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Extreme anxiety
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At the moment I am feeling a lot of anxiety it feels like I am loosing my mind this really scares me.
Has anybody felt this will it pass?
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Good morning Biddles and welcome to Beyond Blue forums. You have come to a good place here, as it is a safe and secure place to discuss your anxiety symptoms and to gain tips and support from many fellow sufferers. Please be assured that this peer group forum is moderated and we all remain anonymous. This enables us to be fully frank and open about how we all feel.
I too experience high levels of anxiety, due to my PTSD, so I know how debilitating symptoms can be. Everyones symptoms are a little different to the next person, but generally symptoms include some or all of the following: Feeling restless, lightheaded, difficulty in concentrating, erratic and rapid heartbeat, shaking limbs, the feeling of inner trembling, tummy upsets, nausea, profuse sweating, avoidance behaviour. No doubt you recognise most of these symptoms, and possibly some additional ones?
Some anxiety on occasion is normal for most people. However when anxious thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms become severe and frequent it becomes very upsetting, and interferes with our ability to function on a daily basis. Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorders diagnosed in Australia? There are a number of different diagnoses within the spectrum of anxiety disorders, so I would suggest you have a read of the information on the BB website. Read the section below called "The Facts" and proceed to "Anxiety", you will find lots of helpful advice there. You're certainly not alone Biddles, and I am sure you will get a number of other replies to offer you support and guidance.
The important thing to be assured of is that anxiety can be treated very successfully. You dont have to suffer needlessly, as there are a number of treatments which work. Among those treatments is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) which has been found to be a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It is a form of psychotherapy which helps to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours which often contribute to anxiety.
CBT is often used in conjunction with other things such as mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and making simple lifestyle changes to help reduce stress in our lives. This includes regular exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, and taking part in enjoyable hobbys or activities.
This is best achieved with the help of a psychologist, but please go through your GP first.
Good luck and please report back.
Taurus
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Hi Taurus
Thank you for your reply it is a great help. I have some days which are better than others. Has anyone had depersonalisation before? I think I have this which is causing me to have extreme anxiety.
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Thanks for replying Biddles, and providing a bit more information.
In answer to your question, no I havent personally experienced depersonalisation. And nor is it something I know much about. My only understanding is that it is a dissociative disorder which can be triggered by severe stress or trauma that a person has witnessed or experienced. Do you think this may be applicable to you Biddles? You havent told us much about yourself so far. Perhaps you would consider opening up a bit more to help us to advise to?
I have been diagnosed with PTSD, which is an anxiety disorder. And I have had times where I dissociate. It is the minds way of protecting us from events or memories which are too painful for us to deal with. But my understanding is that depersonalisation is a little different, in that with depersonalisation you dont lose contact with reality. Where as with dissociation you do. But I think it is caused by similar events.
Certainly any Dissociative disorder, including depersonalisation, can interfere with a person's general functioning, including work and social and family relationships.
I would urge you to see your GP and discuss all this with them. If they decide it is warranted, they will put you on a Mental Health Care Plan which allows you up to 10 medicare subsidised psych visits per year. I truly believe that this course of action is warranted Biddles. You dont have to continue to suffer these anxiety symptoms without support. And a proper diagnosis is the best way to start. Then you will be in a good position to discuss appropriate treatment options, of which there are a number. Set the ball in motion by phoning your GP for a long appointment.
In the meantime, please continue talking to us here. Often just talking about things with people who understand is a big help. Even if you eventually undergo some form of therapy, the Forums offer a good support network along the way. We are always here, so I look forward to hearing from you again.
Taurus
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Hi Taurus
Thank you for your nice reply. I will tell you a bit about me. I have been on anti depressants since 2004. As the years went on I found the anti depressants became less effective. I did notice while on the antidepressants I started to drink a lot more alcohol to excess. I don't drink much, but noticed while on these antidepressants I wanted to drink more. I then had to go to rehab for my addiction. It was a nightmare! while I was in rehab I stopped my antidepressants cold turkey. But, then I had to go back on them when I got out of rehab because I was feeling miserable.
Then a few months down the track I started to feel better so I asked my GP that I would like to taper off medication, started this in February until June. I left my very stressful job in April. Finding work again was really difficult and depressing. One evening I was really upset about the rejections I had received, I decided to have a bottle of wine to settle my anxiety and nerves. Big mistake ! I started to experience really weird withdrawal effects from the antidepressants mixed with alcohol. It got really bad I had extremely high anxiety it freaked me out it was so bad I had to get more medication from my doctor and had to go back on a full dose of antidepressants. The nightmare of anxiety is still with me I have days where I can't stop crying and other days where I feel almost normal for a few hours then other days I feel so anxious. I guess the antidepressants still have to kick in before I feel myself again. I'm on my 13th day. Can someone tell me how much longer will I need to endure this emotional roller coaster. Will I be OK? Luckly my husband is here with me looking after me as some days are so bad I can't eat or do anything it's awful. I can't hold down a job right now. I feel so alone . I hope it will be over soon.
