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[Annie_Blue]

Hi, my BB name is Annie Blue, I have been diagnosed with GAD and have been on medication for almost 5 months. I am open with my immediate family but they don't really understand. 

I have suffered with worry/anxiety/catastrophe thinking/uncontrollable thinking for as long as I can remember. However over the last decade or so things have gotten worse. I'm hoping to start CBT at some point. I am meditating several times a week but I still am getting anxiety attacks daily, sometimes several a day and some lasting for days. I'm hoping for a place to vent and get support from people who won't get bored or tired with the subject. Today I started feeling low and depressed, hopefully this will be a place o can heal. 

AB xx

[Paul]

Hi Annie Blue

Welcome to Beyond Blue forums. This is most definitely a place where you can vent or ask for help or share some ideas and tips or just hang out and join in conversations. I find it helpful to share my experiences with others in need too.

I can relate to the worry and anxiety that you've described, it's frightening, confusing and downright tiring.

Almost everyone with depression or anxiety or both find that multiple approaches at the same time seem to be the best way to manage, understand and treat our illness. I really like that you meditate and have sought the advice of your Dr. It sounds like you're on the right track. When you're ready, CBT will definitely add a missing element to being able to get on top of things.

It's difficult for our loved ones to understand whats it's like and to know what to say sometimes. If someone has never had anxiety or panic that comes from nowhere and can't be reasoned with, it's so difficult for them to relate to because they can reason with themselves and their mood lifts. My mum and dad don't really talk about my depression and anxiety with me much, I think part of it is out of guilt - they think it's their fault and part of it is because they simply don't understand. That's not to say they don't care.

I have a friend who has anxiety attacks to the point of feeling like he is dying and he can't breathe properly. A really frightening experience that anyone would want to avoid even if it's just anxiety without a heavy attack. My friend's anxiety is then raised because his body and mind go on "high alert" watching out for the next attack so he can be ready for it (there's no amount of preparation that makes this any easier). This heightened state which is essentially worrying about having another attack brings about more attacks! It takes him a while to break the cycle.

Do you think your attacks are made more frequent due to anxiety about having another attack?

Also, do you know what started the low mood and feeling depressed - are you able to trace back in your mind to something that triggered it?

Take care Annie Blue, hope to chat again soon.

Paul

[Kazzl]

Hi AB. Welcome to the forum! It's good to meet you. Sounds like you are having a rough time, and it's good that you are getting help from your doctor and planning to start CBT.It is  hard for our families, or anyone else really who has not experienced these things to understand. But  it's good you are open with them and even if they don't fully understand I hope they are supportive.

You will find many folks here who understand and can share their experiences. Have a good look around the boards and join in wherever you want, or start your own threads if you want to talk about a specific topic that's not covered elsewhere.

Best wishes to you, and I hope to see you around.

Kaz

[blondguy]

Good Morning Annie Blue and a warm welcome to BB...You have courage to post and we can help 🙂 You have chosen the best forum as a sufferer of GAD

The GAD is a pain Annie....I have had it for a while...but there is good news..The anxiety does lessen in frequency and intensity over time...

After many panic attacks you would be feeling low and depressed...absolutely normal feelings. With your immediate family it can be hard for you with them not understanding especially people that havent had anxiety before.

There are many wonderful and kind people on BB...

Do you have anyone that you are seeing regularly? Say once a week? That will help you a great deal (even a GP)

You have already sought treatment and well done! You are healing already

You have engaged meditating...very pro-active Annie

After a while I found trying to explain anxiety...GAD etc so energy draining I just started telling people that I suffered from periods of claustrophobic 'feelings'...people will 'get it' understand that..quicker (if you wish of course)

Please be 'gentle' to yourself and avoid 'fighting' the GAD....'Fighting' the GAD requires energy..and lots of it.

The 'symptoms' you have are very very common and are still only 'feelings' They are awful but still just 'feelings'

It does (like anything) take time and effort to 'accept' these feelings and not 'fight' them...

Anxiety has very little power when a person uses 'calm acceptance' instead of 'fighting' them

Catastrophising is also a leaf out of the 'anxiety tree' It will lessen in time..

Be 'Gently Occupied'...(if possible of course)...not 'busy'

Think Slow....Talk Slow...Walk Slow....

Do you have a someone close that you can 'bounce' off? It will be a big relief to you and reduce the anxiety

A support network is very important...My GP said 5 people...I had 2 people to bounce off...even 1 is great..

The anxiety/GAD is a physical issue...stress is chemically based...hormones..adrenaline etc....You cant heal a broken leg, virus, flu or even a bad toothache by 'struggling' with it....same here Annie..

I do hope you find something helpful here...even just a tiny bit 🙂

You have found the right place to vent Annie.....If you wish, please us know how you are going it would be great to hear from you

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[Annie_Blue]

Thank you for that lovely welcome, it really is appreciated. 

Im not sure if I'm feeling depressed or if this feeling is what "normal" should feel like? Maybe my anxiety was making me feel hyper all the time and my meds are relaxing me. It's only been a few months so I am content to work through this patch or go see my Dr again.

 thanks again for your support 🙂 it really makes a difference 

AB xx

[Annie_Blue]

Thank you for your welcome 🙂 yes my family support me but as you say they just don't "get it". 

AB xx

[Annie_Blue]

You are a complete stranger but WOW you struck a cord! I have used the walk slow...be gentle mantras today. Really helpful THANK YOU so much for taking that time for me. You are so right, I am fighting with it, I do have to accept its just a "feeling" and it will eventually pass. You helped me have a good day today. Thank you

AB xx

[blondguy]

Hi Annie

You are very welcome and really appreciate your response. You have made my day knowing something helped.

Anxiety...or these nasty feelings can take some time to reduce in intensity Annie...You should be very proud of the achievement you have made today 🙂

When I was at Uni I was taught that there is no such word as 'normal'.....It took some time but I eventually realised no one is 'normal'.....because nobody is!

Your post is also a huge help to people that are suffering like you are, but don't have the strength to post...right now....but have read what you have to say..Nice1 Annie

We are here for you ...

Paul