Are you all as exhausted as I am?

[swordmaster]

I just had a revelation today as to why I am so tired all the time. I get adrenaline surges on a constant basis due to my anxiety. I had no idea that was what that was because it's not the same huge surge I get when dancing or playing sports or the many other actiiviies I do.

I could be sound asleep, something will wake me and I start thinking. That sucks because if I think of something that worries me I will get an adrenaline surge which I usually just thought was a deep feeling of worry. I cannot tell you how freeing it is to just know that. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me and couldn't understand why my brain was so fried and I could nap at any moment, except if I just had an adrenaline surge.

When I am doing something I truly enjoy, you wouldn't believe the amount of adrenaline that surges through my body. Even if I think about something I really enjoy or hear a song I really like, I get an adrenaline rush. I had no idea that was what that was. I always make fun of myself because I have a hard time harnessing that energy. When I was a child playing in a basketball game I would try so hard to play well and put my all into everything. I did so great at practice and could nail every lay up. But when it was game time I turned into the Hulk and couldn't harness that energy. When I would try to make a lay up, the ball would go hurling at the basket and ram right into the backboard and shoot halfway back to the free throw line. It was always so frustrating.

I hope this program can help me harness those adrenaline surges through the good and the bad times. I don't have the time to feel so tired and I feel guilty when I am and it's this constant cycle that frustrates and depresses me even more.

[Paisleegreen]

Yes, I feel tired and I am not feeling the anxiety symptoms as much as I use to. So I understand, hopefully, things will get better. Paislee

[JavierTapia]

I get those same feelings too, my palms get sweaty too. I hope this works too. Try exercising this will give you more energy through the day, it has helped me feel less anxious.

[Paisleegreen]

My palms and feet get sweaty too. Interesting...I don't know why though, is this a part of anxiety?

[swordmaster]

I get the sweaty palms too. It is definitely part of the anxiety.

[tommy_riley]

This morning I am both physically and mentally drained. It has been a long week with every day filled up with work, therapy, swimming, girlfriend, etc.

My brain went into overdrive yesterday and sent adreniline into my chest (my usual anxiety symptoms) and my heart started pounding in my chest - I tried to self-talk myself out of it, but it lasted for several hours. I ended up passing out and slept a long time - could not get out of bed for work on time, so I showed up almost two hours late.

Now I am here at work and feel in no real condition to do anything meaningful - I just want the day to end, but I know I have to goto the store to get ready for my kids to come over this weekend where I will be playing single parent for the weekend - then back to work. It is absolutely draining at times...

[Paisleegreen]

Hi Tommy-- I know this anxiety stuff can be exhausting. Although, your life style right now can be exhausting. Having to share children, a girlfriend, work, swimming and whatnot is plain exhausting. So having anxiety just can add to it. Sorry you passed out and arrived at work later than normal. Hope all goes well with the visit with your children. Paislee

[tommy_riley]

Hi Tommy-- I know this anxiety stuff can be exhausting. Although, your life style right now can be exhausting. Having to share children, a girlfriend, work, swimming and whatnot is plain exhausting. So having anxiety just can add to it. Sorry you passed out and arrived at work later than normal. Hope all goes well with the visit with your children. Paislee

Thanks for the kind words - still pretty tired this monday, but at least I made it through the weekend. I decided to take two days off next week, so I just need to plow through another 10 days or so and then I will have a little down time. Feeling less anxiety today, but still drained. Worked on the session steps last weekend as well - think I am about ready to start session three in the depression/anxiety program.

[swordmaster]

Tommy, do you know what triggered your anxiety attack that day? Were you just tired and overwhelmed with too much going on? Or was there something else that kicked in that adrenaline? I have been feeling the same way the last few days due to a family member that is near impossible to deal with.

That is great that you took some time off from work as it seems you are overwhelmed and have a lot going on. Try to minimize the activities that aren't necessary, except for exercise. I think it helps us tremendously. We do tend to be over doers and feel we have to do so much more than necessary. Give yourself a break, if you can, and realize how much you managed to accomplish even though you are having extrememly anxious moments. I know how difficult it is having all these feelings and trying to be a parent at the same time. Talk about anxiety inducing!

I hope you are feeling better.

[tommy_riley]

Tommy, do you know what triggered your anxiety attack that day? Were you just tired and overwhelmed with too much going on? Or was there something else that kicked in that adrenaline? I have been feeling the same way the last few days due to a family member that is near impossible to deal with...I hope you are feeling better.

My anxiety came from a few things that day - I was emailing back and forth with this gal I have been seeing (well, she is my g/f now...still a new relationship though), and I was worried that I opened up too much, then I went to a therapy group in the evening and talked about it, and I worried more and more about that I had opened up way too much. I wasn't sure if I should respond to my own email or call her and say I had said too much, but then I wasn't sure if that would make it even worse. So I was just worried alot about what this potentially new gal in my life was thinking of me at those moments.

It became overwhelming and I couldn't handle it any more.

I've eased off the messages to her and am just trying to take the relationship easy and not judge it or myself too much right now. She is different very different than my ex-wife and my last serious g/f (first g/f after the long marriage ended) so I'm just trying to feel it all out.

The other thing that has really gotten me tired lately is depression - the postive self talk and meds are only helping so much - I have not been going swimming as much as I was and all my $$$ has gone towards bills - it's been rough to keep up with the bills since before XMAS and every time I get paid all but about 20 bucks goes towards bills or ex-wife/kids or rent, so that's been pretty stressful to think about as well. Trying not to think about money but it's hard when you want to go out and do something as simple as have a meal with your g/f but not have cash to do so. Time to get a new job if my review doesn't go well (thats another stress point).