Relapsing GAD and depression

[S_1987]

Hi guys,

think I’m just looking for someone for some reassurance!

Bit about my story!

Was diagnosed 6 years ago with post natal depression and GOD after the birth of my first child! 3 years of therapy and antidepressants plus ongoing prescription of additional medication when needed for panic attacks.

Been great! Skip forward 2 more kids and very rarely used medication! Like I’ve prob had the script filled once every 1.5 years.

new baby 9 months old, went out with friends and husband for a 30th drank so much I have no memory of the night, wasn’t embarrassing just wasted is what I have been told! Hangover was brutal and lasted 3 days, ever since I feel like I am downward spiraling back into how I used to be!

The anxiety is full force, all the symptoms that I used to experience - headaches, tingling in the back of my head, nauseas, faint, feeling like I’m going crazy, foggy head etc

im angry at myself! I am such a controlled person because I have to be! If I let go I get anxious! I’m always super aware of my body and now I feel like I’m slipping! I don’t feel strong, I have a few hours where I’m like ok I’m feeling better and I can get stronger again then it hits me again and I panic!

I have 3 kids and a husband now, I can’t be this 23 year old mess again! I’m 30 and we have so many responsibilities and my kids and husband don’t need this again!

Help!

[Blue_Jane]

Hi S

Welcome to our forums, hope you find our support useful.

You are only human. Having a big night out happens sometimes and unfortunately for some of us (me included) it triggers some negatives. Alcohol is a depressant - even for those who don't have any mental health issues. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Think about the positives - you have managed your mental health well for a big chunk of time. And you will do so again. What have you done in the last few years to keep your anxiety in check?

Blue Jane

[Jessicatherese94]

Hi S, I completely agree with Blue Jane on this. You absolutely shouldn't be so hard on yourself about your night of drinking. I guess now you know drinking doesn't agree with you and you can stay away from it if need be. What do you think happened that night that has made you feel this way? Try not to be so angry at yourself about that one night if you can. If you're feeling like your anxiety is becoming too much to deal with I would recommend talking to a doctor/psychologist about how you're feeling. The app 'Booster Buddy' really helped me deal with some of my anxiety too. Like Blue Jane said, you managed everything before and you will find a way to get back to where you were. Sending you love.

[MsPurple]

Hi S and welcome to the forums

Sorry to hear about your recent struggles with your anxiety. I know how horrible it feels to be slipping back into it. I myself have had some mental health relapses, however with the right tools I can avoid it getting as bad as it was initially. I'm hoping this is the same for you.

I'd like to use an analogy if that's ok?

When in the beach water it can be calm. Then all of a sudden the water can get rough. There can be rips too. Then it can get calm again. This is like mental health. However with the right tools and support you can manage the water when it is rough. They throw you a surfboard and teach you how to surf. You may fall at times, but you can get back on the board. Without help and support is is much harder to manage the rough waters. And yes the waters getting rough is real and sometimes it can be unpreventable however it can be manageable and you can deal with a lot better then when you first dealt with mental health issues.

I find reminding myself that even if I am having a rough days that I need to use the tools my psychologist/gp/family have empowered me with. I have started an online cause called 'MindSpot'. It is free and approved by beyondblue and has some an association with Maqaurie University. This sounds like it maybe helpful for you as it can remind you of the tools you have been tough in previous therapies. I still see my psychologist but I do find this helpful and enlightening. For more info go to mindspot.org.au

Also if you are concerned your mental health maybe declining maybe discuss it with your GP. They may discuss going back on your medication or suggest a psychologist. I know you may have gone down this path before (like myself) but it can be helpful just for a checkin.

Hope some of this has been helpful - MP