Social anxiety is killing me

[Findingahappyplace]

Hi everyone looking for a bit of help/advice/some kind words please.
I’m in a bad place atm, and have been for some time.
I’m suffering with unbearable anxiety atm, in particular, social anxiety - but it’s not limited to that.
It is making my life unbearable and I just can’t live like this.
I had anxiety before having my son due to numerous traumatic incidents, and went on to have a very traumatic pregnancy and birth.
I’ve had CBT therapy but it didn’t work at all. My anxiety consumes everything I do and sucks all the joy from my life.
I’ve been to the doctors in the past (but not since having my son) and have been prescribed Prozac, sertraline and citalopram, but couldn’t tolerate any of them.
I need help desperately but I feel like I’ve exhausted everything, nothing works for me, I’m a lost cause.
Please if anyone has any advice, or support or even just some kind words I would really appreciate it.

So sorry to hear it @Findingahappyplace. It's going to be okay, and you will feel better in time. You need soothing! These things have helped me: confiding in friends or family (though not everyone has the understanding or cares enough, so choose carefully). Headspace app is a great entry point for meditation, which helps. Massage. Giving up alcohol and junk food.Yoga. Lots of sleep. 7-11 breathing (breathe in through nose for 7 counts and out through mouth for 11 counts). Well done for reaching out.

Sorry you're suffering, OP. I have moderate anxiety and OCD, which a few years ago, got bad and led to a really depressed period. I had issues with medication, and was told that (the ones you've mentioned) fall under an umbrella due to similarities (ssri) by my GP at the time, and was prescribed duloxetine instead, which was fine. Just in case an alternative like that could be an option for you.

It's bloody awful, have you got any support around you?

@dotdotdotdash Thank you for all your suggestions. I don’t drink and I eat healthy. My son is not a great sleeper so I don’t get much sleep which probably doesn’t help. I used to enjoy yoga but I haven’t done it in a long time as I struggle to find the time to fit it in - but I think I will try and make some time for it again.

@roadpebble Thank you for your reply. Thats interesting that those anti depressants are all very similar. I know I probably need to give my doctor a ring, but I’ve been putting it off because I’ve had some miserable experiences with doctors in the past regarding mental health, but I know it needs to be done. I will ask them about maybe trying something from a different ‘family’ of antidepressants perhaps.
I do think right now that medication is my only hope.
I do have support from my partner to a certain extent, but he find it hard to understand sometimes. He has never suffered from anxiety, is not a very emotional person, is probably the most normal “mentally stable” person you will ever find. Which is great, but as much as he tries he doesn’t understand what I’m going through. He is supportive though.

I'm glad you've got some support. My DH isn't great either, he can get quite fed up with the reassurance and questions with my anxiety.
I would definitely ask if you could try a medication that isn't an SSRI to see if it would be more suitable, medication has helped me a lot!