Anxiety help please

[eosmum]

I have always over reacted to simple everyday situations, over thought how everyone perceives me. But in the last few years it has become dreadful. I was diagnosed with depression a couple of years ago after my father died, but I couldn't afford the doctor visits, prescription for AD and any sort of counselling (Im in Ireland), so after 6 months I came off everything and have been, managing since then.

But I didn't really believe it was depression, it was more the anxiety and panic that I felt at the most everyday situations, that I found most difficult to deal with. If my children have a match, I do my best not to go as I'm to nervous to watch, when I do have to bring them I always end up dry retching and with diarrhea, when I have to bring them to unknown places in the car it's the same. I stress about parking, getting there, getting lost everything.

I could handle it when I was anxious only for the day before and the day of the event, but now my panic starts from the moment I hear about an event. My eldest DD had her driving test last week, and I started the panic two weeks before, not sleeping, butterflies in my stomach, the diarrhea started three days before and the day before and on the day I started vomiting, and I'm still like it now, haven't slept for more than a couple of hours since friday, dry retching, shaking. What do you think? I'm in work having not slept, trying to look normal and failing, I'm going to go to the GP, how can I get through the day? It's a new job that I like but it is far more stressful than my previous one and I'm terrified I'll lose it. Can I just be treated for anxiety without depression, or is it the same treatment for both.

Thanks everyone. Sorry if it's rambling, there are far more instances but as I said in work and it could get very long.

[BumpingFuglies]

Hi OP

First of all, have a [hug]

You are doing the right thing seeing the GP. Treatments vary according to your specific symptoms but the GP will go through this with you, so try not to worry about that side of things. It's not just drugs that can help, you may be offered "talking therapies" too.

I know how that awful anxiety feels, I used to have it like you. It is possible to get it under control with the right help. Do you have family or friends you can talk to?

[keekeeblue]

Hi, yes you can have anxiety without having depression. I am being treated for anxiety and the GP has told me that I definitely don't have depression. As bumping says talking therapies are helpful, and I find the medication has eased my anxieties greatly. There are many different forms of talking therapies, if you could get referred I think you would start to feel a little better. Talking to someone who doesn't know you and won't judge you is very therapeutic. I found that I could say anything, even if I found it embarassing and silly. Good luck and hope you can see your GP today xx

[eosmum]

Thanks guys for replying, really struggling today, can't get an appointment for a few days. Not sure if I could be offered talking theraphy or if I could afford it, one of my big anxieties at the moment is financial of course. Feel like getting drunk to stop the feeling in my stomach and relax me, but I don't even drink, that's due to another of my anxieties that I would end up like my alcoholic mother. It's great to hear others experiences.

[BumpingFuglies]

Eosmum tell the GP it's an emergency - IT IS

Can you get some support from anyone close to you?

[keekeeblue]

Hi Eosmum, how are you feeling today? Have you managed to see your GP?

Thinking of you x

[eosmum]

Thanks for thinking of me it really means a huge amount. Still not good but better, not seeing gp til next week, the only one I feel able to speak to is away and the thoughts of seeing anyone else sends me spinning. I've been using rescue remedies all day and someone in work is getting me the name of some herbal stuff she uses when she sees the dentist, I just want a short break from my own self, just to think clearly without going off at the deep end, feel like I'm on the edge all the time. Spoke to dh but he just doesn't get it, he's brilliant, but is the most upbeat positive person in the world so this is completely alien to him, but he's doing his best. Thanks again guys hoping for some sleep tonight.

[magoosmom]

Sorry to hear you've been feeling like this, anxiety is really awful, I had terrible panic and anxiety for a few years but the good news is I'm in control now and you can be too so don't give up. I'm in Ireland too and totally agree about the huge cost of counselling , gp and medication but don't let that put you off, there are free counselling services and I'm sure your GP would put you on the waiting list for free therapy. Be honest with the GP and explain how much it is affecting your life. I used to retch with anxiety too and DH just couldn't understand please don't be alone in this, pm me if you need to, I've been there and know how awful it feels .

[eosmum]

Right heading to the doctor in a couple of hours, very bad night, now stressing over seeing a different doctor, and actually seeing a doctor at all. Thanks guys

[magoosmom]

hope doctor went well?

[eosmum]

Went fine, have ADs and beta blockers just for a couple of days. Completely exhausted now. Ended up seeing my original doctor which was great, but have to go back in a couple of weeks to make sure meds are working. Thanks for asking.

[magoosmom]

That's great , glad you saw the doc you wanted to see hope the meds kick in soon, pm me anytime if you want to chat x

[Tattoopixie]

Hello, saw this thread and felt that I should comment. I have suffered from anxiety for most of my life but the last few years it has gotten much worse. I also retch alot when i'm feeling anxious about something, well everything really.... I tried loads of medications for it as well as different therapies but nothing has ever touched it but I have been doing CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) for the last few weeks and have already seen some improvements. It does take a lot of work but if you have the right therapist I think it will really help you as it gives you practical tools to deal with your anxiety and situations you find difficult. Anyway sorry for the ramble but I hope this helps and that your meds are helping you a bit.

[eosmum]

Thanks tattoo I will look into that when I'm feeling up to it, I'm too low at the moment. I will have to find some ways of coping with everyday life when I'm past this bump. Had to take the day off today feeling really shaky and sick. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

[keekeeblue]

Hi Eosmum, just take each day or half day at a time. You will feel better although it may take time so don't worry if the meds don't work straight away.

I have just started CBT this week, glad to hear Tattoo that it is working for you.

[eosmum]

Well hopefully have turned a corner, yesterday was the worst day ever, but I've managed some sleep and am feeling slightly less sick today,, still shaking and feeling sick but better. Thank you all very much for taking the time to reply to me, it really helped to read even when I wasn't up to replying.

[Tattoopixie]

I hope CBT works for you KeeKeeblue

And eosmum, try and stay strong (I know it's easier said than done) and you will get there and get to the point where you feel ready for treatment. I hope you have a good weekend, be nice to yourself and take it easy.