really struggling...

Cara · Post by **Cara** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:19 am

hi...my name is cara and i am 21. for over two years now i have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. i stopped taking lexapro in november because i really wanted to get better without medication. since then i feel as though i have been going downhill....more and more symptoms on almost a daily basis. about a month ago i started having acupuncture treatments for anxiety. i have only had three treatments, but i was expecting it to help me a lot and so far it really hasn't at all. i am extremely discouraged....i have done the program and been to therapists and now acupuncture and nothing is helping....i am on the verge of tears all the time and i just want to feel normal again. this morning i was sitting on my couch and out of the blue i got this sudden surge of vertigo or dizziness....it felt like my head was moving but it really wasn't....was it just anxiety? i am terrified that it is something more and i will drop dead or something....i just want to feel ok, does anyone have any advice? thanks for listening...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:47 am

Cara, I'm so sorry for how you're feeling and not getting the results you want.When you went off the Lexapro, did you do it under a Drs. supervision? Did you go off a little at a time or all at once? Do you have any anxiety meds on hand like xanax or ativan? Possibly you could take a little of that if you have some. Have you tried the health food store to get something for anxiety? You said you've done the program but are you doing it again now while you're going thru this? Are you using the relaxation CD? You need to still do these things especially while experiencing symptoms. The symptoms will pass, it's just anxiety like we hear on the CD's. Come on chat and the forums for help. PM me if you'd like. Prayers out to you honey.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:01 am

Hang in there, Cara. Remind yourself that it's just anxiety and it will pass with no major harm. Calm yourself with positive self-talk. I think everyone here is or has been where you find yourself today. Think positive. I know that's easier said than done but these feelings will pass. This morning I wasn't doing too well and right now, I'm ok. That's just the way it is until we can kick this anxiety in the ass. Excuse my language. Find something that comforts you and stay busy to re-focus your thoughts. We're with you...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:13 am

Hey Cara, stay strong....the mornings are the worst for just about everyone on this site, Ive noticed.....If you havent had a doctors visit for a while, get a physical....that may help with your anxiety with your health...Once everything is clear, you can concentrate on the positive self talk that everything is ok....good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:39 am

It's OK to ask your doctor for a low dose of Ativan while you are working the program. Just take it as you need it. The program will indeed help you to calm down and to heal. Be patient. It takes time and work on your part but you can heal from this. Right now your scared and upset. That little bit of medication will help you to focus on the program and exercises better. If you feel you can focus without the meds that is fine, too.

Anxiety doesn't feel harmless but IT IS. It's the adrenaline causing all your symptoms. Adrenaline also is harmless. It is not dangerous. These are things you need to be reminding yourself of. You want to soothe yourself. Always soothe. Never judge or criticize what you are experiencing. You were born this way and you are in the process of working on yourself to heal. ANXIETY AND OCD ARE CUREABLE.

You really will be OK. Be patient with your progress. Treat every victory as a large victory.

Keep us posted as to how you are doing and if there is anything we can guide you on.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:59 am

its ok to feel like this...i feel like this too. your dizziness could be from getting off ur meds, or maybe u were really tired cuz sometimes in the morning if i wake up early and didn't get a good nights rest i feel a little dizzy. I also get dizzy when im anxious adn i know a lot of other people feel this way too....best thing to do is breathe....

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 12:04 pm

hi cara
do you eat breakfast? i always get really dizzy and nauseous if i don't eat soon after waking. it's really important to eat even just a little to help your blood sugar balance out.

Layha Rae · Post by **Layha Rae** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 12:15 pm

Cara

Sounds like your having a panic attack. Remember this is just anxiety and you're not going to die. The dizziness may be from the going off the meds or just stress. We are overreactor to life's problems and need to underreact. Try to relax, find humor in your fears which is hard at first and slow deep breathes. You will be alright and will make it through these hard times.

AmandaJ

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:02 pm

thanks everyone for responding....your words of encouragement help!

spowers · Post by **spowers** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:45 pm

hi, just a quick reply to say i liked waht joe p said - that you are going to kick this anxiety in the ass--! my sentiments exactly. when i start looking at it that way, like anxiety is something tangible, that i CAN actually kick in the ass, it helps me...!
between all of us, we will really be able to destroy it, right!?