HELP!

Mag1207 · Post by **Mag1207** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:28 am

Is it just me or does anxiety for some people come at certain times of the year. I seem to be extremely nervous around the holidays including now and don't seem to feel a sense of normalcy until mid Jan. I hate this feeling. I am going to motivate myself to finish the program which is where I am at fault. I start it and when I feel better I stop. I hate feeling like i'm going crazy, my mind starts whirling and i feel I cannot control it which starts my anxiety and panic. I just started taking my lexapro again. My doctor said to take it a week or two prior to menses for pre menstrual dysphoric dysfunction. I am starting to feel i need it all the time. At times I even have attacks in my car and have to pull over only to pop a pill and wait the time for it to take effect. I am newly married with four teenagers and very happy and feel my life should be getting better but I see now I have to take the steps to make ME better by finishing the program. I am currently at work holed up in my office taking a break while I wait for my attack to subside after I took my meds.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:39 am

You are not alone. Holidays are a rough time for me too. There seems to be a lot of expectations put on us around the holidays, we're supposed to feel certain ways etc. If you don't feel the way you are "supposed to" it can make you feel out of sync. I believe our feelings are our own and we have a right to feel however we genuine do - holidays or not.

As to starting and stopping the program, it sound like what they say about antibiotics - even if you start feeling better, finish the bottle : )

I think you nailed it when you said you need to take care of yourself. Someone once give me the analogy of the oxygen mask drill they say on airplanes - Put your own mask on first, then you can help other people.

So, breath : )

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 4:07 am

Thank you for your reassuring words. I appreciate it. You are absolutely right, i need to place my own mask on appropriately before i help others.

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 5:05 am

Hi Maggie:

I agree, I think finishing the program is a good idea...maybe even reviewing session two on panic attacks inbetween those days you are not listening to the current session might be helpful as well. I live in New England and the winter is killing me. I know I have Seasonal Affective Disorder and the anxiety is not helping this situation. The weather is cold and confining. I love to walk outside in the sun and the weather has not been so cooperative lately. I also don't do well around the holidays as the pressure to enjoy them and spend money is too much. But...this is something I want to work on...finding a more positive outlook on situations which cause me stress. I'm learning not to resist my anxious spacey feelings and instead allow and welcome them as part of who I am at the moment. Releasing the resistance has helped because it takes away the added stress of fear and allows my body to relax. Hang in there....this program works and the folks on this forum have been incredibly supportive and helpful. My best to you.

Lynn