Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mopey on August 11, 2002, at 10:34:43
OK, a question for everyone. I am always anxious, but sometimes I think of the worst-case scenario that could result from every decision I make.
The scenarios are extremely vivid and detailed, and are sometimes scary enough that I won't make a decision to do something.
Right now I'm in the middle of a "worst-case scenario" patch, and I think it's the most severe I remember.
I had been on Celexa for depression but stopped taking it when I was hit by severe sleepiness and couldn't function.
Has anyone else had a similar experience of worrying to this extreme, and do you have any advice?
I do see a psychiatrist every few weeks, but would like input from people who've "been there."
Haven't seen the doctor since this worry resurfaced.Thanks!
Posted by LLL on August 11, 2002, at 11:25:54
In reply to excessive worry, posted by mopey on August 11, 2002, at 10:34:43
You're most definitely not alone! You should find lots of support at this site from others with GAD. I don't have GAD but do have panic disorder and agoraphobia, however I am also fairly anxious when not having those particular symptoms. Although I am currently struggling myself I have found some things helpful that I practice over and over. Get some CBT either through a counselor or through self-help books and tapes so you can begin to understand and challenge the type of thoughts that bring on the anxiety. Exercise daily if not at least 4-5 x's a week to burn off the excess stress and adrenaline. Try to practice relaxation, meditation or anything that will help soothe you. Do this daily, like brushing your teeth and whether you need to or not. Most importantly, the right AD can make all the difference in the world.
Good Luck
Posted by littlebaldy29 on August 11, 2002, at 14:34:44
In reply to Re: excessive worry » mopey, posted by LLL on August 11, 2002, at 11:25:54
Are you on any kind of anti-anxiety meducation, like ativan or xanax? It's also helpful to learn some type of meditation/deep breathing exercises because when we worry we are living in our heads and not our bodies and forget to breathe. Try breathing in through your nose and holding it in for 6 seconds and then blowing it out for 12 seconds. I have had GAD all of my life along with manic depression and know how it can run your life. I think that it's important to seek out medication for this if you haven't already...good luck!
Posted by may-b on August 11, 2002, at 16:45:36
In reply to excessive worry, posted by mopey on August 11, 2002, at 10:34:43
> OK, a question for everyone. I am always anxious, but sometimes I think of the worst-case scenario that could result from every decision I make...
> The scenarios are extremely vivid and detailed, and are sometimes scary enough that I won't make a decision to do something....
> Has anyone else had a similar experience of worrying to this extreme, and do you have any advice?Sounds familiar. :) Most recently, I lost the chance to bid on the "home of my dreams" because of this tendency to imagine the most horrible outcomes in excruciating detail -- one example among many.
I wish I had great advice that could apply to decisions when the stakes are high, but I still freeze when confronted with any large scary financial decision.
But if the stakes are lower, I sometimes find that taking some little action helps to break the deadlock. I tend to default to research mode... :)
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
-may-b
Posted by Ritch on August 12, 2002, at 13:17:33
In reply to excessive worry, posted by mopey on August 11, 2002, at 10:34:43
> OK, a question for everyone. I am always anxious, but sometimes I think of the worst-case scenario that could result from every decision I make.
>
> The scenarios are extremely vivid and detailed, and are sometimes scary enough that I won't make a decision to do something.
>
> Right now I'm in the middle of a "worst-case scenario" patch, and I think it's the most severe I remember.
>
> I had been on Celexa for depression but stopped taking it when I was hit by severe sleepiness and couldn't function.
>
> Has anyone else had a similar experience of worrying to this extreme, and do you have any advice?
>
> I do see a psychiatrist every few weeks, but would like input from people who've "been there."
> Haven't seen the doctor since this worry resurfaced.
>
> Thanks!
>
>I tend to get panic when off AD's. So, you dumped the Celexa because of tiredness? You might want to just take a lower dose of Celexa and add a little Buspar to it. I found that perked me up quite a bit when I was taking Celexa. Unfortunately, it seemed to make me a little hostile (because of bipolar). However, I didn't seem to worry about much of anything. Instead of being worried about people, I was pissed at them all the time!
Mitch
Posted by d miller on August 12, 2002, at 21:07:29
In reply to Re: excessive worry » mopey, posted by Ritch on August 12, 2002, at 13:17:33
I have the same problem. I call it being in my head, I just can't stop thinking, which then makes me more anxious. Effexor has helped me in the past and also xanax or clonazepam. I personally think its generalized anxiety disorder GAD, with a little obsessive complusive disorder OCD thrown in.
You are not alone.
d.miller
Posted by mopey on August 13, 2002, at 0:14:26
In reply to excessive worry, posted by mopey on August 11, 2002, at 10:34:43
Thanks for your thoughts, suggestions and support, everyone!
I guess it looks as if I'll have to break down and go back on some sort of medication...Will also try the stress-lessening suggestions.
Will keep you posted.
This is the end of the thread.
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