Relapse of symptoms

[luciban]

I have been treated for anxiety and depression recently and with an increase in my medication have been feeling fantastic.  I have managed to feel almost "normal" again for the last two weeks.  I woke up today feeling very anxious again (not depressed) but almost feeling like I was before I needed to start my medication.  I have been on medication for a total of 14 weeks now and the dose increased two weeks ago.  I become scared that I am going to get really sick again and anxious about the anxiety!  I am worried that I have been feeling so good and all of a sudden I have this relapse.  I do a lot of exercise, try to think positively and think it is just a hurdle, and keep busy, but the fear of becoming unwell again has me struggling today.   Has anyone experienced this?

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Luciban,

Thanks for reaching out to BB.

I've definately experienced this before; sometimes it can be a medication change (e.g. your body trying to get used to the dosages), or sometimes it might be something else entirely - like something in your life that might be provoking or stirring up the anxiety a little more.  Generally I know pharmacists and GP's will say that 2-4 weeks is the approximate time for medications to really settle into your system, so if it hasn't been that long maybe it's worth talking to them again? It may just be that the meds are still settling in.

In terms of falling into a relapse, try to remember what helps you when you are feeling really anxious- what thoughts tend to make you feel more anxious/less anxious?  Is there anything that you stop doing when you start to get anxious?
I know for me I tend to start thinking that "I'm not good enough" so being aware of that thought really helps me know that I have to start challenging my thinking.  I also know that when I get really anxious I withdraw from people and stop getting out of the house- so I need to sometimes push myself a little bit.

Also - please be kind to yourself.  Sometimes it's the easiest thing to say and the hardest thing to do.  But you've come out of this relapse before, so I know that you can do it again.

Good luck 🙂

[luciban]

Thank you so much for your reply.  It has made me feel better.  I think the thing that scares me the most is the medication may not be working again and I am taking the next to highest dose.  I am constantly challenging my thoughts on these days but find it only lasts for a few minutes and the negative/anxious thoughts come back.  I have never suffered from anxiety this bad before and when I initially got sick was having panic attacks, could not eat, tremors etc so I am worried that this may happen again even though my Dr reassures me that I won't get that bad.  I have been seeing a counsellor quite a few times and she gave me some mindfulness exercises to do and these are helpful if I am not feeling really bad but just a little of kilter.  I am seeing a new counsellor in two weeks who may have a different approach.  I am trying my hardest with  these treatments but i suppose I am worried that nothing seems to be getting me completely better.  Maybe I am being too hard on myself.  When I get really anxious as I am today, I get worried about everything like an overseas holiday we are planning which I was not at all worried about in the last few days, I was excited!  I worry about my son who has anxiety himself and is going back to uni soon.  It seems the slightest little thing sets it off.

[Amanda_RJ]

Hi my name is Amanda and I have not long ago been diagnosed with Generalized anxiety disorder and I have been having a lot of trouble with breathing feeling like I am choking and I have been having a little bit of a wizen in my chest I always start thinking I am having a heart attack it is very scaring at times I get very worried

can someone please help me

[yarnartisan]

Hi Amanda RJ,

Welcome and congrats on taking the brave step of joining the BB forums. Welcome to the world of people who get it , you will be so glad you joined.

I also have GAD  and depression and have experienced the symptoms your describing and sometimes like  I have a big lump in my throat. Or can't catch my breath, usually its a trigger to a panic attack and gives me chance to use the calming strategies I've learnt.

Can I firstly suggest you go to the bottom of the page. to the 'the facts' section , click on Anxiety and it will give you loads of information on these sorts of symptoms and what to do.

Plus I think you'll also get lots of replies from other BB members telling you they've had it too.

How ever if it doesn't settle or the symptoms worsen make sure you go back to your GP .

Again , read all the info there is here, it will help.

Take care of you ,

Yarnartisan.

[luciban]

Hi Amanda,

I would recommend you see your GP as soon as possible as the physical symptoms of anxiety are often overwhelming and prevent you from functioning more than the psychological symptoms.  I found that medication worked really well after a few weeks and as you can tell from my post, you may get the occasional relapse.    I have also found this forum excellent as you feel like you are not alone.  Hope you can get some help soon.