tomorrow. LH

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

Ladyhawke — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:19:09 GMT

Hi nic98,

Just wanted to let you know I provided a fairly lengthy reply a few hours ago which hasn't appeared, for whatever reason.

Will be thinking of you tomorrow. You will get through this, even though it may seem an impossibility at the moment.

Take care, LH

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

Ladyhawke — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:32:46 GMT

Hi nic98,

I checked in last night, but it was too late to post a reply - very sorry about that.

I hope you managed to cope reasonably OK until you got to work today.

Once you start seeing the psychologist, you will probably find it makes a huge difference to have someone advise you on how to cope with anticipation anxiety.

I don't recall you mentioning when you take your anti-anxiety meds. As the mornings seem to be the most difficult for you, perhaps it might be worthwhile speaking to your doctor and see if he can advise you on how to cope with the high levels of morning anxiety.

There are many excellent books on dealing/working with anxiety. One that stands out for me is "Feel the Fear, and Do it Anyway" - I found it excellent and very practical. I'll make a short list of titles you might find useful and post it in a day or two.

All the best - one hour, one day at a time. LH

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

Ladyhawke — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 02:39:33 GMT

Hi nic98,

I didn't want you to be confused or think I was confused, but as you can see, I did initially respond to you last night. Somehow my response got buried, however, I (of course) thought I had breached the rules of the forums (I still have work to do on self-blame). When it didn't appear, I posted again explaining I had responded etc. That also became buried. Then this morning, I didn't wish to appear rude by giving the impression I hadn't provided any advice when you asked for it - hence my comment about my late hour of checking in. My anxiety also manifests as a heightened response of not wanting to offend anyone.

So, my three responses have been posted. Very relieved no-one was offended, and I sincerely hope today was OK for you.

I can appreciate the funny side now, but I felt temporarily dreadful that one of the moderators had picked up something I'd written that breached the rules. I suppose this validates the fact that my anxiety can cause me to also do a backflip into insecurity and uncertainty.

Looking forward to feedback, etc. when you feel up to it. LH

Anxiety has reared its ugly head

nic98 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 21:41:29 GMT

Thanks for all your comments ladyhawke.

I really appreciate them.

I managed to get through the day very well but had a migraine last night so was early to bed. That's another thing I'm dealing with - constant headaches and/or migraines. So my medication regime is big. You asked about an anti-anxiety medication. Yes, I'm on a daily dose and also an antidepressant. I'm just about to change this as I feel that it's not effective. I've been on it before and it kicked in quite quickly. I've been on it a month with very little result.

Ill have a look at the book as well.

Thanks so much. nic