Anxiety has reared its ugly head

[nic98]

Hi

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

[romantic_thi3f]

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

[Ladyhawke]

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

[nic98]

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.

[nic98]

Thanks Ladyhawke.

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

[startingnew]

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

[nic98]

Thanks startingnew

I'm already feeling it!

[startingnew]

🙂

How has your anxiety been for you today?

do you find anything useful in controlling it?

[Ladyhawke]

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.

LH

[romantic_thi3f]

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