Happy new year to everyone, but I wish I felt better about the year to come.
I have struggled with anxiety and depression for a few years. The first 2 years of retirenent were wonderful, but I'm feeling really lost now and have become low in mood and disinterested.
This started when I first got very anxious in January 2016. I thought it was because of upcoming dental work and it would disappear after that ordeal was over.
However, it didn't and I had terrible panic attacks and unexplained pain. I tried every type of treatment for the pain and every blood test for the lethargy. Finally, after 6 months of numerous emergency visits , I was found to have clots in both lungs and small nodules. I spent 3 scary weeks in 2 hospitals having cancer tests. This was my first time in hospital (at 63) so I was given anti anxiety medication. I continued this when discharged for a few weeks and was great for 12 months, travelling and enjoying life.
About 12 months later, the anxiety attacks came back (no idea why). Doctor suggested antidepressants and psych . Psych was great but I was too scared to take more than small doses of the antidepressant. The anxiety eased after about 6 months.
18 months later, it's back with a vengeance. 2 or 3 panic attacks a day and the anti- anxiety doesn't really help much. Once again, I have the antidepressants, but too scared to take them. I'm scared of everything - going to bed, that I have a illness, even driving.
I feel lost in a life of fear, tension, pain. What to do? How to get my life back?
