Anxiety

[vik12]

Hi, i am struggling with anxiety which makes me not sleep. A year and a half ago I went abroad and ended up coming home early because of severe panic attacks and anxiety. They escalated and lasted for a couple of months before reducing. I have felt really good since. I had CBT and tried Prozac however that didn't agree with me. I have booked a holiday his weekend to go in February and it has triggered the anxiety and insomnia again. Its really bad. I do not know what to do and now do not want to go but will let everyone down including myself if I don't go. I do not want to let anxiety win but feel so consumed and scared. Any advice please?

Perhaps because last time you travelled you had to come home early, your mind is immediately relating this next holiday to it and has gone into fight or flight mode. Is there any way you can see your CBT therapist for a refresher? If it's really bad go back to your GP- there are other meds you could try.

Thankyou for replying, I really appreciate it. I have booked an appointment with a counsellor and my GP also. I know I have to ride this out and make myself go away as it is a fear I need to overcome and if I don't I will never go abroad again as the fear will be greater than it is now. My fear of going to the GP is medication that will make me feel terrible like the Prozac did. I know its worth speaking to them though. I don't know if this is a common problem, but all advice is greatly appreciated.

You are probably frightened of feeling the way you did a year and a half ago, which is fuelling it. I do know what you mean about medication, it's horrible getting used to it.
I'm having more CBT at the moment ( I first had it 4 years ago) because I've forgotten how to manage things, and anxiety really hit me just after Xmas.
Do you have support from family/friends? Have you told anyone how you feel?

Have you read a book called "Self help for the nerves"? It really helped me deal with the symptoms of anxiety even though it is ancient.

I find night time the worst I think because I'm tired and sleeping and am not conscious to be able to manage the symptoms properly.

A CBT refresher is a good idea. Anxiety is awful

Where are you going on holiday vik12?

Thanks for the information on the book. I have telephoned a free counselling service offered through work so hopefully i'll get a course of CBT. Like you, my anxiety is the worst at night when I have no one to talk to and things just escalate. Its weird as I had times today at work where I forgot about it, and then get back home on my own and I can feel it. That's why i'm unsure if medication is for me. Guess the doctor will tell me. We're going to Tenerife. Most people would be happy and excited!

GP advised me it is a phobia and as my anxiety flares up through this trigger then medication is not recommended. They are referring me for a CBT refresher. The GP did say that the more you run away from a fear the worse it is as you are reinforcing it is something to be scared of. Guess I just need to do it as a stepping stone to getting over it.

I know you said Prozac hasn't helped but have you tried any other medication? I used to have anxiety to the point I would cry whenever my phone rang as I thought I would have to leave the house for something and medication has given me my life back.

Beta blockers and Prozac that's all. I am fine with everday life - working, kids etc its just going away which flares it up. I'm trying Kalms so hoping they'll help.

I get like this so you are not alone! I’m normally quite a rational, calm person too but for some reason that all flies out the window!
What happened to trigger the anxiety last time you went away?
I totally sympathise as you know in your head avoiding the situation will compound the problem but it’s easier said than done and the anxiety is not pleasant at all.
You sound like a nice person not wanting to let others’ down but I imagine this makes you feel worse, specially with your children.
I’m sure this is more of a common problem than you might think and one I can relate to. Good luck.

Aww thanks. I have changed the departure date to September today, when I can go with my mum and dad also. I find their support helps. If not its just all on my husband which is too much for him. I told the girls i'd had to move it, not the real reason why. They were actually fine and just said 'nevermind'. Not sure what triggered it last time unfortunately. Hopefully if I can refresh my CBT then it'll help when we eventually go. I feel disappointed in myself but hopefully i've done the right thing and when we do go the happy memories will take over the unhappy ones.

Good idea getting the parents to help, so if you need a moment you don’t feel bad about leaving the kids with your husband. And now you have more time to get your head round it and organise cbt.
Just remember if you do feel a little off it’s not the end of the world, you will get over it and your kids won’t even notice!

I recommend guided meditation and a book called finding peace in a frantic world which also comes with a guided meditation book. I too was like you, Prozac and beta blockers didn’t really do anything for me but the guided meditation had helped so much. It gives you coping mechanisms and made me aware of my triggers and the science behind anxiety etc. I couldn’t recommend it enough. After being off work since October and trying all the medication etc, my occupational health told me about this book and it’s literally changed my life. Obviously it affects people in different ways but I can’t recommend guided meditation enough. There’s some things on YouTube and free apps too if you don’t want to buy a book

I’ve ordered the book you recommended so thankyou for your advice. Anything is worth a try and hopefully it’ll work for me like it has for you.Guess you don’t realise how common this problem is until you discuss it.I do wish it’d sod off though!!😜