So lost. What to do when nothing helps?!

[2manyTabs]

I am a 34yo Mum of 4. I have been diagnosed with high-functioning GAD, which to me basically just means I have learnt to hide it very well (a practice which is exhausting). I have been on medication for just over 5 years: All SSRIs. I have also been to 4 different psychologists over the years and done a 6 week mindfulness course. The thing is... nothing works. My body is almost constantly in fight or flight mode, I am always hungry, always tired. I excercise a lot because it is the one thing I can control and relieves stress (temporarily). I get jumpy, teary, and then completely flat. I can act completely “normal” for the kids/work/in public, and people often comment on how I have it “all together: how do you do it?!” Which is such a joke because whenever I am alone I fall in a heap. I have no one I can talk to about my anxiety (except the psychologists, who cost a bomb and haven’t helped). Breathing/meditation sometimes works for the time I am doing it but within minutes of finishing I am anxious again, so it’s a waste of time. I know this all sounds so negative but I am frustrated at having no idea how to fight the monster in my head.

[geoff]

hi 2manyTabs, there's only a certain period of time on how long you can pretend to be happy, it becomes too exhausting and for some people doing exercise has done them wonders, for me I wasn't interested even though my psychologist kept on suggesting it, but for you it's been some relief only until you finish and get home then you'll collapse.
I'm sorry that you haven't been satisfied with any psychologist, nor has any medication helped you because the two of these together need to be helping you so that you can move onto the next stage, if they don't then it's going to be a struggle.
I was going to list a few other places for you to contact but perhaps if you google this then you can decide 'free help for depression', and I suggest these because sometimes people don't feel comfortable talking to a psychologist especially when the thought of having to pay them exorbitant prices, because that's always at the back of your mind.
There are many different types of antidepressants (AD"s) that your doctor can prescribe for you, unfortunately it's a pain having to go through this process, but please believe me when I say once you find the right one then that's half your battle over, but please contact some of those links I have provided for you and let us know. Geoff.

[Flick_SnotGrass]

Hi there 2manyTabs,

Good to meet you, my name's Flick SnotGrass and you caught my eye when you wrote "I have been diagnosed with high-functioning GAD"....

...just goes to show 'Diagnosis is not Cure'!!

I am with you that often meditation & breathing 'work' while you are doing them but you immediately go back into hyper vigilance mode and adrenal fatigue once you 're-enter' the world.

Common problem...sounds like what you want is a tool that you can just 'set and forget'?

Have you heard of 'electroceuticals' yet?

Electroceuticals are clever brain tools, hand held, run by a 9 volt battery, very safe, not too expensive and I like mine because when I feel 'whealmed' I can clip it on my ears and people think I'm listening to music while it calms me down.

These are not new tools, the kit that I use was first demonstrated in Russia in 1909!! They've gone through proper clinical trials in many countries [Canada, USA, Germany, Russia] and they def have a nice quieting analgesic effect...they release serotonin and endorphins from the brain stem which calms you. Better yet you don't have to run a mantra or affirmation or even 'believe' that it will work...like gravity, you don't have to believe gravity will work, it just does.

Happy to point you to more info if this is of interest to you.

2manyTabs maybe set a goal of becoming a high-functioning GAD-FLY!!/

Have a significantly above average day,

Flick SnotGrass