Can long-term stress/problems really make you feel this bad?

[Ribbon14]

Hi all,

The last 8 years or so of my life have been so difficult, one problem after another: lost my mum when I was 19, am only child, have alcoholic father who has been abusive and in and out of hospital multiple times, he has now been diagnosed with a type of dementia caused by alcohol abuse and continues to be a burden. He got into debt trying to pay for his dad's care home which I then had to sort out, got married last year and a week before our wedding my dear grandad died suddenly which was devastating. My dad continues to drink and has mental health issues...

Anyway after stresses last year, I suddenly started suffering from panic attacks and felt generally unwell with all sorts of symptoms. In the space of a few months, I went from being outgoing and independent to someone who was afraid of leaving the house in fear of having a panic attack or being ill and my life became so restricted. Gave up everything. I hardly recognised myself :(

Everything came to a head in June, where saw GP who recommended ads so started on 10mg citalopram. Also referred myself for CBT on nhs and tried meditation etc. Oh and saw a private counsellor.
The ads were a nightmare, I had severe side effects on even a ridiculously small dose and so after 6 weeks of citalopram and then sertraline, my gp said i should stop taking them. i was offered other ads but was too worried to try anything else. I have been doing group cbt for past 3 months and tried seeing private cbt therapist/counsellors.

Some things have improved: I have been going out more and my panic symptoms associated with this have reduced. However, I am still suffering multiple physical symptoms which are causing me to feel anxious and down and I don't know what I can do anymore. I have a lot of muscle pain, jaw pain, feeling very tired and fatigued, feeling generally unwell...

I'm worried I'm never going to feel better and that my life will always be like this :( is there any hope? Has anyone else felt like this?
I'm worried that chronic stress has triggered something like CFS/fibromyalgia?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I can tell you that long-term stress can certainly cause depression and anxiety problems/attacks.

None of this is your fault. Do not feel guilt or shame.

Find compassion for yourself from within and from others who genuinely care about you.

Rebuild slowly. Don’t expect miracles. One day at a time. Keep things simple. Be kind to yourself. Find joy in sunshine, beautiful trees, happy care-free children, puppies ..... whatever your simple pleasure is.

Eat healthily. Take exercise. Sleep well and peacefully.

I am very lucky to have found a counsellor that I relate to very well and we are making real head-way. I take Seroxat.

Do you have RL support? Friends? Are you working?

I work part time self-employed. Have a supportive husband but not many friends. Thanks for your advice :) do you think the seroxat works? Did you experience any side effects?

I think Seroxat is working for me. I am not having any side effects but have been quite tired lately, but that may be because I am relaxing and my body is needing to respond to the chance to rest properly without the anxiety. Medication can be a very personal thing. I’m sure someone medically trained could explain why some work differently for different people.

I have just quit my job because it became a trigger for my anxiety because of unresolved issues from the past. I’m no expert but I’m learning to identify the things I need to do to help myself. It’s not about pleasing others or doing what others would do or think you should do.

I want to live cheaply and simply.

My DP and my friends continue to be amazing.

Do you have hobbies or any exercise that you do as an outlet for your feelings?

Well I think life events can definitely cause panic and anxiety and well done fir seeking therapy to help. But I'm not sure all your physical symptoms are due to this- the rule of thumb is first rule out a medical/ physical cause - if nothing then it could be stress related. Check out the physical things with the GP and some bloods etc