I think it’s something we will always have bad days with. It’s like a diabetic having a low-blood sugar episode. It’s terrible when it happens, but we have to remember that we can survive it and have days of freedom afterwards.

Thanks for the update, Belle. I've been wondering. . . Hope the update helped you to focus your most recent anxiety rounds, too. That not-so-merry-go-round keeps on spinning whether I'm paying attention or knot.

So? ? ? How is that new job going? I find myself wondering if your current anxiety might be part of the settling process? I know my personal herstory has a pattern of experiencing bouts of anxiety over finding myself on a new proverbial plateau of life. That would be around the time I catch myself wondering what devilment I've gotten myself into THIS time.

As aggravating as anxiety can be, curing it would be tantamount to curing an important piece of my human nature. Anxiety is a hard-wired part of the survival instinct. I get further training and learning how to use my instincts well than I get by attempting to cure them. Used well, anxiety alerts me to danger and gives me the amped up power I need to get out of the way of that danger. Alas, that amped up power works better against a grizzly bear than a grumbly coworker. The anxiety alarms aren't any smarter than electro-mechanical monitors, either. The alarms go off as loudly for burnt toast as they go off for a house fire. Those pesky details. . .

No, the covid stuff doesn't help. I remain utterly convinced anxiety and fear carry far more contagion dangerous pathogens than the meanest virus or bacteria ever invented by nature. Inside my own skin, the masks only feed and escalate the anxiety and fear pathogens. Perhaps another example of the alarms going off as loudly for burnt toast as for a house fire?

Restful:
Thanks for that analogy that's a good way to look at it.

Arfie:
Yes you could be right. Work gas been hectic but kinda a small break at the same time in an odd way. I feel a bit tired and still adjusting. I might add I had a covid scare kinda. We were traced to a location where an employee tested positive for it but everyone here is required to wear masks and I'm tested weekly and its already been 2 weeks but that's been heavy on my mind.

Hi SouthernBellex! Sorry you had a rough day. My psychiatrist was just telling me that everyone he talks to is very on edge about Covid, so what you're feeling is perfectly normal!

Also, keep up the Lexapro because at about 6-8 weeks on it, you will get the full benefit. Are you still on 5 mgs? Because I think your doctor was saying 10 mgs.

And lastly, write in a personal journal. It helps... especially on those hard days.

Hope this helps, and welcome back!

You are doing a wonderful job!

Writing it out is awesome!

Staying in touch here is support, encouragement, and understanding!

Best wishes!

I understand anxiety very well and can relate. I hope you have some healthy coping skills ( like deep breathing ) that can help. Feel better soon!

I am sorry you are feeling poorly --but this will pass--I think that even though the meds are working great--that our old friend anxiety likes to fight through occasionally--A week ago I had a horrendous anxiety attack--but was fine the next morning--maybe its anxiety in its death throws?? I would say the covid scare was the trigger--but you are keeping yourself safe and are in a place where people are being compliant--so that is reassuring. I am blaming lexapro for the exhaustion--I've been tired right up until the last few days--so I'm thinking it is a side effect that will eventually go away. maybe take a nap when you can and do something for yourself every once in awhile?!

Bellex-

. I don't wanna go back to the place I was 3 months ago and I think worrying about that just makes things worse. I just wonder if I will ever fully recover from this demon" -- This spoke to me! As I think often what we fear the most is what our mind convinces us is going to happen. The fear itself is what I fear 9 times out of ten.

Something I try and tell myself when I am having fearful thoughts is:
F- false
E - evidence
A- appearing
R- real

It helps me, and I hope it will also help you. Take Care of yourself. I have just found this group and it's amazing to talk with people who understand you. Because that is another thing anxiety makes you think... that you are alone, which is so not true!

Hi- I’m sorry you are having such a tough time.
Keep sharing, I hope you will find comfort here. Journaling also helps, it’s like talking to a friend. 40 hours a week of work is tiring, don’t forget to rest, Take care of yourself.

Stay safe. We will all get through this pandemic by God’s grace and mercies.
Keep us posted, God bless.

Thank you everyone! I hope y'all are doing well. Sending healing hugs to all y'all