Am I being over sensitive

[Madmumclub]

I have been on various meds for Depression (pnd), issues with sleeping & High levels of anxiety, for what feels like a big chunk of my adult life. I'm feelink like I should ask the doctor to refer me for some kind of assessment, but not sure what type of assessment I would need or can't guess what i'd need to be referred for. I have wrote some of my issues here and would appreciate any advice if you feel this is 'normal' behaviour of if you agree assessment 'could' help me:

First of all, I know I certainly don't feel depressed - I know that feeling at it's not that.

I feel in a constant state of panic or on edge - like i'm waiting for something to happen

When I get to 1 task, i'm already worried about getting to the next one

I feel like I need to know every little detail of my childs difficulties and can spend all day on the internet, just searching

struggle to settle when DC are out or not with me

sleeping pattern is getting funny again

Hot/cold flushed

irritable, short tempered and snappy

feeling dizzy or light headed

If things don't get done, straight away or within a given time, I get stressed and feel like i've lost control

I'm picking my scalp and pulling at my hair, everyday

When things get 'too much' or I get overwhelmed. I snap. I shout, cry and can usually sleep for hours

Really struggling on a social level. With family, let alone friends. Im woried about the school runs and small talk

If someone/kids try to cuddle me, when i'm not expecting it, I usually freeze and will shout (feeling very guilty). But if I initiate or know it's coming I can prepare for it.

sensitive to certain lights and if it's slightyly sunny, I always wear my sun glasses

I can hear noises other people can't, certain sounds seem piercing to me and other times i'm turning the tv up as I can't hear very well

I'm regularly dreaming about hubby and kids being taken from me somehow

When out, especially with kids - I get a picture in me head of a forthcoming danger so I use an alternative route or grab them until we've passed the point i've seen in my head

f kids have got dirty when out and about - I feel irritable until they've had bath/showers

Am I mad or is this perfectly normal - I feel like I need to know why i've been on venlafaxine for way too long and don't even know if it's working or not anymore

I can really identify with this. I didn't realise that feeling like this wasn't normal till I was in my late thirties!
Have you considered that you might have what's called, 'Generalised Anxiety Disorder'? There are some good books on the subject.
A (private) nutritionist would be able to do lots of tests relating to your biochemistry and advise on supplements to help you to feel calmer. A really good diet avoiding too much sugar and caffeine should make some difference to your mood.
I sometimes go and clean vigorously if I'm feeling unsettled and irritable. It definitely helps! Probably a similar effect to exercising.
I also often talk to myself to make me feel more positive - to try to break the cycle of negativity.

I hope you don't think my suggestions are trite - I really suspect that there is a lot of things contributing to the way you feel both physically and mentally.

Agree with chocoluvva that it could be an anxiety disorder. This is something your GP would be able to help with, either with medication, a referral for CBT or both.

It could be GAD as chocoluvva suggests. Another possibility could be OCD, as worrying about cleanliness, intrusive negative thoughts and needing to constantly try to find answers can all be signs (and not everyone has the handwashing compusion).

if kids have got dirty when out and about - I feel irritable until they've had bath/showers

I'm regularly dreaming about hubby and kids being taken from me somehow

I get a picture in me head of a forthcoming danger

I feel like I need to know every little detail of my childs difficulties and can spend all day on the internet, just searching

Skin picking and hair pulling are impulse control disorders which can be found alongside OCD, see here and here

I'm picking my scalp and pulling at my hair, everyday

Of course, we can't diagnose you here though! Your GP will be able to diagnose your problems if you tell them how you are feeling. And/or if necessary, they'll refer you on to someone who can help further.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Anxiety OCD and panic all feed off each other and the main triggers for most people are stress, tiredness and habitual thinking patterns.

Yes go to your gp and ask for some help. Take the list you've just written because it shows you have really good insight into your problem, this will help you manage it!

Consider your diet, stop caffeine and alcohol and eat well, not to much sugar. Try to regulate your blood sugar levels.

Exercise, a walk each day outdoors should really help after a few days of doing it, come rain or shine. Get as much sleep as possible and talk to friends and family about it. You have nothing to be ashamed of and it can get easier

I just wanted to thank you all so much for your time. It's only a quick visit now but I have got a doctors appointment later this afternoon and am going to print off all my feelings and take the list with me. :)

Well done

Hope your appointment goes well today.

Just a little update:

She was very sympathetic actually and was really interested in what I said. She said I'm showing obsessive compulsive tendencies (I even had to admit to bankruptcy :( as she asked me about shopping and money) some of my more 'weird' thoughts, about keeping DH and kids safe, my scary dreams, storing files and sub files on laptop and phone. Light switches and pegs made me a little embarrassed and picking at hair everyday. Shes give me some more tablets, to help regulate my sleeping and will discuss next move when I see her next week.

Should I of pushed for anything this time as I feel she was really helpful.

I'm not sure what else you could have "pushed" for Madmumclub (and think that nickname should be changed!) sounds like the GP was very understanding of your difficulties and as many posters said, it sounded like OCD. I think you will probably need therapy for this rather than meds, but you have an appt next week and that's really good. Stick with this GP she sounds good. You do also sound very anxious (which is the medical name for fear) and panic is fear +++ but I'm sure if your GP thinks this, she will give you meds for it. At least you might get better sleep, which may help for the time being.

Thanks for the update. Do also try to eat well to help with your mood. Not too much caffeine and sugar. It should make a difference. And getting out for walks or a swim or similar - if you can manage it. :)

I'm sorry you're going though the mill, OP... a couple of things jumped out at me that suggested something... many members of my family have autistic traits and I'd ask you to read through some articles on autism in women on the web to see whether or not they strike a chord with you.

In particular the dislike of being touched, the hypersensitivity to light and sound, the social issues, the difficulty sleeping...

These can of course be symptoms of anxiety too, but this often goes hand in hand with autism anyway, as day to day living is overly stressful for autistics. Autism in women is often underdiagnosed as we tend to compensate better for the condition than men.

Here is a good place to start: aheadd.org/blog/symptoms-of-autism-in-adults/

Best wishes,

C

Thank you for your lovely replies. I've not had the best week with the kids (they don't have a great one these days) and i'm struggling to cope with the anxiety. I know they can't help it but it doesn't make it any better.

cailleach think you've struck a chord there. My DC are currently on waiting list for diagnosis for ASD and my dd is just like I was, when I was younger. I tick almost every box and I will mention that to the doctor next week.

Whatever this is, it's took a real hold of me at the moment and i'm really trying to push it away.

Thanks so much everyone xx

Definitely mention it to the doc... sorry things are getting on top of you...be kind to yourself.

x

C

Thank you cailleach i'm trying to be. I really appreciate all the replies :) x

PS I've name-changed! :)

Is it normal to need to change medication so soon after trying one kind? Silly question I know but I've now been put on fluoxetine for the obssessive side of things as the last thing they gave me was too intense.

I've not had a chat (re: asd) to the doc yet as I've got this problem with suggesting or questioning people in authority. Arrrrggghhh why is it so difficult.

I'm back in a week again so I'll try to build myself up for that.