Posted by mom_cheeks on December 27, 2003, at 9:12:12
In reply to been on it for a month - good but is there more?, posted by PennyLane on December 16, 2003, at 0:46:39
Hi there.
I can completely relate to you. I have had GAD with bouts of depression for years. I understand what you mean about the shrooms and the anxiety attack, I had a massive one when i was stoned on pot (I smoke very occassionally) and I think it was when things started to get worse. However, I had GAD, ulcers, nervous habits galore for years before that, so my situation is a little different.
THis last 8 months on Effexor has changed my life. Here is what I have learned that I hope can help you. Its great you have support, that makes THE difference.
1. Change your thinking to think of it as a scientific equaton. Your brain, just as it can learn math, english, and science, LEARNS anxiety. FROM ONE ATTACK. You have to unlearn it. Don't feel bad about that. YOU ARE NOT CRAZY. It will happen, get as much help as you can. Ask your doctor about CBT - COgnitive behavioral therepy. It really works, because it doesn't focus on WHY you are having the attacks, it focuses on re-directing your brain away from it.
2. I am convinced that the depression is a direct result of the anxiety. If your brain keeps dumping adreniline and cortisol daily, it is bound to have effects. The same way long-distance runners get knee injury. Constant ware has its effects. During anxiety attacks, it changes the way your body reponds. It tires you out. That makes sense.
3. NO ONE EVER WENT CRAZY FROM AN ANXIETY ATTACK. Although I know that feeling of walking the tightrope REALLY well, you are not going to lose it. You are smart, intelligent and your dreams will come back.
4. Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling as much as you feel you have to. I bet that right after, your anxiety will lessen. Let it rip, everyone has problems in life, those that say they don't are lying.
I really feel for you. If you would like to "chat" over email, my name is Jen, and my email address is [email protected]. Please email, I will try to help as much as I can. I have been there!!!
poster:mom_cheeks
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031225/msgs/293727.html