Any long timers / breakdown

[kizziee]

Many years ago had pnd. Since then recovered with a couple of relapses but brought up children / good job / happy marriage.
Have stayed on low dose AD and been very well. (An old tricyclic but equivalent dose in something like Prozac of about 8-10mg.)
A few weeks ago started to have panic attacks again and all symptoms came back. Dr advised to increase dose again but everything has continued to go downhill.
none of the self help things working. It’s like had full breakdown - not really able to function at all. Off work for first time (for anything) in about a decade.
Terrified that I won’t get well again.

Hello @kizziee ,
It happens unfortunately. MH is something that has to be managed for a lifetime. Try not to worry about it or feel bad for feeling bad! Do increase your dose and be patient while your body gets used to the new dosage. If meditation and Journaling aren't helping maybe get some therapy and talk about what has brought on this relapse? The best thing you can do besides increasing medication is to get outside in the sun and fresh air and go for daily walks . Also try to keep a positive outlook ... You are actually quite lucky to not have had other relapses before now ! ;)

Thank you for replying @Whataretalkingabout
I have been increasing the dose for the last few weeks and I was really hopeful at the start that it would help but things have continued to go downhill.
I guess my fear is that this medication no longer works for me and that means another one won't either (I know !)
I really appreciate the tips. The lows are really frightening me.

The relapse seemed to come out of the blue. Was fine before that.
I’ve also got a lot of physical side effects that are making it difficult to do walks. (Very dizzy etc.)

So sorry @kizziee to hear this! Odd about the dizziness, kizziness(!) Are you eating and sleeping well? Definitely go see your gp and tell her all this and maybe change your meds. Also take some time off just to be good to yourself. Sometimes it is just an accumulation of stress. Women take on so much! Why not call a good friend who knows how to listen and get together for a nice coffee?

Well I hope you find something that works for you. I know what suffering it can cause. But do accept the feelings, don't try to push it away, then turn your attention away from the negatives and towards the tiny positive moments in each day. I find saying silly affirmations to myself over and over ( yes I can do this!) and congratulating myself for accomplishing little things can be helpful!
And as I often say to my daughter , a young mother, if you don't take care of yourself, nobody else is going to do it! Slowly things will look up.