5 years suffering with anxiety

[Olivia750]

Hi all,

I'm so glad I found this forum.

I've been suffering with anxiety for 5 years. I remember the exact moment it started- my father was very sick in the hospital ICU (he ended up passing away) and I was talking to one of the doctors and all of a sudden felt like I was going to faint. The nurses thought my blood sugar may be low so they gave me candy and soda and I went home. Little did I know, that was just the beginning.

My main symptoms are feeling faint, like I am going to pass out. This only happens when I am out in public or at work- never at home. The bigger the crowd, the worse it is. I can't tell you how many stores, restaurants, etc I have walked out of over the years.

I had all kinds of tests done to make sure there was nothing physically wrong with me before being diagnosed with anxiety.

I was on lexapro for a while which did seen to help a bit but now I am trying to get pregnant so I can't take anything.

It's only a matter of time before I lose my job. I keep having to walk out of meetings and I look like an idiot. No one understands. I feel very claustrophobic and like I need to get out.

I don't know what the answer is for me. I am afraid to leave my house because I know what will happen.

[petrified]

Hi Olivia

Welcome to the forum :-)

Have you ever tried therapy or counselling to help with your anxiety?

Something like CBT might help you :)

[JohnC]

Hi Olivia750,
I am with you on the public thing and i am sorry to here about your father. I to have walked out of many stores but i force myself to do it now but before i go in i need to know what i am getting so i am in and out. Clothes shopping is the worse for me because you just can not grab and go. My wife gets so pissed at me because i will grab a few things that look like they will fit but do not so i talk really nice to her and she takes them back. I think i know why she takes them back because i never see the money from the return, LOL. Good luck to you and you will be able to manage it. Peace :)

[Olivia750]

Hi Olivia

Welcome to the forum :-)

Have you ever tried therapy or counselling to help with your anxiety?

Something like CBT might help you :)


Thank you. I have not tried therapy yet. I think I had the impression they would just want to medicate me which I can't do right now but if they might be able to help in a different way then I am all for it!

[Olivia750]

Hi Olivia750,
I am with you on the public thing and i am sorry to here about your father. I to have walked out of many stores but i force myself to do it now but before i go in i need to know what i am getting so i am in and out. Clothes shopping is the worse for me because you just can not grab and go. My wife gets so pissed at me because i will grab a few things that look like they will fit but do not so i talk really nice to her and she takes them back. I think i know why she takes them back because i never see the money from the return, LOL. Good luck to you and you will be able to manage it. Peace :)

Yup, I have to know exactly what I'm going in the store for & get in and out. If there's a long line forget it, I will just leave without my things. I buy most things online now. It's affecting me big time.
Thanks for the reply!

[JohnC]

Why no meds Olivia750? I take Xanax and it really has helped me to live a better/functional life. I was on Paxil for 13 years but went off two years ago.

[petrified]

I'm not sure where you are from.

But here in the uk I was offered CBT before starting medication. I only really started medication as I wasn't coping while waiting as there is long waiting list.

I must say both meds and therapy got me through, but there is herbal remedies like valerian root, St. John's wort and many more.
Also things like meditation and hypnosis might help you.

Anxiety and depression is all about trial and error what works for someone might not work for another. That's why I like this forum there is always someone who has tried something else and can offer advice :-)

[TracyA]

Hi, Olivia. I am on meds and doing therapy. They say that is the most effective. I take gabapentin (normally prescribed for nerve pain) for anxiety, although Abilify has really helped too. I have been on a long tour of the various SSRIs, and they have not been helpful at all. I would be reluctant to take meds if was pregnant though, but the docs should know what is safe and what is not.

Me three on the hating shopping, especially for clothes. I use Amazon a lot.

You seem like a very nice lady. I hope you get some relief.

[tired0319]

Hi Olivia, I want to share my pregnancy exp with you... My first pregnancy was a surprise. I was talking 25mg/day of Zoloft when I found out. My anxiety was under control so I weened off over 2 weeks. My OB did not say this was necessary but I was worried about side effects so made the decision to quite. After 3 months of meds (and raging preg hormones) my anxiety came back full force. I was very debilitated & putting a lot of stress on my baby. At that point my doc said the side-effects do to stress could be worse than the possible side-effects of Zoloft. So I sent back on meds at 7months. I also did therapy 3 days a week. After my son was born (perfectly healthy) my anxiety subsided. During my second pregnancy I staid on Zoloft the entire time (still today). Every situation is different but I encourage you to talk to your OB (maybe a 2nd opinion too). I wish you the best and encourage you to try therapy. Getting outside your head works wonders!!