Drug-induced anxiety

[joe.p]

Hi guys, hope everyone is doing well.

Thought I’d share my story as it’s quite similar to those already posted. 3 months I took a few caps of what I thought was speed (was quite speedy) and was feeling fine all night. I got home late and decided to smoke some pot, and then everything changed. I started to feel really uncomfortable, tight in the chest and my head felt like it was about to explode. Now I’ve realised it was a panic attack. The following week wasn’t so bad, just felt a little out of it and had headaches and some chest pains, somehow even played a game of footy.  The following week I went out, probably had about 6-7 drinks, and then it hit me. It was another panic attack but this time it was so much worse, I ended up in hospital thinking I was about to die. Since then I’ve struggled with anxiety and some depression, really bad brain fog, potentially some depersonalisation (I feel like I’m living in a movie), headaches, random pains etc

3 months later, the anxiety still gets to me, the headaches are gradually going away, going out and socialising seems a bit easier but my surroundings seem so off, kinda like they’re in 2D. My brain fog is still really noticeable, even writing this was a struggle. I tried SSRI’s for a few days but suffered every side effect there is, maybe I should try stick them out?

 A couple mates have been through something similar a couple have completely recovered, but one of them still struggles (3 years on).

I used to be so confident, happy and sure of myself. Now sometimes I question whether my surroundings are even real. words can’t describe the feelings that someone who has to experience this must endure. I feel like a completely different person. Hopefully one day things will start to change, and I start to feel like myself again. That goes for everyone else out there struggling as well. Peace and love. 

[geoff]

Hello Joe, stories on here may be similar, but the person who posts them, all have different circumstances and their position in life is not the same, so each post has to be considered in it's own merits.

With your mates whether or not they have recovered is good if they have, but remember you can't compare yourself to them, their life style may be completely different to what you are trying to do and their bodily functions are the same.

The same applies when a friend suggests to you that you should try brand X because it's helped them so much, but they aren't you and should be guilded by what your doctor suggests.

When we start taking AD's, each person may experience side effects, some worse than others, but we have to prepare ourselves for them and realise that, hopefully they will diminish over time or we can learn to cope with them and then adjust our life to fit.

I can't tell you whether or not you should drink or smoke some pot, that's your decision, but just be wary of what may happen and how you feel.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[Sophie_M]

Dear joe.p,

Thank you for finding the courage to post about your quite significant after-effects from taking the unknown substance. We are a quite supportive community and hope to help support you through your recovery.

We understand that you took a substance which you thought was one thing, but you don't actually know what was in it. Since then, you have been experiencing quite significant uncomfortable and unexpected effects.

We would like to encourage you to go see your GP and explain everything to the doctor. Your doctor should then help you determine the next steps to help you work toward recovering as much as possible.

We would also encourage you to discuss the possibility of setting up a mental health plan with your GP. A mental health professional should hopefully be able to help you learn techniques for assisting with dealing with the mental affects you're now experiencing.

Whenever you start feeling overwhelmed, we would encourage you to call our Support Service mental health professionals on 1300 22 4636. They are available 24 hours per day, every day of the year.

Please feel free to post here whenever you wish. Remember, we are always here for you.

Warm regards,

Sophie M.
 

[ecomama]

Hey joe.p, you are very welcome to the forums! 

I am SO GRATEFUL you survived!
That's the FIRST thing I thought whilst reading your post, "omg he survived this and is 'compos mentis' enough to WRITE HERE! Yay!"

Buddy! You're one of the LUCKY ones. Hugs! 

I'm old and have seen oh WAY too much of this stuff. Lost way too many friends. Way too many funerals. 
It's SO sad. 

Now YOU are getting older and seeing the life long damage this stuff can do to our precious youth. Your friend still suffers 3 years on and I'm grateful HE survived too! Hugs for him too. 

You guys don't know how precious you are. 
Playing Russian Roulette with substances you have no idea what's in them, noooooo! 
You wouldn't walk into a Chemist and just say "Give me whatever.." but it's worse with these unregulated substances. 

I know the deed is done now. 
I'm glad you're seeking help from your GP. 

There's a potential that this series of actions has left you with certain issues you will need to manage for a while. I think you're beginning to see that. 

Please stay on THIS side of activities now. Detaching yourself from activities and perhaps habits? Could take some extra professional help but you are SO WORTH IT! 

You sound like such an awesome young man. Sorry if I speaking to you like a mama has offended you.
It's with LOVE I am writing this message.
I often support my teenagers' friends who come to my house falling apart. 

Prayers for your healing path. I'm so glad you joined the forums. Hugs lol. 

LOVE and PEACE to you too. 
Ecomama