Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Constant Anxiety

JR26
JR26

I have had panic attacks and anxiety for years. I have had some really bad times, but I've also gone through some times where I'm doing really, really well. Well, recently, it has gotten REALLY bad again. I am constantly anxious and having really bad panic attacks and what if thinking. I am scared all the time. I wake up from sleeping with a racing heart. I keep telling myself that it will get better and I've gotten through this before, but my brain doesn't want to seem to listen to me. I have been on Zoloft for years and my doctor recently prescribed Buspirone (for hot flashes, I've started menopause) and Xanax. My medicine doesn't feel like it's working anymore. My cousin committed suicide last month and ever since then, my anxiety has increased ten fold. I guess I'm just on here looking for support and advice. Thanks for listening. 

arfie
arfie
Hello JR. Welcome to DS.

I've been post-menopausal for enough years to feel the blessing of not having to ride the monthly curse any more. Girl howdy, it rocks living free of that roller coaster! ! !

But menopause was rough. The ride was at least as bumpy as that ride through adolescence. Every day felt like another betrayal from my body. I kinda approached the changes in a manner to how I approached the problem for the adolescents in my life. "Stay busy. The less you dwell on the changes, the better." I'm still not sure if that really works or was just a platitude to get me through. Sigh. . .

Gentle empathy and support, JR. May you eventually enjoy life without the monthly curse as much as I do. Keep your eye on the prize?
Tired
Tired
Maybe journaling your thoughts and feelings would help.
Going to see a therapist for a short while.
Kmal08
Kmal08
I have been going through serious anxiety recently as well and it is so hard when your rational mind can't stop your subconscious. Your body thinks something is wrong and is reacting. Do you have a follow up with your Dr soon? Maybe you need to switch your meds or try different dosages. Hang in there, it will get figured out.
MaryContrary
MaryContrary
I agree with everyone so far. My mind races too on what might happen. But so far, so good with minor upsets.
sunshinelover
sunshinelover
Mine is the worst in the middle of the night. I wake up, or sort of wake up, stay awake, and my mind RACES! It sucks! :(
Tashio2x
Tashio2x
Music is my answer to everything anxiety related. Although it cant fix everything, it can distract you and help calm you down a bit.
JR26
JR26
Thank you to everyone for the replies. I hate that other people are going through this too, but it feels better knowing I’m not alone. I have a follow up with my psychiatrist next month (I go every three months). I do need to schedule an appointment for a physical with a primary doctor. My psychiatrist thinks I also might have sleep apnea. I bought CBD oil today and am going to try that.
GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
So sorry you are going through this. I have had anxiety and panic attacks over 20 years, and I do understand what you are going through. I do think a physical is a good idea, as it could also be a thyroid issue (that can also cause anxiety and more menopausal type symptoms on top of everything else!). Also, can you see a therapist? The suicide of your cousin is terrible, and you probably need to talk to someone about that, and to talk about any other things that you are dealing with. I find therapy helps me. And the other tips on here are very good. You are going to be okay!
DeniseD1440
DeniseD1440
JR I empathize with you as I have recently had a return of my anxiety and panic attacks following illnesses. I am happy to say that a change in my medicine has greatly improved things. However, the fear was so high this time and I could not control my thoughts with logic as usual. My new therapist explained it as my animal brain (amygdala) reacting and not letting my logical brain do what it should. It also makes me feel so much better to share and hear from others. I have been suffering for around 30 years, only 15 of those diagnosed, and I just recently starting communicating with others online and doing therapy, and I can't believe how much it has helped me already.
Community LeaderMid
Mid
Menopause...anxiety...medicine...it takes time for our bodies to adjust to changes as well as our minds. We can appreciate the differences from before, even as we struggle with the current changes.

Medicine that does NOT seem to be effective. Keeping a journal will help you to see what symptoms are being maintained within normal ranges. Often our anxiety goes into overwhelming status, on top of our usual overwhelming that we are treating with medication.

When we get ill, tired, and we struggle to get "well" again, our bodies go into overload, and rest, relax, and refresh are important. Staying hydrated helps to keep the balance flex within normal ranges. Doing the even breathing gives you a moment's respite as needed. The calming appearance practiced in front of mirror until you can feel it naturally also helps you "in the moment".
You are not alone! Best wishes!
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