Dear James,
I really feel for you and your anxiety issues. I've had major depressive and anxiety disorders since childhood, with the anxiety starting at around the age of 5, when I began school.
Severe anxiety is hell and can make you feel paralysed by fear. I have been in treatment for both disorders since 1995, however, up until that time, I can never remember waking up in the morning without feeling sick (often being sick) and having the shakes. It impacted on all areas of my life, until I finally sought help in my mid-30s. Seeking help from a psychiatrist made an enormous difference in my life. I was, however, being treated primarily for depression, as I had had a few very serious incidents that were triggered by the intensity of the depression.
However, in 2006, I had a major breakdown and was hospitalized due to anxiety. I spent 3 weeks in hospital and after I was discharged, spent another 3 months coping with agoraphobia that kept me house-bound for 2 months. I was unable to visit my psychiatrist in person; I had my consultations via Skype. As one person mentioned, there were many days when I could not check my letterbox for fear of leaving the house. During this period, I relied heavily on my psychiatrist and family members for support.
My psychiatrist gradually introduced two new meds, specifically for chronic anxiety, and after a few weeks, I was amazed by the changes. One med was a slow release relaxant for me to use if I suffered physical symptoms of anxiety - nausea, vomiting or the shakes. The other med was a faster act drug which I use whenever I feel a sudden onset of anxiety.
You don't have to live with the level of anxiety you're experiencing. There are quite a few medications available which will definitely address your anxiety so you can begin to live a "normal" life.
Please make an appointment with your GP as soon as you can to discuss your issues. If you are unable to go alone, ask a family member or friend to accompany you. You can then speak with your GP alone.
Personally, I have found the treatments for anxiety more effective than those I have tried for depression, however, that is only my experience.
Please make an appointment with your GP asap; the sooner you seek help, the sooner you will be on the road to recovery.
Do keep in touch. Paul, Pipsy and I are concerned about you and would be very interested to hear of any progress.
Take care and best wishes,
lh
