Another anxiety post

[Purple Banana]

Over the past 4 months, I've recently had a huge surge of anxiety attacks, related to a recurrence of my generalized anxiety disorder, unprovoked, and mutually exclusive of my chronic pain. I saw a psychiatrist today, who prescribed Abilify until the next session in two weeks. I've been an absolute emotional wreck today, with no period of cessation between anxiety attacks, and a panic attack.

I know looking for a quick fix-it-all is very unreasonable, but I just need something, whether it's a session of cognitive behavioral therapy, or anything, to just be close to functioning. I can't work like this, and finals are looming next week. I don't want to be one of "those" patients who severely depend on the constant assurance of their therapist, but it's really, really affecting me. I'm not experiencing any major depression or suicide thoughts, but I can't sleep, every single noise just sets me off, and I'm not sure what to do?

Purple Banana Reviewed by Purple Banana on 05-07-2009. Another anxiety post Over the past 4 months, I've recently had a huge surge of anxiety attacks, related to a recurrence of my generalized anxiety disorder, unprovoked, and mutually exclusive of my chronic pain. I saw a psychiatrist today, who prescribed Abilify until the next session in two weeks. I've been an absolute emotional wreck today, with no period of cessation between anxiety attacks, and a panic attack. I know looking for a quick fix-it-all is very unreasonable, but I just need something, whether it's Rating: 5

[Coelho]

Was there any recent change in your life that could account for this?

[Mr. Clandestine]

I don't want to sound like one of "those" people that immediately recommend methods like yoga, meditation, etc., to help relieve your anxiety symptoms, but have you ever given much thought to aromatherapy?

I know, I know... it sounds flaky, especially for an ailment as debilitating as acute anxiety, but it has worked for me in the past. I've found that most pharmaceutical treatments either left me a) restless, or b) in a complete stupor, and aside from cannabis I haven't had a whole lot of luck with medicine. I'm definitely not recommending you stop taking whatever your doctor prescribed you, but you could think of some alternative treatments along with them. If you're not fond of incense or aromatic candles, you might consider oils, bath salts, and the like that can be used in a therapeutic setting. Lavender, frankincense, and sandalwood are all very relaxing to me, and usually promote a good night's sleep... which can really make a difference in your stress levels. Just something to consider.

Good luck with your finals. :jointsmile:

[Purple Banana]

Was there any recent change in your life that could account for this?

No, not that I can think of. I've had GAD since I was 16, but this is a sudden recurrence that rivals any other anxiety I've had in severity. I can't sleep, eat, concentrate, all day is just anxiety, all I feel is that stomach tightness, and adrenaline rushes through my limbs. I want to just jump out of my skin, it's so bad.

Mr. C-
Aromatherapy has been part of my regime for a while now, I use lavender and sandalwood for sleep, citrus and ginger to help me wake up, and I drink a good amount of chamomile. It had helped me some in the past, but absolutely nothing helps it now. I want to stay away from meds as much as humanly possible. I want to find out what the cause of my anxiety is, it's not genetic. I have a very safe home, and a family which is supportive enough.

When I talked to the psychiatrist, he initially asked me how anxious I was feeling, on a scale of 1-10, 10 is the most. I answered 7-8, and he had a shocked look on his face. I had been sitting there, cool as a cucumber, no fidgeting, no tapping, nothing. I've been told by many that I am extremely good at hiding my emotions, simply because I know that anxiety is looked down upon, and I work with nurses whose primary response to a psych case, even mild is "Oh great, here comes another crazy..."

The only marked emotion I've shown was during a few panic attacks I've had recently. I was alone, but I was physically trembling, heart POUNDING, crying, all kinds of awful thoughts running through my head. I just feel like I'm out of options. I want my life back.

[epilepticme]

My diagnosis for some background. 30 something male. Brain Injury as a teenager (hit my head on a playground chasing my nieces). Heart Attack mid twenties due to un-diagnosed diabetes. Epilepsy due to brain injury. Anxiety and Insomnia developed after heart attack. My anxiety is completely irrational and not related to specific situations. I played the pharmaceutical game for about a decade and never truly had control of the anxiety.
I know we are all different and have different needs, however I thought I would share what treatment is currently at least making me functional.
I use a combination of Reiki, Prayer, cannabis, valerian, chamomile and excercise to manage my anxiety. I do also have a script for seroquel 100mg as needed for anxiety/insomnia ( I only use this when cannabis is not available).

I hope this finds you well and in good spirits.

Namaste

[Purple Banana]

Simply talking with this doctor helped me feel much better... I ended up waking up on my back porch last night, and my panic attacks have been intensifying. I saw him on Wed, would it seem too needy if I called him tomorrow to reschedule a sooner date? He wanted to try Abilify as a possible treatment, but I don't think it's feasible to wait for the two weeks for it to kick in if it's progressing this badly.

[epilepticme]

If simply talking to this doctor helps, give him a call.

[Coelho]

If simply talking to this doctor helps, give him a call.

Indeed! After all, he is paid (and probably well paid) to help you, so you have every right to call him whenever you need to.

Also, if talking to him alleviated you, it seems your problem is more psychological than biochemical.

[Purple Banana]

I called him today, he got back to me in the evening, and unfortunately he's booked solid until next Wednesday... Shit. I'll try to get through this week, but it's going to be rough- Final exam week. Shit.

[Purple Banana]

Well, I've made it through this week so far... I had a job interview yesterday, and I'm sooo thankful we sat outside... The program coordinator was such a nice guy, VERY hot with beautiful dreadlocks. It was the first time I've been able to leave the house in many days. I have a final exam today, and a job evaluation on Friday, so once those two are gone, it might be a bit easier to relax; I haven't slept in 3 days, and before that, very spotty sleep.

I think I might know what's bothering me... I'm getting ready to transfer to a university, one that's in an area I am VERY VERY familiar with, it would involve commute. I shouldn't be anxious at all, but I think back to the time when I was a freshman at an out of state school- the same thing happened, though, to a lesser extent.

On the outside, I don't really feel nervous about going to this new school; I want to finally finish my degree, but I think maybe internally, I fear I'm going to fail as badly as I did the first time. I'm definitely daunted by all of the more logical courses I have to take (FOUR chemistries, two calculus classes, and two physics) because I have dyscalclia, and numbers alone just really frustrate me.

I think I have a lot of things to uncover; I hide practically all of my emotions and interests from my family for fear of embarrassment; I have dozens of books on Richard Feynman, Milton Erickson, and for some reason, it would embarrass me if they found out. When I have a boyfriend, I am practically unable to show emotion, either love or excitement because my family's never really seen me express those feelings, and they would think it's odd. I don't know. There are just so many factors influencing each other, and I just want to get them straightened out because it's so frustrating.