Hello space_caddet7321!!
Obviously everyone have that weird feeling by seeing mentally upset people, If you get extremely terrified then you have to consult a psychiatrist..
May be you could have experienced a worst situation in your childhood days or so..
Better do have a consultation, nothing more to worry about that.
Drug Rehab
i was just wondering if anyone else has these feelings...
Hi again Space_Caddet!
You asked how everything could possibly change overnight, the truth is this has probably been an underlying issue for a long time, and something (like the passing of your mother) brought it all to the surface. The very same thing happened to me, and I would be willing to bet it's happened to many others as well. As a species, we are quite adept at coping with many things at one time unfortunately, our brains can only process just so much before going into overload mode. I'm certain that's what links all of us with depression and or anxiety.
I had a good job, a great family, loving wife, two sons, I made a decent income, and had more energy than I knew what to do with. We were 4 days away from going on a much needed trip to Hawaii, when I came home late one night to police cars and crime tape all around the streets in front of my home. I had to go under the tape to get to my front door. When I got inside, my wife told me our neighbor had a heart attack just as he was turing into his driveway, hit the excelerator and crashed into some trees about 100' from our house. She just happened to be looking out the window as the car went by and crashed. All the other neighbors rushed out to help, but he died on the scene before they could get him to the hospital. The ironic part was he had gone in for a heart stress test on Friday, got a clean bill of health, and died Saturday night!
I was pretty upset, so I laid down on the couch and watched TV for awhile and fell asleep. Out of the blue, I woke up with all the classic signs of a heart attack. I just barely made it down the hall and into our bedroom to wake my wife. To put the whole experience into one word, I would have to say, horrifying!!!
My body was so out of control, I didn't have a clue what was going on. I wound up rolling around on the floor, I couldn't breath, my heart was pounding out of my chest, I was sweating and freezing cold at the same time. I was nauseous, it felt like an elephant was standing on my chest, and I was on the verge of passing out. The whole time my brain felt like it was floating around in a bucket of water.
My wife finally called 911, and I was transported to the ER, I truly believed I was going to die that night!!! After what seemed like an eternity, they ran all kinds of tests, observed me, monitered my vital signs and gave me anti-anxiety medication, before discharging me into my wifes care 5 hours later. My life, my families life, my interaction with friends, relatives and co-workers, all changed in the blink of an eye, and I am still struggling with it 14+ years later. So the answer to your question is "YES", your life can change literally overnight.
What you need to grasp is the simple fact that you "NEED" psychiatric help, medication, and the support of your family and friends to turn your life around. The most important thing is to admit you need help, and then take steps immediatley to get yourself and your thought process under control. Don't think you're going to "Snap Out Of It", and if anyone says that to you, they don't have a clue what you're going through, and will be of little help to you and your problem.
Your spouse will have to pick up a lot of the duties and decision making processes around the house, and basically oversee your healthcare. If he can't take on that responsibility, see if a parent or friend can help out. A support line is critical to make sure you stay on-track with your treatment, doctors appointments, medication etc.
Don't dismiss taking medication, it may very well be what finally brings your life back to normal. Also, finding a psychiatrist that you can trust and confide in is absolutely neccessary for you to get better. If gender makes it easier for you to open up to your provider, then get one you feel completely comfortable with. If they give you ultimatums, like you need to see me 5 times a week or you'll never get better, re-think that provider. They are there to help you, not just to collect payments for services rendered.
Either depression or anxiety in of themselves can make your life miserable, having both makes it even harder, but not impossible to regain control of. You are your best healthcare advocate. You know your body and mind better than anyone else, so "YOU" have to be the one to take charge of getting the best care possible. Be assertive, do research on the Internet, read about various medications and keep in mind they all have side effects, but the side effects are almost always far better than the depression and anxiety you're faced with.
You are not insane, your brain isn't going to turn to goo, or jump out of your skull, but you do have issues that must be addressed before you can feel better again. It's going to take time, so don't think by taking a pill you will be miraculously healed overnight, none of them work like that. You may also have to try several medications before you find the one, and the dose, that works for your particular situation. The brain is a very complex machine, but if you dive into this thing with a positive attitude, have good support around you (not people that tell you to "SNAP OUT OF IT", loose those folks!!!), locate and keep a psychiatrist you trust and can tell literally anything to, and just keep on plugging forward, you'll get through this, and come out the other side feeling like a human being again.
Keep in mind it's a process. It will take time, a lot of effort on your part, understanding and patience from your family and friends, and the desire to see this through to the end. Right now the only thing you can concentrate on is "YOU" getting better. Until that happens, your family will have to rally around you in every way they can, but at the same time realize you just don't have the energy or proper state of mind to give back right now. Trying to have a "NORMAL" life, family, friends, relationship with your spouse, sex life, etc., simply isn't possible until you get to the source of why you have anxiety, and what is causing your depression. It could be a simple inbalance of chemicals in your brain, which the meds will address, or some deep rooted issues that span back to your childhood, which your psychiatrist will uncover along with your help. Either way, getting help is going to trump living day to day feeling the way you are today, RIGHT!!! Do it for yourself first, then for your family, friends, and if you work, your co-workers. It's your choice...
You asked how everything could possibly change overnight, the truth is this has probably been an underlying issue for a long time, and something (like the passing of your mother) brought it all to the surface. The very same thing happened to me, and I would be willing to bet it's happened to many others as well. As a species, we are quite adept at coping with many things at one time unfortunately, our brains can only process just so much before going into overload mode. I'm certain that's what links all of us with depression and or anxiety.
I had a good job, a great family, loving wife, two sons, I made a decent income, and had more energy than I knew what to do with. We were 4 days away from going on a much needed trip to Hawaii, when I came home late one night to police cars and crime tape all around the streets in front of my home. I had to go under the tape to get to my front door. When I got inside, my wife told me our neighbor had a heart attack just as he was turing into his driveway, hit the excelerator and crashed into some trees about 100' from our house. She just happened to be looking out the window as the car went by and crashed. All the other neighbors rushed out to help, but he died on the scene before they could get him to the hospital. The ironic part was he had gone in for a heart stress test on Friday, got a clean bill of health, and died Saturday night!
I was pretty upset, so I laid down on the couch and watched TV for awhile and fell asleep. Out of the blue, I woke up with all the classic signs of a heart attack. I just barely made it down the hall and into our bedroom to wake my wife. To put the whole experience into one word, I would have to say, horrifying!!!
My body was so out of control, I didn't have a clue what was going on. I wound up rolling around on the floor, I couldn't breath, my heart was pounding out of my chest, I was sweating and freezing cold at the same time. I was nauseous, it felt like an elephant was standing on my chest, and I was on the verge of passing out. The whole time my brain felt like it was floating around in a bucket of water.
My wife finally called 911, and I was transported to the ER, I truly believed I was going to die that night!!! After what seemed like an eternity, they ran all kinds of tests, observed me, monitered my vital signs and gave me anti-anxiety medication, before discharging me into my wifes care 5 hours later. My life, my families life, my interaction with friends, relatives and co-workers, all changed in the blink of an eye, and I am still struggling with it 14+ years later. So the answer to your question is "YES", your life can change literally overnight.
What you need to grasp is the simple fact that you "NEED" psychiatric help, medication, and the support of your family and friends to turn your life around. The most important thing is to admit you need help, and then take steps immediatley to get yourself and your thought process under control. Don't think you're going to "Snap Out Of It", and if anyone says that to you, they don't have a clue what you're going through, and will be of little help to you and your problem.
Your spouse will have to pick up a lot of the duties and decision making processes around the house, and basically oversee your healthcare. If he can't take on that responsibility, see if a parent or friend can help out. A support line is critical to make sure you stay on-track with your treatment, doctors appointments, medication etc.
Don't dismiss taking medication, it may very well be what finally brings your life back to normal. Also, finding a psychiatrist that you can trust and confide in is absolutely neccessary for you to get better. If gender makes it easier for you to open up to your provider, then get one you feel completely comfortable with. If they give you ultimatums, like you need to see me 5 times a week or you'll never get better, re-think that provider. They are there to help you, not just to collect payments for services rendered.
Either depression or anxiety in of themselves can make your life miserable, having both makes it even harder, but not impossible to regain control of. You are your best healthcare advocate. You know your body and mind better than anyone else, so "YOU" have to be the one to take charge of getting the best care possible. Be assertive, do research on the Internet, read about various medications and keep in mind they all have side effects, but the side effects are almost always far better than the depression and anxiety you're faced with.
You are not insane, your brain isn't going to turn to goo, or jump out of your skull, but you do have issues that must be addressed before you can feel better again. It's going to take time, so don't think by taking a pill you will be miraculously healed overnight, none of them work like that. You may also have to try several medications before you find the one, and the dose, that works for your particular situation. The brain is a very complex machine, but if you dive into this thing with a positive attitude, have good support around you (not people that tell you to "SNAP OUT OF IT", loose those folks!!!), locate and keep a psychiatrist you trust and can tell literally anything to, and just keep on plugging forward, you'll get through this, and come out the other side feeling like a human being again.
Keep in mind it's a process. It will take time, a lot of effort on your part, understanding and patience from your family and friends, and the desire to see this through to the end. Right now the only thing you can concentrate on is "YOU" getting better. Until that happens, your family will have to rally around you in every way they can, but at the same time realize you just don't have the energy or proper state of mind to give back right now. Trying to have a "NORMAL" life, family, friends, relationship with your spouse, sex life, etc., simply isn't possible until you get to the source of why you have anxiety, and what is causing your depression. It could be a simple inbalance of chemicals in your brain, which the meds will address, or some deep rooted issues that span back to your childhood, which your psychiatrist will uncover along with your help. Either way, getting help is going to trump living day to day feeling the way you are today, RIGHT!!! Do it for yourself first, then for your family, friends, and if you work, your co-workers. It's your choice...
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Sit-N-Spin
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:17 pm
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space_caddet7321
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:51 pm
Hi Space_Caddet,
Sorry for the long pause in replying to your last post, but I needed some time to think before adding to what was already discussed. I'm glad that some other folks could relate to my experience, well maybe not glad, because then you would have either been through what I have, or just figured out you have some issues that require care and guidance, so glad to shed light on a scary subject might be a better response!
I am new to these forums, but have a lifetime of experiences, and a solid 14+ years of time in the trenches with anxiety and depression, if you would like me to share further? What I'm looking to get out of contributing to this forum, is for you and others to open up your collective experiences on how you delt with similar issues. I know I'm not alone, and for whatever the reason, I know when those with high levels of anxiety crash, the symptoms and the overall cycle of events is almost identical when you compare notes.
There is always an event that triggers the beginning of what feels like the end of your life at the time, and then a whole host of other problems that seem to go along with the initial episode, have you noticed that? Once the chain of events begins to unfold, it follows a textbook list of issues and behavior, if you read some of the other anxiety related posts, and or think back on your own struggles. The first episode is usually like life and death in the mind of the person going through the experience, with the fallout feeling like a who's who of phobias, trips to every kind of physician, isolation, what if thinking, and a complete loss of confidence in literally everything you do.
I went from a vibrant, fully functioning adult, to a quivering mass of jello overnight! I couldn't drive a car. I couldn't go out in public. I couldn't watch any TV that was scary or medical related. I couldn't deal with any stress what so ever. I was scared to death to fall asleep because I was afraid I would die, or that I would wake up in the middle of another panic attack, and becasue it was winter time; I would literally stare out the window and worry myself sick that the paramedics couldn't reach my house if I got in trouble, when there was too much ice and snow on the roadway. I was completely out of control!
This went on for months at a time, followed by endless trips to every kind of doctor on the planet to make absolutely sure I didn't have cancer, heart disease, a brain tumor, or any other ailment that could kill me. I had MRI's,a Brain Scan, X-Rays, Blood Tests, Evaluations, a Stress Test, an Echo-Cardiogram, and I got to the night before an Angiogram (where they send a catheter down your artery and into your heart looking for blockage), but became almost violently ill just thinking about the procedure before canceling. Which my cardiologist was in total agreement with anyway. He was going to perform the procedure because I requested it, not because I needed it, and it's a fairly risky thing to do to your body on a good day. Plus, here I am one of the worlds biggest needle and medical phoebics, willing to do nearly anything to prove to the world that I had a disease that was going to kill me!!!
So if any of you are just starting down this little tour of horrors, you can probably save a whole bunch of time, money, and countless anxiety attacks, by getting a clean bill of health from your general physician, then making a B-Line for your therapist! If you go through a standard battery of tests during a physical, most of the "Biggies" are going to show up and be treated, should anything actually exist. I'm guessing 85-90% of you or more will fall into this category, and maybe, just maybe, the other 10-15% might have something wrong that's causing your problems. Virtually everything else comes right from your own thoughts and fears.
So that's chapter two for me and my problems, now can any of you see yourselves following this same destructive path? The medical procedures alone we're willing to endure to prove we have some dreaded disease, should be reason enough to put a stop to all our 'What If" thinking, and Gloom and Doom, RIGHT? Seriously, your doctors can't find anything physically wrong with you, your tests are almost always negative, which leads to one conclusion, it is literally all in your head.
"But no, really I'm sick." "I feel bad all the time." "I'm exhausted, anxious, my body aches all over." "My stomach is upset, I can't sleep, I have headaches, diarrhea and pain in my chest." Yep, you may have all those symptoms and probably a few I forgot, but if you look at the test results from your doctors, and everything comes up negative, all your doing now is extending your own misery. By not coming to the realization that your anxiety and depression began and continues to get worse because of your own thoughts, each new day could be one on the road to recovery if you just understand you are your own worst enemy at this point. All the baggage you drag up day after day continues the cycle, and leaves you feeling like you've been run over by a bus.
Getting past this one hurdle is so important, yet can be so very difficult at the same time. You've done everything the medical field has to offer and come up empty time and time again. Now you have to trust in yourself, your therapist if you have one, medication if required, your religion if that helps, your family, friends, and the whole support process you have in place that got you to this point. You take a leap of faith, and soon realize that much of the struggle has been self inflicted, then you move past and onto the road to recovery. It's baby steps mind you, but you go forward, and eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The weight of not worrying about dying, diseases, what-if thinking, and all the other negative ways you perceived life begins to lift. Then it's up to each of us to reach a point where we begin to regain control of our lives, and re-enter the human race as the vibarnt souls we once were, or could have been before we spiraled out of control...
Sorry for the long pause in replying to your last post, but I needed some time to think before adding to what was already discussed. I'm glad that some other folks could relate to my experience, well maybe not glad, because then you would have either been through what I have, or just figured out you have some issues that require care and guidance, so glad to shed light on a scary subject might be a better response!
I am new to these forums, but have a lifetime of experiences, and a solid 14+ years of time in the trenches with anxiety and depression, if you would like me to share further? What I'm looking to get out of contributing to this forum, is for you and others to open up your collective experiences on how you delt with similar issues. I know I'm not alone, and for whatever the reason, I know when those with high levels of anxiety crash, the symptoms and the overall cycle of events is almost identical when you compare notes.
There is always an event that triggers the beginning of what feels like the end of your life at the time, and then a whole host of other problems that seem to go along with the initial episode, have you noticed that? Once the chain of events begins to unfold, it follows a textbook list of issues and behavior, if you read some of the other anxiety related posts, and or think back on your own struggles. The first episode is usually like life and death in the mind of the person going through the experience, with the fallout feeling like a who's who of phobias, trips to every kind of physician, isolation, what if thinking, and a complete loss of confidence in literally everything you do.
I went from a vibrant, fully functioning adult, to a quivering mass of jello overnight! I couldn't drive a car. I couldn't go out in public. I couldn't watch any TV that was scary or medical related. I couldn't deal with any stress what so ever. I was scared to death to fall asleep because I was afraid I would die, or that I would wake up in the middle of another panic attack, and becasue it was winter time; I would literally stare out the window and worry myself sick that the paramedics couldn't reach my house if I got in trouble, when there was too much ice and snow on the roadway. I was completely out of control!
This went on for months at a time, followed by endless trips to every kind of doctor on the planet to make absolutely sure I didn't have cancer, heart disease, a brain tumor, or any other ailment that could kill me. I had MRI's,a Brain Scan, X-Rays, Blood Tests, Evaluations, a Stress Test, an Echo-Cardiogram, and I got to the night before an Angiogram (where they send a catheter down your artery and into your heart looking for blockage), but became almost violently ill just thinking about the procedure before canceling. Which my cardiologist was in total agreement with anyway. He was going to perform the procedure because I requested it, not because I needed it, and it's a fairly risky thing to do to your body on a good day. Plus, here I am one of the worlds biggest needle and medical phoebics, willing to do nearly anything to prove to the world that I had a disease that was going to kill me!!!
So if any of you are just starting down this little tour of horrors, you can probably save a whole bunch of time, money, and countless anxiety attacks, by getting a clean bill of health from your general physician, then making a B-Line for your therapist! If you go through a standard battery of tests during a physical, most of the "Biggies" are going to show up and be treated, should anything actually exist. I'm guessing 85-90% of you or more will fall into this category, and maybe, just maybe, the other 10-15% might have something wrong that's causing your problems. Virtually everything else comes right from your own thoughts and fears.
So that's chapter two for me and my problems, now can any of you see yourselves following this same destructive path? The medical procedures alone we're willing to endure to prove we have some dreaded disease, should be reason enough to put a stop to all our 'What If" thinking, and Gloom and Doom, RIGHT? Seriously, your doctors can't find anything physically wrong with you, your tests are almost always negative, which leads to one conclusion, it is literally all in your head.
"But no, really I'm sick." "I feel bad all the time." "I'm exhausted, anxious, my body aches all over." "My stomach is upset, I can't sleep, I have headaches, diarrhea and pain in my chest." Yep, you may have all those symptoms and probably a few I forgot, but if you look at the test results from your doctors, and everything comes up negative, all your doing now is extending your own misery. By not coming to the realization that your anxiety and depression began and continues to get worse because of your own thoughts, each new day could be one on the road to recovery if you just understand you are your own worst enemy at this point. All the baggage you drag up day after day continues the cycle, and leaves you feeling like you've been run over by a bus.
Getting past this one hurdle is so important, yet can be so very difficult at the same time. You've done everything the medical field has to offer and come up empty time and time again. Now you have to trust in yourself, your therapist if you have one, medication if required, your religion if that helps, your family, friends, and the whole support process you have in place that got you to this point. You take a leap of faith, and soon realize that much of the struggle has been self inflicted, then you move past and onto the road to recovery. It's baby steps mind you, but you go forward, and eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The weight of not worrying about dying, diseases, what-if thinking, and all the other negative ways you perceived life begins to lift. Then it's up to each of us to reach a point where we begin to regain control of our lives, and re-enter the human race as the vibarnt souls we once were, or could have been before we spiraled out of control...
-
space_caddet7321
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:51 pm
yes i do relate to this but i think i crashed into a depression so quickly maybe that i dont even care if i die. i used to care that is how it started for me about two years ago after my second duaghter was born i would worry about little pains or feeling sluggish all the time i thought i had cancer or "something" wrong with me but my biggest worry at that time was if i die who will take care of my kids? now it feels like i cant wait til my name is called i hate being here im in hell already. and im doing more harm then good to my kids. i used to be a wonderful mom as much a i thought i needed to improve before. i see it in my oldest daughter she is so dramatic when she doesnt feel good like she is dieing from somthing serious. and i know that came from watching me. idk anymore. i start theripy tomorrow i hope its what i need i know i need to be on meds too i just worry about hurting the baby. so that will have to wait until hes here then i will begin my meds again. thank you for taking the time to respond to my post i hope you dont run from me now i hope there is still hope.
There is always hope!!
With God all things are possible.
Good for you with therapy. I found that my cycles changed after the 4th baby. All of a sudden I got PMS and anxiety hit like a hammer again. I went to 15 doctors because I just felt wrong, and all the positive thinking in the world didn't help me. I tried StressCenter.com, but it didn't click. I even tried a coach and she told me that everyone has changing hormones and I was exaggerating and using it as an excuse. I felt good for 2 weeks, and dying for 2 weeks. I knew it had something to do with my hormones. I went to a compounding pharmacist who works with an OB and I got natural progesterone supplements and it made a 1000% difference in my anxiety. Try reading some articles at www.womentowomen.com and see if they offer you any hope. I take their vitamins and love the changes that the hormone supplements have done for me.
With God all things are possible.
Good for you with therapy. I found that my cycles changed after the 4th baby. All of a sudden I got PMS and anxiety hit like a hammer again. I went to 15 doctors because I just felt wrong, and all the positive thinking in the world didn't help me. I tried StressCenter.com, but it didn't click. I even tried a coach and she told me that everyone has changing hormones and I was exaggerating and using it as an excuse. I felt good for 2 weeks, and dying for 2 weeks. I knew it had something to do with my hormones. I went to a compounding pharmacist who works with an OB and I got natural progesterone supplements and it made a 1000% difference in my anxiety. Try reading some articles at www.womentowomen.com and see if they offer you any hope. I take their vitamins and love the changes that the hormone supplements have done for me.