Life stress or medication

[nessie_lou]

Hi guys. I've have suffered from anxiety and depression on and off for 18 years. I have over the course of that time been on 2 different medications. The one I am on currently I have been so for 12ish years and have been managing. My anxiety issues are usually around death, travelling and health. In the last 16 months my anxiety has been more prevalent... the last 16 months I have had the following happen...dog had to be put down, father was diagnosed with cancer, father in law passed away, sister in law passed away, my grandma was diagnosed with rapid dementia in june, had a fall broke her hip and is now in a home. So here is my question... would this stuff be the reason my anxiety is giving me grief or could my medication not be working anymore.

[Croix]

Dear Nessie.Lou~

You are a human being and subject to all the joys and anguish that follows.

In a bit over a year you dog has had to be put down. something that for me has always been a heart-wrenching decision.

You father diagnosed with cancer, an horrible thing, full of unknowns and feelings of helplessness.

Your father in law and sister in law passing away. I've no idea of your relationship with them, but even if not close it is bound to reinforce feelings that life is a fragile thing.

Now also a different sort of tragedy, the prospect of your grandma being taken by dementia and having to live away in a home after that fall.

So no, it is no surprise your anxiety levels are up and no, it is not a failure of your medication, which by the sound of it has been pretty ok, even if not perfect.

I'm afraid it is just life.

Having said that there is no harm in having a talk with your doctor to see if your meds should remain the same or be temporarily adjusted if you are having too much trouble coping. All the things we do to decrease background stress, exercise, a health lifestyle, proper sleep, distractions and so on are perhaps now doubly important.

So too is supporting and being supported by the ones you love. Trying to know what to say and do with your father I'm sure will be a confusing worry. I guess the best thing I can say is that he is the same person, with the same thoughts and views - and sense of humor - as before and that any effort to be there and comfort is much better than none - even if you feel lost.

Croix

[Zeal]

Hi Nessie,

I'm sorry to hear that the last 16 months has involved losing loved ones, and your Grandma's health declining. All of these stressful events are very likely to have an effect on your anxiety, especially as death and health is a particular source of anxiety for you. I can't say whether these distressing events are the sole causes of the heightened anxiety, but they would probably be contributing a fair bit to your symptoms.

It would be a good idea to go back to your doctor about the anxiety.

Best wishes,

Zeal

[nessie_lou]

Thankyou so much. I just feel that I should be stronger than this. I get frustrated that I'm shaky and distant some times. But you are right it's been a hell of a year and I was and am close to all of those that passed. I appreciate your calm clarity.

[Croix]

Dear Nessie.Lou~

I'm not sure how much stronger one could be and still have heart, still have meaningful relationships, still care.

I've only ever had once person die at a time with many years in between and I was a mess each time. Frankly I was a mess just over a pet.

Please try and cut yourself some slack, its being human, nothing to do with being strong

Croix