Anxiety getting worse

[Jecca]

Hi, newbie here. Bit of background, I am a 28yo female with a history of anxiety and depression. Recently, this has escalated.

18 months ago, I started a new job, which is really intense at times and requires me to be aware and on the ball at all times. At the same time, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given 3-6 months to live. She went through treatment and is currently doing OK, but not in remission yet and will likely need further treatment. So after all the turbulence of 2018, I thought I was doing ok.

Unfortunately, in January 2019 I witnessed something at work which led to my first panic attack. Things have got progressively worse since then, with further panic attacks (unrelated to the first), lots of stress and basically not doing well at all. I made appointments with a psychologist which seemed to help at first, but then she started focusing in on my partner and it felt like she was blaming him for my issues (she has never met him and he is not the problem).

Basically, I’m not sure where I’m at right now. Everything is stressing me out and I’m feeling sick. I have been to a GP who told me to continue to speak with my psychologist when I asked for further help or medication to calm me down. I know some of my stress is work related (going away for training, large workloads etc.) and this ebbs and flows. But it has gotten to the point where some of my anxiety is completely irrational. For example, I read a news article about a person in Uganda who had died from Ebola that they caught in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now I am terrified of Ebola. I know I won’t catch Ebola. I know it is not currently a threat in Australia. But I’m absolutely terrified that somehow I will get Ebola.

I guess I don’t really know what my question is... but does anyone have any ideas what I can do? Any suggestions that might help?

[jess334]

Hi Jecca,

Welcome to the BeyondBlue forum. I hooe you find some support here.

It sounds like you are taking all the right steps towards becoming well. Unfortunately it sounds like your GP and psychologist are letting you down. Sometimes it can rake time to find the right mental health professionals. What works for one person wont for the other.

It is concerning that your GP ignored your request for medication. There are anti depressants / anti anxiety medications that can really make a difference.

I would try seeing a different doctor. Maybe even one in the same clinic. At the very least they should refer you to a different psychologist if you aren't happy with your current one.

I tried 3 psychologists before I found one I felt comfortable with. And they weren't all bad, just not right for me. There has to be a good fit between psychologist and client, otherwise the trust isn't there.

If you need to speak to someone immediately, please call the Beyond Blue hotline. They can be really helpful to speak to.

kind thoughts, Jess

[Brisneyland]

Hi Jecca,

Sounds like some medications would help in your situation most definitely, no one should have to feel that way and suffer whilst trying to work and live a normal life. See a different GP and ask them about getting started on some medications to relieve your symptoms and allow you to relax. Life is tough enough, so if you are suffering you should have adequate assistance from the health care professionals as they are paid very well and must offer a high level of professional care to you and everyone else.

Good luck, and stay strong!

[Sandy2577]

Hi Jecca, I’ve suffered with irrational panic, I tried three Counsellors, two doctors and five psychologists until I found “The One”. The anti-depressants I’m on mask the symptoms of a panic attack, so I can focus on what’s causing them. I wouldn’t feel guilty about seeing a new doctor, I did and just went back to my normal doctor for my scripts. You will beat it. I improved significantly by 5 months, my attacks led to severe gastrointestinal issues, which made my recovery longer. Meditation is everyone, try an app. I use one every night. Good luck Sandy

[Jecca]

Thank you for your reply. I will definitely look into seeing a different doctor or psych. Unfortunately I live in a small town too, so some options are limited. But yea it is definitely a ‘fit issue’ with the psych. I just don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere and she is focusing on the wrong thing.

I’m also going to take a few days off work in a couple of weeks. I’m acting in a new position right now, so when that finishes, I will take some time to refocus and settle I think.

Thanks again!

[Jecca]

Thank you for your suggestions. I will definitely see a new GP.

[Jecca]

Thanks Sandy, it’s good to here someone else has had some success.