Stress Center Peer Support

Hello all, I'm not sure where I fit in for all of this stuff, but I guess this is just as good a place as any. I'm 30 years old, have been a police officer for 8 years, married, and just had a little girl in September.

I'm not sure how all this STUFF happened to me, so I guess I have become a part of this program to figure that out. I can remember the exact second, that my anxiety got out of control, and I snapped, it was when my dog got sick.

Not to say that was the only thing going on in my life, 6 year long stressful court case, new baby, doing my own renovations on my home, dog getting sick, working a second job, stopped working out, drinking alcohol 2 - 3 times per week, drinking lots of coffee. (Maybe I've anwered my own questions)

In any event, I just snapped, I took my dog to the vet, they fixed him up, and I took him home, but I just couldn't get if off my mind, the fact that I believed he was going to die. Then that negative thought process moved into almost everything I attached myself to, especially court. At that point my anxiety had gotten way out of control, and after only 4 days, I ended up in the emergency room at a hospital, being told that I was stressed out. I got a prescription for lorazepam, it worked for the night, but the next moring, here I was back in a viscious cycle of dwelling, and constant negative thoughts.

I won't continue too much longer, but I have been taking Cipralex for about six weeks now. First 10 mgs for about 3 weeks, then 20 mgs for about 2 weeks, now 25 mgs for a week, which is where I am now. I have changed my diet completely, no alcohol, coffee, and very limited sugar since the day I "snapped", which has been over 2 months now. I have been getting into the gym, a least 4 times a week, and I do think I am starting to recover, but boy oh boy is a slow process, when your used to being in control, and getting things done on your time, not anyone elses.

I have been making efforts to see a psychiatrist, but my appointments seem to keep getting cancelled or changed.

I am really looking forward to getting better, and moving past this road block. My doctor says I will get through this but of course I am skeptical, having not been through anything like this before.

If there is anyone out there like me, please share. PHIL

Hey Philip,

I'm not a police officer, but I am use to being in control, and we are similar in age. It seems that most people on here are women, and that stresses me more, because I feel that I am supposed to be tough and strong for my family and my clients.

I am just restarting the program after getting "sidetracked" during football season last year. I am a Financial Advisor with 2 children and a beautiful wife, but I want to provide so much for them, but I can't give them everything that I feel that they deserve.

I tried medication for almost 10 years, since college, but I look back and realize it didn't help me, but just caused distractions, and never learned to reprogram my thinking.

I know we don't really have that much in common, but I wanted to post, and you were the most normal sounding. My college roommate and best friend is a Sheriff's deputy.

I am trying to work out more, which has helped quite a bit. I am off caffeine, which feels good, although I still crave Dr. Pepper all of the time. Still going through w/d s I guess.

I still use alcohol occasionally, when I really get stressed, like this weekend.

Anyway, welcome to the program. I wish you and your family the best.

Hi Phil
I think being a police officer alone can bring alot of anxiety. You are not alone , so many of us can relate. I am glad you are working towards getting better. Follow the program , and change your thinking and things will work out, allow yourself time. I wish i could say it will be quick, i am on session 13 and almost 5 months since this 1st started and some days feel great , and others don't. I can say from the program i am learning how to handle the bad days better, which is a blessing. Congrats on the new baby.
Stay positive and good luck.