*Newbie*

[laurenabreu]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum, actually have never been on any forums ever. I've been meaning to do this for a time mainly becuz I don't have anyone to talk to. I realize that it takes time to get to really know a person, so at this point I'm just providing a brief history of myself to get the ball rolling. I'm a single mom, two children (boy, 15 and girl, 11) who are both beautiful, healthy and smart. I myself am basically healthy and smart although I've always had a hard time believing that I am. I'm 40 years old and have been struggling with depression and GAD since my teens. I was on Effexor XR (150 mg) for over 8 years until I lost my job last October. As of January of this year, I was forced to wean myself off of it due to lack of medical coverage. Actually, after so many years of being on it, I really didn't feel it was working anymore. Since then I've had highs and lows (good days, bad days).

Last week I was offered a job, which I accepted, with a start date of Nov. 4th. I was both excited and relieved because money was tight and my rent was backed up so it came at the perfect time. However, after having been so happy about it, I'm not having anxiety attacks about going back to work. I guess I'm looking to blow off some steam and need a sympathetic ear from people who know where I'm coming from. This is so weird for me but I'm hoping it will help....I could use some positive feedback right now. Thanks for "listening" lol

[Cuchculan]

Welcome to the forum. Put your feet up and make yourself right at home. I take it that was a typing error when you wrote you are not having panic attacks. Gather you meant to write that you are now having panic attacks thinking about going back to work? Which can be a very common thing. To think ahead of time. Play the situation out in your head over and over. More often than not looking for things that can go wrong. You need to find something to do today. To distract your thoughts. Live today as it happens. Live next week when it comes around. Then when November comes around you can take things as they come. You are doing what a load of people would do. You are already in that new job. Living it out. It is bringing back your anxiety. Have to just try and take each day as it comes. We are always here to help if we can.

[laurenabreu]

Thank you so much for the response....your so right, that's exactly what I was doing. I've been looking up resources online and trying to take it one day at a time. The other night I had a dream with bugs and I know when that happens, my anxiety is peaking. But writing, reading and talking myself up helps alot. Again, thanks for your kind words, it means a lot to me when I know other people can articulate the obvious lol....helps me feel better.