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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by J1960 on March 1, 2002, at 15:35:02
I've looked at some sites on anxiety, but am not sure if what I experience is part of that. This behavior has caused me to loose many jobs, and is a source of embarassment to me. I will be fine most of the time, then while I'm at work (any job, doesn't matter), or if I'm anyplace for several hours, I start to experience feeling afraid, of an overwhelming need to curl up on the floor or in a chair away from people, hopefully at home, and to sleep. This doesn't fit the typical profile of anxiety. If I am in a situation where I cannot get away, I get very afraid, and end up with tears pouring down my face, and all I can think of is 'I wanna go home'. It seems to be a very infantile feeling. I have been in treatment for major depression for a long time, and am doing well with most of my depressive symptoms, but am still very much bothered by the afore mentioned behavior. I am 42. Is this anxiety? Is it part of my depression? I am on 150 mgs of Effexor, and 40 of Prozac. Jen
Posted by Panic_Attack on March 1, 2002, at 16:38:01
In reply to Is this anxiety?, posted by J1960 on March 1, 2002, at 15:35:02
What you experience does sound like anxiety. I go through that. I am afraid that I am going to lose my job because... out of nowhere... i feel horrible. I cant explain what i feel but its horrible. I dont want to be around nobody and just want my BED! I want to go home and lay in bed. I was in the hospital yesterday and they prescribed me Serzone for my anxiety/panic. Anyways, it is anxiety/panic.! I know its horrible!
Posted by geno on March 1, 2002, at 17:59:13
In reply to Is this anxiety?, posted by J1960 on March 1, 2002, at 15:35:02
Jen, Yes this is anxiety. The worst feeling. Your med combo doesnt seem to be the best for anxiety. Tell you doc to ad a benzo such as clonopin or xanax.
geno
Posted by colin wallace on March 2, 2002, at 8:44:41
In reply to Re: Is this anxiety?, posted by geno on March 1, 2002, at 17:59:13
I experienced that paralysing 'dread' feeling in the seat of my stomach for around two years- I was diagnosed with sever anxiety/panic, and was so far gone I could even experience panic-attacks, stifled breathing etc. at home, or even in bed.I was also unable even to speak when this progressed into major depression.Good news is that xanax, as many will testify, will have an instant effect on the anxiety.Remeron, in my case, almost completely eliminated the anxiety within a few months.This med combination can hand you back your life, believe me.
Posted by trouble on March 2, 2002, at 11:20:24
In reply to Re: Is this anxiety?, posted by colin wallace on March 2, 2002, at 8:44:41
Sounds pretty severe to be anxiety. A dissociative state? There's a thread over on PSB called well this is different where the guy describes something that may sound similar, I posted my experience on the situation too.
We can talk more about it over there if you want.
Anyway do you have a therapist? A decent therapist is invaluable for times like you describe. Otherwise the social alienation just adds to the fear and chaos, but then you page your therapist and s/he tells you what is gooing on and how to get out of it.
Good luck,
trouble
Posted by J1960 on March 2, 2002, at 15:48:56
In reply to Re: Is this anxiety?, posted by trouble on March 2, 2002, at 11:20:24
I just want to say what a huge relief it is, just having someone else say that they have gone through this too. Please keep writing, and let me know what has helped when this starts, when I first start feeling this way, what can I do to possibly stop it or control it before I cry or have to leave and go home. I have ANOTHER new job that starts next week, very easy for most people-working in the paint department of Home Depot. My typical pattern would be to be fine, enjoying the people and my work for the first couple of hours, then anxiety starts and by 2 pm, I'm outta there. I can just imagine a line of people waiting to have paint mixed and the 42 year old woman helping them is standing there crying wishing she had her blankie. Yeah, I never loose my sense of humor. Thank you, keep writing, Jen
Posted by trouble on March 2, 2002, at 19:42:26
In reply to Re: Is this anxiety?, posted by J1960 on March 2, 2002, at 15:48:56
Hey friend,
OK. Those two syllables are a good place to start. It's coming, ok, here it is, demanding all your attention, you can't fight it so you might as well accept it, OK.
You're right, you're not alone. Keep that in mind. Lots of people experience extreme affective states, and they've learned to cope. So can you.
So, what's the worst thing that can happen to you when the panic comes? Cry while serving customers, you mentioned that. Yeah well public displays of decompensation are a drag but you get used to them. You can't take care of others right now, you're the one in distress, if it disturbs people to see you like that they can look away. And whatever shame and sense of exposure you may feel about breaking down in public can be dealt w/later. 'Cause right now you're dealing w/this panic. It's a feeling for goodness sakes. What kind of a world do we live in where we're taught to trem... ok forgive me, I've had a hard day today and I'm mad at the world.
The idea here is to normalize the experience, and that's hard, it's a bad thing, no one wants to acknowledge its existence much less explalin and educate those to whom it happens. That's where the therapist comes in, I don't recall, did you say you had one, or are you in between counselors right now, or are there financial issues involved? B/c there are resources in most cities to help people in need, regardless of income.
Meanwhile I know a 10 dollar book you can read in one sitting that could help you out. It's called
Living With IT, A Survivor's Guide To Panic Attacks, by Bev Aisbett. It's illustrated, and the cartoon characters look very real in their distress. They also look loveable. I predict you will laugh ruefully when you read this book and recognize yourself in the pages. It truly is a warm, simple, and practical, little book, at least that's how it was for me, let me know if it works for you.trouble
Posted by Ponder on March 2, 2002, at 23:44:14
In reply to Re: Is this anxiety?, posted by trouble on March 2, 2002, at 19:42:26
Posted by BarbaraCat on March 3, 2002, at 14:45:47
In reply to Is this anxiety?, posted by J1960 on March 1, 2002, at 15:35:02
Anxiety, panic disorder, depression, what's in a name? It's overwhelming and terrifying and feels like singed nerve-endings. I've had depression/anxiety all my life. My pattern is usually anxiety (hypomanic) then depression. I'm now just recenly emerging from an extreme and desperate state. I'd be out shopping, whatever, and would get this swell of feeling, usually deep grief, sorrow, for no reason, any reason. I'd have to dive into a restroom and sit on the stall and sob until the tidal wave passed. Sobbing in the car, praying to ward off the awful sense of doom, dreading another day of exhausting anxiety and psychic pain. There are plenty of things to be sorrowful about in this world, but when it becomes disabling and no place seems safe (except maybe bed, but then there's the guilt and loss of pay), then medication is in order.
I'm currently on Remeron, lithium and klonopin. My childhood was bad, but no matter, my chemistry is as it is and I need medication to keep it stable. I do everything else I can, meditate, pray, exercise, eat healthy. I'm well informed, I've had decades of therapy. But without my chemical angels, I am one sad and sorry gal. I give thanks every day that I don't have to suffer through that horror and that meds, when they work, work like a miracle. - Barbara
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