Feeling alone in my anxiety

[JamieLeigh]

I am new to this site and forum, but I would like to start by saying thank you. I have been searching the internet for hours looking for help for my anxiety, but every site I found just wanted money. I am glad to have found what I am hoping will be true help from people who understand. With that said, I have been suffering from generalized anxiety disorder for at least 10 years. (it is believed i might have suffered as a child without knowing) I have tried different medications and found that lexapro worked the best for me. I was able to go off my medication about 3 years ago and it was great. For the first time in years I was happy with my life and wasn't having attacks. However, I have started having major attacks again. My husband tries to help me feel better, but he isn't a sufferer and doesn't know what to do to. I am in the process of trying to get with a doctor to get back on my meds, but unfortunately that doesn't give me any relief at the moment. I understand that my thoughts are irrational, but I can't seem to get them under control. I need help and words of encouragement. I feel like these attacks will never end. HELP!!

[cali-iso]

Hi Jamie!
I'm new as well, and I'm so glad I stumbled across it. I've known I have GAD for only a few years, but the knowing doesn't always help when you're faced with these feelings, and I agree it can be hard when people who don't know what you're going through try to help you out (I had one boyfriend who would just repeatedly tell me to "calm down"). Just remember that you're not alone, and that there are thousands of people who are feeling very similar things to you- I know I am. It also seems like you've managed to get through this before, and you seem like a very strong person! Stresses always seem to creep up in my life and throw my progress of kilter, GAD really can feel like an ongoing battle sometimes. More than anything, you are definitely not alone in your anxiety!

[LollahLucy8907]

You are for sure not alone! I feel the exact same way. My boyfriend of 6 years tries really hard to help me and understand but he just can't. When people tell me to calm down or not to worry--I simply say "telling someone with anxiety not to worry is like telling someone with diabetes to make more insulin." For me that seems to help people understand that this is something that I can not control completely--its not an on off switch. I have diagnosed with anxiety for about 4 years now. I know I have had it sense I was born. I just have an anxious brain. Any change throws me into anxiety. I graduated from college in May and have a "big girl job" now and it is so scary. I am so scared of doing something wrong, getting in trouble, or getting fired. I just want to go back to being a college student...i had being a student mastered (and that was rough also). The thing about my anxiety is when I feel anxious I cry. Its very embarrassing and it makes people feel awkward. I hate it! I have always cried through out preschool and middle school. I would get made fun of so bad! I have like trained my brain to hate it, which doesn't make it better because I am fighting myself. I was on lexapro for the past four years and I guess it stopped working or something. I was in the ER because I just felt so out of control and they told me I needed to switch meds so now I am on prozac(sp). I just went to see the Dr. and he doubled my dose because its suppose to be impossible to cry on this med... I don't know after that appointment today I just feel like im crazy and I have to go back to work tomorrow. I am trying to stay positive but it is so hard.

[leighs]

Your quote: "telling someone with anxiety not to worry is like telling someone with diabetes to make more insulin."
That seriously made me laugh! What a good way to put it. I think I might have to use this line next time someone says that to me :)

[jebnz]

I've just found this site too, after looking at lots of websites. It's good to feel that there are other people out there who understand. My husband is very supportive, but he gets so worried about my anxiety/panic attacks that I also feel guilty about upsetting him. I also use him for constant reassurances about my physical or mental state. I've just gone back on Prozac after being off for about 7 years; only been a week and no effect so far though. I have an appointment to see a psychologist tomorrow for CBT, which I hope will help long-term. I have been increasingly worried over the last couple of months about an uncertain work situation. Ironically this was mostly sorted out yesterday, but my worries have now transferred from being in a fixed-term job to having my first real permanent job. I think the impact of having had earthquakes on and off over the last year has also taken its toll. I have been aware of anxiety issues since high school and both my parents are worriers. Like you JamieLeigh, I feel like my irrational thoughts are controlling my life. I hope you can find some medication to help you!