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Anxiety Advice
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Hello all! I am an 18 year old female that has been experiencing severe anxiety for the past month. I began having sleep problems and high levels of anxiety and panic in the beginning of July, 2012. It seemed to come one without any reason. Though, I was anticipating an impending two and a half week trip abroad to Greece, a country that has caused me great stress and panic, as something traumatic happened to me there as a young girl. I survived the trip (I was very much so not wanting to go) though I did have to take .25mg of Xanax OR 1mg of Ativan during my most stressful days (about 10-13 days of the trip) and I also took 5mg of Ambien when I was not able to sleep (which has been occurring on and off for the past month). Upon arriving back from the trip, I have not been feeling any better, which is very unnerving to me. I was just prescribed 5mg of Lexapro to begin a medication regime for my anxiety. I am very much so hoping that this works for me, and I was wondering if anyone had some input/advice to give me. I really would appreciate it! Thanks so much.
P.S.: Also, I have been experiencing "fight or flight" symptoms for the past month (numbness in fingers and hands, dilated pupils, tightness in chest, dizziness). Has any experienced these symptoms before with their anxiety? They are very scary!! Posted on 08/03/12, 04:45 pm |
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I have been getting dizzy with my symptoms. It's really scary! I just do things that I love best when I get anxious. My heart does beat really fast when I get nervous too. You're experiancing very common things when it comes to this. I'm sorry to hear about the problem with Greece. At least you're not there anymore. Try to do some breathing excercises, and read a good book? Hope this helps. 
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Yup, I get those symptoms too, but I some physical illnesses in addition to anxiety. I was told that I am pretty much always I “flight” mode. As a victim of a traumatic event as a child myself, I found therapy helped. If you haven’t, maybe you could talk to someone about your trauma – even a friend or family member if not a professional.
I hope you feel better!
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Do you exercise? Do you journal? I remember being 18 and worrying all the time. I used to write poetry to get through everything. The poetry would be about my feelings. My aim is to get you to try and focus on something each day that is productive and has a goal...something you can think about when all the crap hits.
I am sorry that you go through this.
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Thank you everyone for your replies!
@lookingtothelord: I just began a regular exercise program that I hope to keep up. I do not journal, although that is a very interesting point and wonderful idea! I have always loved to write. My symptoms are just throwing me for a loop. My pupils are HUGE and today and last night I have been feeling way overly stimulated. I am praying to God that these symptoms are merely my anxiety (the fight or flight response) and not some underlying medical condition that needs attention (I have began to become obsessed with these symptoms have seemingly come out of the BLUE.)
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I'm so glad to hear that Lexapro has worked so well for you, Karmalina! I understand that it is different for everyone, but I did read that Lexapro is one of the most fast acting SSRI's on the market. How long did it take for you to see a difference on the medication? My psychiatrist prescribed 5mg per day for five days and then 10mg thereafter. Tonight I will take my third dose of the 5mg. I am going back to school for my sophomore year of college in three weeks and am worried that I will not be feeling much better for then. Oh, anxiety!
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Anxiety can make you think of all kinds of symptoms and blow them way out of proportion. I've been there, done that. I will keep you in my prayers. Prayers do help!!!! It take a week and sometimes longer for the Lexapro to kick in completely. You won't even notice it, you'll just be happier and able to concentrate better. Hope this helps!
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Carpe, I am an Academic Advisor at a college. By the time you go back to college your anxiety will be totally under control. Trust me. You will be a new person. As much as I hate taking medication, it is a God-send when it is needed.
Best wishes as you begin your Sophomore year. What is your major?
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Thank you very much for keeping me in your prayers, Karmalina! That means so very much to me. I believe that the distraction of my studies and being back in such a happy environment that is my University will work wonders for me along with the medication. I am keeping the faith! And I am a Psychology major! The irony, right? :)
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How did I know your major was Psychology??? hahah I've been doing my job for a while and I can usually tell!
You will be surrounded by friemds and you will have many resources at school. Hang in there till you go. Do you go to a college away from home? It is sometimes better to talk to starngers than friends. Strange isnt it. Do you have a good relationship with your family?
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