Anxiety Advice?

wow.... I am going throuhg the SAME exact thing. I'm always nervous I say the wrong thing, or I don't do enough for people or all the cars on the expressway are going to plow into me. I'm also either really happy or sad. I feel like i have extremes.
I am totally on edge and it gets REALLY bad before my period.
I am thinking of calling my dr this week. I don't know if this is all normal stuff. My g/f is taking lexapro-i think that's the name and I may mention this medication o my dr.

Hi JD,

I am reading a book called The Highly Sensitive Child and it has really helped me regarding some issues that come up with my daughter and it has shed some light on me, as well.

Anyway.... the author has also written a book that was on the best seller's list called The Highly Sensitive Person. It's written by Elaine N. Aron. Since you mentioned you are sensitive I just thought I'd suggest this book. I checked out the first book I mentioned from the library and found it to be an informative, easy read.

She explains the good qualities in a sensive person that can benefit him/her. She explains how to deal with issues. I would suggest reading it. As I get older, I am still sensitive myself, but not as much as say 10 years ago. (I'm 42) And... I have learned not to be a "people pleaser". It's really okay not to say yes to requests from others all the time. Anyway... I wish you the best of luck with over-coming your anxities.
J.

JD,
I feel the same way often. I am the most content when the children are peaceful - sleeping is best. I think, at least for me, part of the anxiety is because I want to make good impressions on others especially at my daughter's school. I want to stand my ground and be who I am but, also feel trapped in trying to accomodate others so that my daughter can socialize with people from other neighborhoods (playdates). I took on my daughter's Brownies troop last year and have struggled emmensely with trying to fit in, always being happy, creative and patient with other moms. It's hard! And we live in a society that makes parenting really difficult. I read a little about your bio before I answered you and what caught my attention is that you don't believe you are doing right by your children. Why is that? Is it your temperment? Because we all struggle with that. Is it monetary? Because as long as your kids have a great imagination all they need is a piece of string and a shoe box and I bet they'd put McGyver to shame. Go easy on yourself - I'm sure you are doing the best that you can. We all are. If you find a cheaper therapist in the meantime - please share with me. I'd love to relax a little too! :)

Your message really stood out for me because you described me perfectly. I too sought the help of a therapist, but after 3 sessions it was too difficult for me. My social anxiety has become a real hinderance on my life, to the point I've pushed away every friendship I ever had (none now) and basically live the majority of my life through the computer. Obviously I'm of no help or advice...just letting you know you're not alone.

JD

I suffer from anxiety as well and I love my Lexapro. As long as take that every day I worry a lot less. I use to not be able to sleep because I would worry about the most silly things.

I am very claustrophobic as well but when I take my Lexapro (My miracle drug) I usually do Ok with being in crowds.

I never went to a therapist. I discussed these issues with my Dr. to make sure some was not PMS. She said not it is probably anxiety. We tried the Lexapro and when I went back to see her I was much better.

I did not start taking this till a was over 40. My husband and son have really seen a difference. I have too...

Talk to you MD.

S.

JD,

OMG yes.

I dont know how to help necessarily. I take medication to help ease it all, but my anxiety has gotten out of control with the addition of each child it seems, now with 4 I sometimes feel like I am a nervous wreck. For me, my anxiety leads to some negative health effects. I get migraines, I have anxiety attacks (sometimes so bad that I cannot breathe, and I have passed out - the first time this happened i was driving... I pulled over and was on the side of the road stopped when i passed out). I have bowel troubles (IBS/Colitis), and my eating is directly affected by my stress, albeit self inflicted stress.

I will sometimes worry after a social event (and during) that people have misunderstood me, and I analyze everything I said for days... I do not have many friends, but I do have one, who seems to be the other half of my brain - she is really the only woman who understand me. I can call her any 'vent' and she does the same, and neither one of us ever thinks to comment 'MEOW - relax!'.

I am paranoid that something will fly out of my mouth and not translate the same as it did in my head.

I really could go on and on...

for me, I don't want to talk to a therapist... i dont want to add another 'relationship' that I will have to analyze, so i just can't open up. For me, for now, the medication helps with my post partum depression, post partum OCD and my anxiety all in one.

You're not alone... {{hugs}}

Hi JD - I completely understand how you're feeling about your anxiety because I was there too not long ago. About 1-1/2 years ago I started seeing my therapist which has been a tremendous help - along with my rx of Zoloft! It definately takes time and patience to learn how to deal with the 'joys of anxiety' but it's totally worth it to be able to live an enjoyable life like a 'normal' person!!

After my first visit with my therapist and learning that my insurance company would only pay a certain percentage of the visit I called my therapist and explained to her the situation (I'm a sahm and couldn't really afford to pay $90 out of pocket for each visit) so she worked with me and gave me a discounted hourly rate so I now only pay the $20 deductible for each visit. Maybe you're therapist will work with you also.

Yes! You are not alone. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this too. I think it's a good thing that you don't want to just take it anymore and you are looking for answers. I have been dealing with anxiety (particularly in social situations) and worry for a long time. I FINALLY set up an appointment with a counselor recently but then my hubby got laid off and we couldn't afford it! (I'm sure I'll try again once his work picks up) I know the feeling of always being on edge too. Sometimes I feel anxious even when there's absolutely nothing for me to worry about. Heck, I'm even worrying now that I'm writing you too much!

Some things that help my anxiety are excersizing or making time to hang out with a close friend. I'm also looking into some natural health stuff to see if I'm not getting enough of something in my diet.

Thanks for posting this. Don't give up. I hope things get better for you. It does help some knowing you're not alone.

JD - You are not alone! I just returned home from my therapist and all we talked about is my anxiety. It takes me hours to work my way up to go to Jewel for a loaf of bread because I am so worried about talking to people. My only connection to the world while my kids are in school is my computer. I am too anxious to reach out to people. My kids suffer too since I am too afraid of the world to take them anywhere "fun"-as they put it.

As a young mom I experienced anxiety that progressed to the point of avoiding leaving my home. I developed a fear of driving ,that I had left the stove on and unexplained fears of gunshots coming through the windows (I lived in a fairly safe area). Turned out I had developed a habit of fearful thoughts. I saw a good therapist but the real turning point came when she referred me to a hypnotist. I learned to interrupt the pattern of my 'mind chatter' full of anxious thoughts in a course of about 3 sessions. It changed my life so powerfully I became a hypnotist just so I could empower others like I had been empowered.
Consider consulting with a hypnotist or therapist that practices hypnosis.
Wishing you peace & wellness.

totally i have always had anxiety but after having my daughter they have gotten more severe and i wake up in a cold sweat or i wake up and my heart is pounding. I have had an anxiety attack so bad that i thought i was having a heart attack. I take herbs and vitamins, try to eat well, try to walk everyday (not going to well with the weather). I have taken breathing classes, meditation classes, yoga, and in need i take zanax which is a god sent in those tough times. I hoped that helped you can message me any time.

C.