Anxiety overwhelming - tell me I can do this !

[Didiplanthis]

I'm really really struggling at the moment. My anxiety is overwhelming me. I'm feeling sick, dizzy, cold and panicky. I started escitalopram 3 weeks ago because it helped before and I know i will feel worse before I feel better but I'm struggling to cope. I'm just about getting the children up and out but I've got to work tomorrow in a very responsible high pressure high stress environment - I can't not go. I'm the only one there and it's in healthcare. I can do this can't I ? I can get through this and it will get better ?

[MysweetAudrina]

I feel the same a lot of the time and have recently started escitalopram for the first time. I also face high pressure and anxiety through my work but you know what ? I face it and it is never as bad as it feels in my head or body. I started on 5mg and had strong side effects so ended up staying on 5 for 7 weeks as I didn't want increased side effects while I had stressful situations to face in work. I am now on 10 and my anxiety is higher than I would like but hopefully it is just my body getting used to the increased dose. Do some breathing exercises and write out some positive mantras, listen to an up beat song and but on your armour and you will feel much better once you have gotten through this stressful situation (until the next time :p)

[TheQueenOfWands]

Same here.

I have no advice but you're not alone.

Sit tight.

[Didiplanthis]

Thank you. Its really hard to say this stuff in RL.

[Raven88]

I have GAD and mild ocd and I am on Citalopram. The first month was hell for me. I felt so sick. Have you ever tried propranolol or another beta blockers? I also take them and they help with my racing heart rate, they work quickly.

My anxiety is pretty well treated with my meds but I still have a couple of days a week when I become really anxious and I am a mess. I use CBD+ oil to take the edge off.

I don't want to sound preachy because everyone is different. I went through two breakdowns in the past 14 years and I lost two jobs because I didn't get help when I needed it. My anxiety started at the age of 12. I've only been truly living a happy life for the past 3 years.

I mediate there are apps to help with that. I drink herbal teas. Pukkateas nighttime and love help. if you check the ingredients you might find something similar. On the days where the anxiety is winning I just accept it and let it run its course. I also remind myself that I can't always control it. I am also very honest with my employer, friends and family because I got sick of pretending to be ok. To get out the door when your body and mind are going crazy is an achievement so don't be hard on yourself.

[LuckyBitches]

You are not alone! And you can do this.

SSRIs have made me anxious in the past. Now I take Mirtazapine, an a recent increase has pushed anxiety levels up. I'm finding that Headspace helps me, although initially I feel quite resistant to his annoying chortly voice.