topic Anxiety suddenly worse than ever in Young people

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 01:36:59 GMT

Me again!

Starting around Sunday, my symptoms have worsened.. Right now it feels like someone is pressing down on my temples and I feel extremely uneasy. Last week for about 2 - 3 days I felt like my old self again, and I thought It may have been over! It's like this week my anxiety has just said, "Don't kid yourself, I'm still here, and watch this, I can make you feel worse than ever!"

I am having huge troubles sleeping. I have this uneasy anxious feeling that goes on all night. Then I wake up ever more anxious than before which perfectly describes today. It's at the point where I dread going to bed. Whenever I start to feel like I'm starting to get on top of this I just get thrown back another 2 steps. And when I'm not anxious I'm depressed.

Yesterday I got a referral to a psychiatrist to talk about medication. I've tried beating this without it but it's clearly not working. The more I read about medication the more I'm unsure about it. People talk about things like becoming chemically dependent, or missing one pill makes your depression and anxiety twice as bad. I can't even imaging how bad that is.

I suppose I'm just tired of trying so hard to overcome all this and just getting defeated every time. The fact that I'm feeling worse than ever right now just proves I've gone no where. I'm really hoping medication helps. If I don't get a good night sleep soon I might lose my mind!

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 03:22:38 GMT

I also just found out that on Monday week I have to go to Queensland for work by myself for a week. Not sure how I'm going to cope.

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 03:24:21 GMT

I am sorry to hear that your are struggling at the moment.

Have you been to your GP? I found sleeping tablets worked wonderfully for me when I really needed them and I am not dependent on them at all.

I have also found that medication has made my life a lot simpler and I find that they make a big difference to me. I don't care if I am dependent on them - they make each day that big easier. I have missed medication before and with the ones I am on, it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Take care of yourself

KezzaA

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 04:18:21 GMT

Hi KezzaA,

Thanks for the reply. It is soothing to know that your medication has only done good things for you. I am just thinking, what if I take the medication, and see an improvement, but just like now, it slowly just gets as bad or worse? Then what?

Sorry, I'm in a huge state of worry at the moment and I probably sound a bit ridiculous. I'm glad to see that you are doing well. I went to my GP yesterday and got a referral to a Psychiatrist. Will be seeing her/him next Wednesday to discuss treatments.

Take care.

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

Chloekat84 — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 04:47:15 GMT

Glad to hear that your going to see a psychiatrist so soon. I see mine for the first time next monday so feeling a bit nervous. Do talk to your GP as sleeping pills really help in the short term when u need sleep and AD's really do help with your mental well being. I'm on them as well as anti psychotics and it just stabilizes my mood so i don't fall into that bad depression and anxiety again. Really hope u feel better soon. Much love and care x

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 08:45:30 GMT

I have a lovely psychiatrist who is non-judgemental, supportive and understanding. We even share a joke or two. Chloekat84, I understand that you must be feeling nervous but a psychiatrist deals with this type of issue every day and is there to help you. I feel confident for you that all will go well.

Manipulator - as far as medication goes I try to think like this. If I had high blood pressure, I would take medication for it and that if my blood pressure was no longer being controlled by the medication, that my doctor would change the medication or the dose. I see the same for anxiety/depression.

Keep posting about your trip to QLD next week - I understand that it is a difficult time for you.

Thinking of you both

KezzaA

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

Chloekat84 — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 00:40:11 GMT

Thanx for the encouragement Kezza. Im sure it will go fine im just nervous as i don't know what to expect and its a stranger that im going to be talking about my feelings etc to. I'm sure it'll be ok. Hope your having a good day! Take care x

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

Zoe__lt_3 — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 02:18:33 GMT

Hi Manipulator,

I agree with what Kezza said, sometimes medication is perfectly okay in the right dose. I’ve been on AD’s for a while now and I find no really negative symptoms, but they have calmed my internal storm a lot. I have much more peaceful days now, way more than I ever thought possible.

And the most amazing thing occurred – I realised I now had patience. Until taking AD’s, I had no idea how highly-strung I was, how impatient and stressed I had been for so many years. That alone was wonderful.

Maybe think about talking to your GP about it and discuss medication. No GP will force you if you don’t want to, but if you do, give them a try for a month and see what happens. Like Kezza, if I’m dependant upon them I don’t really care as long as they keep working like they are. 🙂

Zoe x

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:30:14 GMT

Hey Chloe, I think Kezza put it really well in saying that they deal with this stuff every day and know what they are doing. Nothing is expected of you so don't worry too much. I'm looking forward to my visit, especially after hearing what you all had to say. I hope it is the start of a new, happier chapter in my life.

Hi Kezza, I love the comparison. That makes so much sense now. Thank you. I leave next Monday. I must admit I'm quite anxious about it. Even flying. I've been on a plane more times than I can count, but not since my anxiety has been worse. I might need some medication to get through the landing. Overall I think I will be ok though. I'm good at m job, and looking forward to warmer weather!

Hi Zoe, that is exactly what I needed to hear. I am so glad that you were able to find such a vast improvement in your life. Interesting that you mentioned patience as I've noticed how shocking mine as been lately. Whether it's been stuck in traffic, someone asking too many questions at work, not being able to fix something at work I've noticed my patience being very thin. I've also noticed that I rush EVERYTHING I do! Hopefully I see the same result as you did, that would be fantastic.

You guys have definitely put some of my concerns at ease. Thank you. I am looking forward to discussing medication now.

A small update with me and my sleeping problem, I moved my computer and all electrical out of my bedroom and made my bedroom into nothing else than a bed room... Slept much better last night. I also exercised for an hour and switched off everything hours before bed, and read for half an hour just before. It really helped! Might help someone else who reads this 🙂

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 08:46:33 GMT

Good to hear from you Manipulator. You sound much happier and it sounds as though you are sleeping better. I had a good day at work - I am always pleased to reach the end of the week and this one has been a particularly stressful one (see my posts on the workplace forum). Anyhow, my boss wasn't at work today and so it was much less stressful.

. I flew to Sydney last weekend to run in the CIty to Surf and I know what you mean about flying - I was anxious about the flight but kept telling myself that everything was going to be OK. I am away this weekend and so may not be able to post. I have trouble posting via my phone. I am excited and nervous though - I will be attempting marathon number 23 and am going into the run without having done much training.

Keep in touch and I hope all goes well in QLD.

Chloekat84 - let us know how it all goes on Monday.

KezzaA xx

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 12:24:33 GMT

Feeling pretty horrible right now. Just really down and nervous about sleeping tonight. Sundays are always the worst and I can already feel it building up in my chest. My psychiatrist appointment isn't for a month so I have to wait quite a while for treatment which is bothering me.

I hope your mediation went well. I can relate to working with people who pick apart everything you do. Makes for a very stressful environment. That's great that you run marathons!, I bet that works wonders for your mental health too. 23 marathons. That is amazing. Hope it went well!

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 01:26:24 GMT

Am thinking of you and your trip to QLD. I agree that Sundays are the worst with the dreaded anticipation of what work will bring.

Mediation went really well. The mediator has pointed out to my boss that he is excluding me by not passing on information (which is a form of bullying). The boss pulled me aside today and passed on all the information that he 'hadn't had time' to give me previously.

Marathon went well (in the rain) and am feeling very tired now.

4 weeks does seem like a long time to wait for an appointment but at least you have one. I would still suggest that you get some sleeping tablets from your GP. I am not using any at the moment but when I was on them I only used them when needed (often on a Sunday evening). Not sleeping gave me too much thinking time and I would replay all the dreadful things that I thought was going to happen in my head.

Gotta go. the bell has gone

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 04:36:17 GMT

Just so people are aware, I've changed my name from manipulator. It was just the name of the song I was listening to when I made my account, but It was not a very nice name.

I slept surprisingly ok last night. I was feeling very up tight, but I watched a video Agrace recommended called 8 minutes to calm which helped a bit, and then I read in a quiet room for an hour before bed which seemed to help too. Spending as little time in my bedroom as possible seems to be helping a bit too.

I'm sorry your boss is being that way. It sounds very unfair and unprofessional of him. But it sounds like you have done the right thing and got it sorted out. Also I'm happy your (wet) marathon went well! Did you cope without much training?

I am seeing my GP on Wednesday to see if i can start on some treatment a bit earlier. And yes not sleeping has that exact effect on me. It's horrible and starts a chain reaction of bad days.

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 07:59:28 GMT

Good to hear from you and I like the name change.

It sounds as though you have done well managing yourself in a stressful situation - well done. You have some good strategies around sleep. When I can't sleep, I have what is known in our house as the night wanders and usually end up watching TV on the couch until I fall asleep. The kids are no longer surprised to see mum on the couch in the morning and know that I have had a case of the 'night wanders' rather than the fact that my husband and I have had a fight.

I will have to have a look at that video too.

My boss was so super nice to me today. He voluntarily passed on all the information he had been with-holding this morning at work. He has even started talking to me - seems like the mediator's talk to him has made him realise a few things.

How is QLD going? Nice and warm??

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 01:06:42 GMT

Thank you I am trying. This week has been the worst I have ever had by far, for no obvious reason. I would rate my anxiety at about a 8-9 and my depression about the same. I really hope it eases off soon. It has brought me down into this really negative slump where I am just seeing the worst in everything. At least I am sleeping I suppose. I think I'm stressing myself out so hard all day that I'm just exhausted by bed time. I am really hoping medication helps. If it doesn't what will I do?

That's good that your kids just see it as "night wanders." But I am sorry you and your husband are fighting and I hope it wasn't too serious. Is it all ok now? It is a good video. While I was watching it I was just thinking, "this is stupid." But after I was noticeably more relaxed. That's fantastic that your boss has turned his ways around. Looks like you have a new found respect from him and he's realised he was being unfair. Work should be a lot less stressful for you now 🙂

I leave for QLD next Monday, sorry for the confusion. Seeing my GP Wednesday to see if I can get some calm down pills or sleeping pills for the trip. I would be much more at ease knowing I had those for the bad moments.

Take care, thinking of you.

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:56:18 GMT

Sorry to hear that you are not in a good place at the moment. I did get confused about the QLD trip but that is going to happen when writing. I also was not clear and have confused you - my husband and I are not fighting. My kids know that the reason that I am on the couch is because I can't sleep, not because my husband and I have had a fight. I also have to apologise, because I haven't checked this thread for a few days.

I get the feeling that this QLD trip is probably the cause of how you are feeling this week. I have certainly found medication to be helpful but it has taken time to get the dosage right for me. I really work hard at maintaining my mental health and do many things. I watch what I eat - I try and maintain a healthy diet and limit myself to one coffee a day (usually in the morning). I exercise regularly and run 10km most mornings. I visit my psychologist when I need to. I do a lot of reading related to my psychological well being and try and put things into practise (am currently reading The Happiness Trap). I have recently taken up yoga. I have just started using this forum and I contact Beyond Blue via the phone when I need to. I am also lucky that I have a very caring and supportive husband. I also take time out for myself - I am a bit of a loner and need 'me' time. I often sit by myself in a coffee shop before work and do the puzzles in the newspaper.

I think that you need to work on getting through the next couple of days. Call the helpline and get some ideas from the trained counsellors. Medication is something in the near future but is not going to help you right now. Keep posting and take care of yourself. xx

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:12:50 GMT

Hope all is OK. Thinking of you. xxx

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

just_let_go — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 06:23:53 GMT

Hi Kezza,

Sorry I haven't replied, I can't seem to get email notifications working so I don't know when someone replies. Thank you for thinking of me. That really is nice to know. 🙂

That's great that you're looking after yourself so well. I bet that helps a lot. I could definitely put some of those things into play. Especially exercise, diet and more reading. I am in very good shape but I don't cook much as I recently moved out of home and you can imagine what that's like for a 24 year old guy with absolutely zero cooking skills! And I got to the gym most days but I think running would help a lot more than lifting weights.

As for the QLD trip, I had an early flight on Monday and had to get up at 4am. Spent the night worrying about getting to sleep and barely slept of course, so Monday was tough. Slept better last night and I'm feeling a bit better today. Had a few bad moments but I'm enduring it. The place I'm staying at is quite nice and the weather is beautiful. There's an outdoor basketball court at the resort so I bought a basketball and plan to have a good run around after work. Work is very quiet which is allowing my mind to over think a lot which is annoying but hopefully it picks up over the next couple of days.

How have you been doing? Is your boss still treating you with the respect you deserve?

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

BigBunny — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:30:43 GMT

sorry to hear you are suffering. I've had the same psychiatrist since 1996 and he put me on an anti-depressant to stop my panic attacks and it worked but it didn't get rid of the anxiety. the medication a doctor gives you should help but it won't get rid of your anxiety, I should know because I'm still anxious. my anxiety gets worse if I have to go out, so it's a bit different to yours. don't be afraid to start medication but I hope you find a good psychiatrist who finds the right meds for you >=:)

Anxiety suddenly worse than ever

NicoleP — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 10:46:34 GMT

Hello hi_im_ty

I was very pleased to hear form you and that things are going well. You should be very proud of yourself by getting yourself to QLD - the easy option would have been to back out but you didn't.

It is great that you go to the gym and if that is what you like doing, then that is perfect for you. As I have said in another discussion, I am a gym member. I go to classes and enjoy being around people and chatting to them, but on my terms (easy, superficial relationships). It is a matter of working out what works best for you. If you want to start running, then give that a go, but try not to beat yourself up about not doing it.

It sounds like you have had a lot of changes in your life - moving out of home, job. QLD trip. The age of 24 can be a difficult one - I found it to be quite a stressful time in my life. I was wanting to settle down, buy a house, get my career started, which can all be very daunting.

I do all the things I mentioned because I enjoy them and they help maintain my health. They are not a cure, but help me keep my anxiety in check. At times though, nothing helps and I just have to get through the difficult times. Sleep is always the first to go but I have learnt that I can survive on very little sleep. I also tell myself that if I don't sleep well one night, that I know I will sleep relatively well the next night.

I am continuing to do well, My boss is being nice to me but unfortunately has decided not to re-employ a work colleague who is my support network.

You are doing really well and it sounds like you are putting things in place to help you get through the week. If you can come up with a way to stop the mind over thinking, then I would love to know what it is - replaying things over and over is my biggest problem.

Keep in touch.