Anxiety

[kateshair]

Hi I have what I would describe as situational anxiety 😟. Most of the time it’s not there but when it strikes it’s all consuming it really is :-( ..
I’ve tried anti depressants and they do help a bit but it’s still there if I’m in a phase of it.
I don’t really want to up the dose as I’m not even sure they work with anxiety. I’m definitely not depressed the opposite in fact. Just this bloody anxiety.

Yesterday I had hay fever so I took a Benadryl antihistamine- bang the sick feeling and the dry mouth went !! .
Any one else ever had this ?

Can you describe the situation(s) that trigger the anxiety?

I would say big social events mainly or public speaking not that I ever do that.

Very strange as many other things don’t phase me.
I can go for months without a hint of anxiety which is great - then the above can trigger it and it can feel all consuming. Can get through it by telling myself if will pass and it does. However can be awful when it’s at its worst.

Anxiety, as I guess you know, is a result of stress. We need a certain level of stress (otherwise we wouldn't do anything!) but when a stress reaction feeds back into our minds it can set off a vicious cycle. The antidote to stress is relaxation; the two can't co-exist at the same time.

Box breathing can help as can - once you've learnt this technique you can quickly apply it when you start feeling anxious.

Also, learning how and why the body reacts to stress (and why it relies on the brain to start and stop the process) is really useful. I love which explains what's going on in your body - knowing the process will help you control it.

Thanks 😊 Sarahlou63 that’s is most informative will try that technique. You are right we do need some stress to start us up. It’s a case of managing it I guess.
Have you had anxiety? Though I guess most people have at some point.

I would ask your GP about beta blockers which you can take about 30-40 mins just before the anxiety inducing event. They stop your heart from racing & the cascade of panic.

Yes it’s not so much a racing heart with me when it’s strikes it’s more like brain fog, tiredness, headaches, no appetite and stomach like a washing machine.
Have tried beta blockers and they didn’t do anything for me.

The only drug that has ever helped is diazepam- that’s near impossible to get from gp as it’s addictive.
Just letting myself accept it is helping a little. Knowing that it will pass. Eating little and often helps - It’s a silver lining in way as have been trying to loose weight for months ! Now I actually am.
Any other tips would be gratefully received x

Anti - histamine medication quite often has a sedating effect so it might as well be from Benadyl.

I’m feeling the exact same. There’s a few things going on in my personal life which has triggered my anxiety which has then snowballed. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I constantly feel on the edge on throwing up, my legs feel like jelly. It’s so frustrating as I know what’s happening in my life is temporary and really not all that bad having worked through it but the way my anxiety has shot up is almost debilitating.

Sending you lots of love and I hope you’re feeling better soon