Leda

[Leda]

I am in my late sixties and have not ben an anxious person nor suffered from depression. I was described as laid back and felt so. After a mild heart attack 3 years ago and a some heartache experienced by my daughter,now resolved, I began to experience severe anxiety, characterised by incessant rumination, particularly around how I feel sand will this ever resolve. I have not had a reasonable break from this anxiety for going on two years. Take a low dose benzo. AD made me more anxious, other Medes made me feel dull and sedated but no relief from negative, racy thinking which is too persistent to be much helped with CBT. Have no real stressors now, everything to be grateful for but often desperate how long I have been in this state. Seeing a psychologist, have seen a psychiatrist and in a meditation group. Wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience and a good outcome.

[blondguy]

Dear Leda

Welcome and thankyou for being a part of the forum family too!

I hear you loud and clear Leda. I am just a few months from 60 and have had chronic anxiety problems for 37 years even though in recovery now with low dose AD and a low dose benzo too

To answer your question....Yes I have had a good outcome especially when I increased my counseling appointments to weekly for a period of seven months. (with a community based mental health care worker) Due to the visits being so frequent the outcome was better than I expected...A huge relief from the symptoms

Considering what you have been through many people would be experiencing the same as you are now Leda

Can I ask if the anxiety has an effect on your day to day well being?

The racy thoughts are common after a major life event and can be a pain. Fatigue and a 'tired mind' can invite 'overthinking' or being 'oversensitised'

The good news!.....These awful feelings of anxiety can be reduced....Unfortunately it does take time and a strong desire to heal (which you have)

Just a note...The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to post!

I do hope you can post back if and when you choose Leda....Any questions are welcome 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Leda]

Thank you Paul

Yes my anxiety has a huge impact on my life. IWake up every morning with edginess and feel negative about the day ahead and more lately have run out of energy to deal with the waves of anxiety which are nibbling at me all day. I have been proactive over the past 18 months in engaging in life despite these uncomfortable feelings, but I have had an increase in anxiety over the past month I think due to having my front teeth extracted and some Centrlink hassles which are now resolved. I had a community nurse arranged through work (I have now retired) last year visiting weekly which was very helpful but do not have that available now. I have been more philosophical and patient with the slow progress last year but the last couple of weeks I have been staying in more, feeling exhausted by the effort to get through the day and feeling like I will never recover. I have good relationships,support but getting less inclined to reach out which leaves me feeling more isolated. I just go round in circles as you can see and generally feel miserable and self pitying. Great Paul that you have made good progress after so long. Could you describe what has changed for you. Hope from the future is what I am lacking. Thank you again for your kind message.