The Dark side

[Thejokesonme]

Hi I'm Will and I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. I have suffered with this for many years. I was on medication for some years while on the medication I was fine only thing was I put on a lot of weight. About a year ago I decided to go off my medication , the first two attempts were horrific and the third time was also hard but after some months I was better. After some time I began to slide downhill ,about two months ago my anxiety was so bad I thought I was dying. I thought I had some bad illness because I had many physical symptoms, mainly with my digestion,loss of apatite . It's been two weeks since I started back on medication it's still hard and still struggle. My girlfriend and my daughter moved out recently that made thing a whole lot worse. I just want to be able to have some quality of life.

[Gruffudd]

Hi Will, welcome to the forums.

Be sure to check out the Anxiety forum and the Staying Well one too. I can hear that there has been quite a long road for you. I have found that the way through for me is to do everything that helps, medication sometimes, but also go and talk, and diet, making sure I get enough exercise.

I hope the days get better for you.

Rob.

[pipsy]

Hi Will, is it okay if I call you that? I like the name, like the Prince and he's gorgeous. I'm sorry you're suffering the way you are, anxiety/panic attacks are no fun, they're a downhill slide. Missing your gf and daughter at this time makes it seem worse. Could you contact them just to say hello and that you're missing them. Not necessarily to ask them to come back, but just so your daughter can talk to you. You need to talk to someone close who understands where you are emotionally. I would also consider going back to your Dr to discuss your general feelings. Perhaps a therapist to help you through the dark times. Do you have a close friend/cousin, when we have anxiety/depression/panic attacks etc, being alone seems to make it worse. Please keep posting here too, so we can support you by listening.

Lynda.

[Thejokesonme]

Thank you for your support. Yes Lynda Will is good for me. I have been in contact with my daughter and have seen the GP and will be getting some counciling soon . I have some good days and some bad days. I have started taking antidepressants for about two weeks which is slowly starting to work but it may take more time to work I'm told. This is the worst time in my life and I am trying to be strong but sometimes it is really hard.

[Thejokesonme]

So far the meds are not working and when I get panic attacks I can't function. I hardly eat but one good thing I am sleeping more which makes a difference. Every time I have a panic attack I say to myself it will pass and it can't kill you. I had one while having a haircut this morning stated sweating and was very anxious. I just tried to have calming thoughts and after ten minutes it subsided. Been on the meds about five weeks, the doctor said it might alittle more time.

[Blue_Caterpillar]

Hi Will, have those meds started kicking in yet?

The ones I am on really help me sleep, but I think I am more lethargic during the day because of them.

They say that it takes a few weeks for them to improve your mood. I have been on mine for about two months, and I think I am still depressed, but I am able to get through most days, I just wonder how bad I would be without them?

[Thejokesonme]

Hi Blue. They have a little it's been about four weeks now. Sometimes I feel better other times I get panic attacks but I will persevere in the hope of some relief. It's a scary place to be and just want to feel better. Hope you doing ok too

[Thejokesonme]

Been Taking my ssri for a month and I still having panic attacks. Yesterday my GP told me to up the dose hope that they help as I have a colonoscopy on Monday . I'm really anxious about the procedure. Any one got some good advice. Would be very welcome.