Newbie and anxious.

[Snuz]

Hi. Im Suzie and i have been diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety disorder. I was offically diagnosed 6 years ago but its always been there since i can remember and now i am 29. I have gone through a lot of different strategies to help myself and sometimes im better but lately i havent improved. Im a single mum of a beautiful 5 year old and i try so hard not to have attacks in front of him. He is my world. Depression, anxiety and things like alcoholism run heavily in my dads side of the family quiet far back. My dad has been in hospital and had shock treatment and so has my auntie. After i had my son i got worse but i dont know why. Everything in my life was great. I have so much support from family yet i still feel empty. After trially lots of theatpies and medication, i found two tablets that completely stopped me from having either attacks and doing gardening. Last year i decided to go and study. I did very well and i passed my diploma and got a job. It was all going so well but then the bitchiness started, i started feeling small and useless and i didnt want to go back so i quiet. Every since then i have felt different. I dont have anxiety but its like im not happy anymore about anything. I feel like im useless and i have racing thoughts or im in a fog. Everytime i try to talk about how i feel weather it be to family, friends or doctor i burst out crying and i feel like i dont want to talk about it. I dont feel right abd i dont know why. Everyone just tells me to get over it but i really really cant get out of this feeling and it distroys my motivation. I have been on benzodiazepenes for 5 years, my short term memory is bad and my communication is all over the place. I dont feel right.

[TheSteve]

Hi Snuz,

Thanks for sharing. You certainly sound like a trooper, having gone through that and making the comeback that you did. Now that you are going through a tricky time again, this does not mean it has to be permanent nor that it can not be corrected.

Firstly, you may want to keep up the counselling. This is good for you, and I'd suggest weekly so that you can keep working on the underlying thoughts and processes here.

Second, you may discuss with your doctor your medication type and/or dose. Perhaps after 5 years on benzos it is time to look for a more balanced approach, natural remedies to supplement the benzos or help reduce their usage. This must be done only in consultation with your doctor however, don't do this by yourself or without guidance. Benzos act on the central nervous system so perhaps over time feeling a lack of motivation and having short term memory issues may temporarily stem from the use of these. I will re-emphasize however - speak with your doctor and have him/her help you plan this.

Get exercise, and ensure your diet is a "brain friendly" one with loads of good fats, proteins, and healthy foods. Don't underestimate the power of lifestyle changes.

Do some reading - The POwer of Now by Eckhart Tolle and The Tao of Natural Breathing by Dennis Lewis are two books I recommend often given they are powerful, but also easy to use.

All my best to you, come back and chat anytime.

Steve

[Snuz]

Wow thank you so much steve. Just reading your feedback has helped alot and i really appreciate it. I totally understanf what you are saying. My doctor has steadily reduced the benzo before without success. I reach a point and i go backwards but will try again. Diet and medication can be tricky too but im getting there. Perhaps i should calm down and do baby steps instead of lots at once. Always trying to push myself too much at once. Thank you for your feedback with new perspectives has helped enormously.

[TheSteve]

You're welcome Snuz. Baby steps are the way to go, it is quite necessary to do this very slowly and gradually as all-at-once can create another set of problems. Take your time, as long as you are heading in the right direction.

It is mostly trial and error in getting it right, which is why small steps are necessary. We are here for you, all the best.

Steve