overwhelming feelings yet restless

lisalee · Post by **lisalee** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:58 pm

does anybody have the same feelings that you need to keep busy to distract yourself from feelings of anxiety etc. but then you try to stay busy and you get overwhelmed with what you are doing any how, so you have to stop doing what you are doing then the anxiety comes back??? I don't understand this. I am currently on risperdone and then I have to take clonazepram for the anxiety.

Also, does anybody have problems with pacing? I can't stop moving.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:41 pm

I do have to keep busy when I notice the anxiety or panic attack coming on. I can not do physical things however as I get very short of breathe which makes the panic even worse. I usually put on the tape I am working on (from Lucinda's program) and look at the work book or I get on the computer and get my mind busy doing something whether it be playing computer games, messaging with friends/family, or posting to my support groups. Usually the panic attack eases up and goes away.

Do you drink/eat a lot of caffeine products? I was doing that until several weeks ago. Since then I have cut way back on the caffeine intake and the feeling of having to move constantly has eased up a lot. How long have you been on the medicines you posted about? Have you talked to the doctor that prescribed them to see if maybe what you are experiencing may be a side effect of the meds?

Hang in there and know that we are all here for you. This is an awesome group of people who really care.

God bless,
Susan

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 3:12 pm

This is very normal. I couldn't watch TV, read or anything at times (You will again!) To help with the pacing and what really worked for me was going outside and walking a block and then running a block. Do anything to burn up energy. You will get through this-be encouraged!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:00 pm

i also agree with this walk or run when you feel like this it uses alot of energy and you will feel better when you are walking look around at nature that may calm you as well hope it works good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:17 pm

I'm new here, and its comforting to read these postings, as I have very similar feelings of having to move around, do something, get my mind occupied on something else, even go outside as one of the feelings I get is claustrophobia. When I have these attacks of anxiety, it seems to be accompanied by difficulty in breathing, blocked sinuses, something like that. I've talked to my regular doctor about it, he's "less than interested" and offers no suggestions or support. Lately and by accident I've found that taking something for congestion which contains pseudo ephedrine helps, after about 45 minutes or so, and so I've been buying Sudafed tablets, but I hate to get locked into "taking something" for what apparently is a product of my imagination. Men are not expected to have these problems, most of those who suffer from such ailments are women, so its difficult to talk to people about it - and when an attack comes, talking to somebody is exactly what I need to do! It would help to have somebody to telephone when an attack comes on. I live in a rural part of North Dakota, and many days pass when I never see or talk to another person, that just adds to the anxiety.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:40 am

thank you to all for the replies.

sadchatterbox, I haven't been on caffeine since april when I got this anxiety thing. Can't even go near it or I get more anxious than usual. The meds I have been on 3 weeks now. So the side effects should be easing up. but I think I have had this feeling with other meds also though. I see the doc on thursday so I will ask.

I am also getting down and almost depressed. so that is also part of the problem.

I sure do feel better when I can write stuff to people who care and understand, it sure does help a lot!! thank you all!