Anxiety and tearfulness

[orangeflutie]

Hi I'm having problems with anxiety quite regularly which makes me feel panicky and tearful. I've seen my doctor and have been given ADs which I started just before Christmas. The ADs seem to be helping with sleep as I kept waking up in the middle of the night and early morning before and couldn't get back to sleep. However although my anxiety is slightly reduced my mood is lower generally. Due to see Dr tomorrow to discuss dose etc but have a lot of negative thoughts and worry and it's horrible. Feel there is nothing to look forward to.

The anxiety often makes me cry and I seem to be in tears or on the verge of them whilst at home, shopping, in the car etc. Hate the school pick up and just want to stay at home.

I try to keep healthy and run as often as I can which does make me feel better but the day after a run the anxiety feels quite high again. Don't really know why I'm posting but am miserable and would like some ideas on managing my mood or life better.

I feel for you OP, been there, done that twice. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. The Dr will probably up your ad dose a bit as it seems to have started working. Exercise is great for getting rid of excess adrenalin, so definitely keep doing that.

Make sure you get as much support around you as you can, don't be afraid to lean on a few people for the moment. Also have tried ditching caffeine? That really does make the adrenalin surges even worse. Hope things improve for you soon. X

Thanks for replying. I asked for my dose to be increased and it was two weeks ago. I'm reluctant to increase again as side effects also increase and at the moment I get dizzy now and again.

I probably should cut out caffeine. I try to limit coffee to one cup in the morning but I enjoy it and find I need the lift. It seems to make me feel better. Without it I just feel slow, shaky and more miserable. I also drink tea about three times a day and lots of water as the ADs give me a dry mouth.

Meant to ask youllshootyoureyeout what helped you?

I don't know how long you've been feeling so bad orange but it's very early days with the meds, not yet a month, and they often take several weeks before you feel the full effect, and you almost certainly won't be getting any benefit from the increased dose yet.

You are certainly describing depression and anxiety, and it is indeed a torment and can only be understood by people who have experienced his horrid illness. It's really hard when you are having to cope with children and running a home, though there are lots of young moms on the MH threads in the same boat.

Have you any idea of the origins of this emotional distress. If so it could be helpful to have some counselling. Maybe ask the GP about it tomorrow, although there is often a waiting list. It's easy to find a private counsellor but you have to pay of course and they're about £50 an hour.

Can I ask what meds you are on - mostly they seem to prescribe Citalopram or Sertraline. What dose are you on?

Is this your first episode of dep/anx - if so you are highly likely to make a complete recovery within 4-6 months. I'm not a medic by the way but suffer from intermittent depression and anxiety, so know how horrid it is. The other thing is (just to confuse us a bit more) ADs work differently on different people, and it's all a bit trial and error so sometimes you have to try a different AD, and some people have tried up to 4 or 5 different ones before they've found the right one. It is a self-limiting illness and you will get better, but I know how difficult it is to believe that when you are in the midst of this illness - it's a very deceitful illness because it makes us believe that we won't get better. Also of course people are less aware of mental health and the stigma is still sadly alive and well. Very sad considering 1 in 4 people will suffer from a MH issue at some point in their lives, and approx. one third of all GP consultations are MH related.

I don't know how long you've been feeling so bad orange but it's very early days with the meds, not yet a month, and they often take several weeks before you feel the full effect, and you almost certainly won't be getting any benefit from the increased dose yet.

You are certainly describing depression and anxiety, and it is indeed a torment and can only be understood by people who have experienced his horrid illness. It's really hard when you are having to cope with children and running a home, though there are lots of young moms on the MH threads in the same boat.

Have you any idea of the origins of this emotional distress. If so it could be helpful to have some counselling. Maybe ask the GP about it tomorrow, although there is often a waiting list. It's easy to find a private counsellor but you have to pay of course and they're about £50 an hour.

Can I ask what meds you are on - mostly they seem to prescribe Citalopram or Sertraline. What dose are you on?

Is this your first episode of dep/anx - if so you are highly likely to make a complete recovery within 4-6 months. I'm not a medic by the way but suffer from intermittent depression and anxiety, so know how horrid it is. The other thing is (just to confuse us a bit more) ADs work differently on different people, and it's all a bit trial and error so sometimes you have to try a different AD, and some people have tried up to 4 or 5 different ones before they've found the right one. It is a self-limiting illness and you will get better, but I know how difficult it is to believe that when you are in the midst of this illness - it's a very deceitful illness because it makes us believe that we won't get better. Also of course people are less aware of mental health and the stigma is still sadly alive and well. Very sad considering 1 in 4 people will suffer from a MH issue at some point in their lives, and approx. one third of all GP consultations are MH related.

Sorry for duplicate post!

I first got depressed in 2009. I think at the time several stressful events caused it plus the time of the year. I usually find the winter months a struggle and some of it is linked with the death of my DS several years ago. He was born in October and died in January. I think this time some of my anxiety is linked to this although it seemed to start towards the end of August this year.

I luckily now have three dds and life is very busy and at times stressful but probably no more so for me than many other mums.

I'm also menopausal so part of the problem may be hormone imbalance.

I'm currently taking 75mg dosulepin as this AD worked for me last time when two other types failed. I think you're probably right in that it's too soon to notice any real difference re dose but I'll talk about it with the doctor tomorrow. Re counselling I was offered phone sessions and have had one of these. Didn't find it much help so would probably be best to find an alternative form.

I

So sorry about the loss of your dear son. I can't imagine anything worse than the death of a child, and loss (of some sort) is usually at the root of depression. I've never heard of the AD you mention, but if it worked before, it should do again, though I have heard that this isn't always the case. Just another damn trick.

I think you're right hormone imbalance could be the problem, or a contributory factor.

Thank you NanaNina for your replies. It's difficult to talk in RL. I have a couple of close friends but there are only so many times you can go over it all. At times I feel very alone with everything going round in my head and writing it down helps a bit I think.

orangeflutie, i am sorry you suffer so; i have personal experience of anxiety and weepiness, and shy off talking about it with friends (sometimes i do) so sorry too that you lost your son. i hope your appointment goes well today and your gp is caring and helpful. how lovely (and busy!) to have 3 dds!

Ask your gp for pregabilin I can't believe how is has helped my anxiety I also take AD as well as amitrip but I heard that gp don't like prescribing the preg and they say its quite pricey but lucky for me my Gp is so understand, hope you start to feel better too, they say it get worse before it gets better

Thanks for the support

I went to the doctors this morning. Always feel very anxious before the appointment and feel shaky in the waiting area which is silly because doctor is lovely.

Having said that came out of her surgery feeling very down Was only in there about 5 mins I think and I know she's busy but I felt a but rushed out today and felt I needed more time to discuss feelings and things going on. Basically was on verge of tears again and needed a good cry

I have however been given another prescription. She wants me to see how I feel over next week and if no improvement, up my dose by 25mg, then see her again in four weeks time. I forgot to mention more counselling

Got home and tried to shake off my mood by going for a run which seems to have helped in that I feel calmer.

Little one What is pregabalin? Good it's helping you.

mypip are you still suffering with anxiety and weepiness?

yes i do orangeflutie; my old GP, since retired was caring in letting me book an appointment anytime, and like yourself i'd be anxious and barely controllable weeping in the waiting room etc. i'm on extra medication from the consultant, and i think i'm somewhat better, but it's off and on really.
well at least your doctor is lovely, see how you go with the prescription and
see her next week as she is saying to. a friend or family member could go with you? hope you are ok this coming week. pip

Oh I think that's pretty much what GP surgeries are like now orange - they are overwhelmed with work. I think they see on average about 40 patients a day. It's no consolation though when you need the time. Does your surgery allow you to book double appointments, or evening ones. I think mornings tend to be the busiest. I'm fortunate in that I have a lovely GP and our surgery has a system that if you ring before 11 a.m. you can ask for a Dr to phone you for a telephone conversation. I always ask for my nice GP and she always rings back (It was 8.00 pm last time!) and then she gives me an appointment and if necessary another one when I am there.

It's worth asking about this at your surgery. Thing is I only know this because it's on the surgery website - so if you don't have access to the internet you won't know! There is a Patient Panel that I am looking into, as there are several issues I want to raise, about appointments and lack of information.

I think your GP said to see her in 4 weeks didn't she, rather than a week? Mental illness is a bloody torment for sure. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Hi NanaNina yes surgery is busy. I'm not sure whether you can book a double appointment. I might ask next time. The surgery is good in that you can have phone chats with a particular doctor. I do often do that especially as often something can be sorted out over the phone. If I feel particularly bad I can always phone. I think the trouble is you don't know when the doctor will phone and it can be awkward if you're in the car or somewhere where it's difficult to talk. It's good they offer it though.

How long have you had depression/anxiety NN? Agree it's a torment. I guess I'm lucky that I can just about function and I have to as it's really just DH and me and my dds and I don't want to let them down.

Mypip glad it's not just me who's a nervous wreck in waiting rooms. Hope your anxiety continues to get better.

This site is very helpful for anxiety.

www.getselfhelp.co.uk

My counsellor directed me to materials on here to help. I use the STOPP technique to good effect and thought challenging now when te anxiety monster is bad.

Hi just wanted to say I know exactly what you are going through not fun.

I hate waiting for anything, waiting rooms and drs always send my anxiety levels sky high. I have been putting off going to see the Dr for my anxiety even though I know its pretty bad at the moment.

Thanks for the link MrsMinton I'll take a look. My doctor has also suggested I read Ruby Wax's book 'Sane New World'. I've only managed to read bits so far as can't concentrate for long but it looks interesting.

Sorry you're suffering too girliefriend. I would really try and see a doctor if your anxiety's really bad. Would your doctor phone you if it's easier?

Am going to see the Dr on Monday have just posted in the mental health 'village' thread as it is reassuring to chat with people who know exactly what you are going through!

I feel slightly better today, have come to my mums for a day or two as wasn't coping well and just needed the support really. I have an 8yo dd (single parent) and feel guilty that I can't be more of a mum to her at the moment. Although she is quite happy to be at nannys getting spoilt!!

Am sorry to hear you lost your son, that must have been devastating have you had some counselling? My mum works in the counselling business so has recommended one to me. Will contact her on Monday as well I think, although God knows how I will afford it!! However without good mental health I haven't got much of a life so worth it I guess.

Glad you're going to see your doctor and it's good your mum's near to you. My mum lives quite far from me but tbh we don't actually get on very well.

I think counselling's a good idea if you can find the right one for you. I'm considering it as I think I probably need it too. So far I've been offered time to talk phone chats but I don't think the phone's that helpful. May be able to go private if I can't get any other help. Time to Talk got the impression it was all about my son and suggested Cruse and then signed me off. Felt upset as I feel there are other issues I need to talk through.

It's handy your mum knows of people. Good luck to you and hope they can help.

orangeflutie hope your feeling it bit better, have copied what preg is for this drug has helped my anxiety so much i can now function normally

Pregabalin can also be helpful in treating the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), particularly if other medicines which are more often prescribed for people with this condition are not suitable. GAD is a long-term condition where anxiety is a major symptom

Thanks Littleone I'll have a look. Have had a good day today. Felt almost happy and no anxiety. I hope it lasts

thats so great to hear orangeflutie onwards and upwards x