I wasn't quite sure if this should go in the mental health, physical health or women's health section so decided to pop in Chat.
I have suffered with anxiety my whole life - since childhood. No idea really why I have always struggled with my mental health but a recent adhd diagnosis may shed some light on this but I also have a lot of anxiety sufferers on my mum's side so maybe it's partially genetics and/or learnt behaviour? Either way it doesn't matter so much these days, all I know is that I have spent decades trying to 'fix' it and now in my 50's I just want to learn to live alongside it.
I have spent years and years having all kinds of therapy:- CBT, counselling, EMDR, hypnosis, seeing psychologists and psychiatrists. I have tried so many medications, SSRI's, SNRI's TCA's, ADHD meds (currently on Nortriptyline and feel like a zombie so coming off that soon) but most antidepressants really upset my gut, oh yes, I have IBS too - such fun but I suppose that often comes along as an evil twin of anxiety disorders, yay! I am still full of anxiety despite trying all of these therapies and meds (not helped these days as I help look after my mum who is in the advanced stages of dementia).
I have come to the conclusion that I can cope with an anxious mind, it's who I am at the end of the day and I can not change that now, I can put in all the coping strategies I have learnt along the way. What I really really struggle with though is the physical side effects from the anxiety, the constant heady feeling, the tight jaws, the 'coat hanger pain' (recent doctor asked if I had made that term up lol), the shoulder, back and hip pain and aches and the coiled spring that I feel I am. I have also struggled with a bad tummy (IBS and functional dyspepsia) for almost 30 years. I always feel so shaky, wired and on the edge of panic all the time.
I very much look after myself, I exercise, keep my weight down, I go to bed at a decent time, I only drink water, no nasties in my diet, I am a absolute bore really but still I am physically feeling like shite most days.
I have read that propranolol often helps people feel more relaxed within their bodies, I understand it won't do anything for the actual anxiety but I like the idea that it could help me to relax because I often find the more my body feels weird, wired and hurts in places the more anxious I get and then the cycle continues.
Has anyone tried this drug and found it helps with the wound up, shaky and panicky feeling?
Sorry this is a bit of a ramble btw (thank my adhd).