Can Anyone Relate

[franceslee]

I have anxiety and here recently it seems to be getting worse.  I feel lik there is something wrong with my body, I feel like something is going to happen to me, I can't sleep, I can't function daily fucnctions.  I just don't know what to do??  I am a single mother of three children and I need my life to be normal for them.  Does anyone have any of these symptoms or can relate to me?? Any ADVICE?

[suzi-q]

If you have a prescription for paxil and the doctor knows you are taking it, they I would suggest you try it.  It will take about 3 weeks before you feel effects.  Also, remember, there are times that the side effects (first few days or weeks) where you may even feel more jittery and more anxious.  You need to give it a good month to see if it is working for you.  However, if the side effects are totally unbearable then talk to your doctor about taking a different medication.  I would also call the doctor to see if he can prescribe Klonopin...that will help also with the anxious feeling, especially until the paxil kicks in.  (This is only if you are comfortable with taking meds...many aren't...me personally, whatever works!)

My symptoms at my bad points are: nausea, jitters (both inside my body and out), headaches, lightheadedness (feeling of  being detatched from my body) heart pounding, feeling like I am going to pass out, slight difficulty getting deep breaths, feeling like I want to run away!!!!!

[franceslee]

Thanks for the advice, it sounds alot like me.  Its nice to know that Im not alone.I have a perscription for paxil but I am afraid to take it.  what would you do??

[papaya25]

I can relate I had suffered with anxiety and panic attacks from the time I was 5 until now I am 23. It's horrible I remember being 5 years old and thinking I was going to die constantly. All through my school years it was'nt so bad because I was always keeping busy and had my mind elsewhere and was'nt thinking about that. I had my daughter in 2005 and I am a stay at home mom and have alot of time on my hands. After I had her it was the worst it has ever been. Now all I could think about was dying and leaving her behind I was either ging to get into a car accident, somthing would fall on my car, or it was physical things I f I seen someone on tv with something I would start feeling those symtoms and rush to the DR. It became too much and I did not want my daughter to be the same way. I began seeing a therepist and from there seen a phyciatrist who put me on 25mg of sertraline  which is the generic of zoloft and it has helped. Also finding something to get you ind off it when you feel anxious. As soon as Istarted to feel paicky I'd do word searches and that takes yor mind somewhere else to concintrate on that. Hope I can help!

[franceslee]

Thanks for the advice!  I think Im going to start taking the Paxil and see if things get any better.  I dont have any insurance, but would you recommend going to a doctor again or would you try the medication first and see if the symptoms go away??? I just dont know what to do!!  Also, do you both ever feel like there is just something that is not normal with your body?  If I can ask, what kind of symptoms do you have??
Thanks again for all the advice!

[suzi-q]

Wow...you have alot on your plate...Like MeWorry said, many here are talking about books by Claire Weekes.. I myself, am considering buying them, also...I find that anxiety goes in spirals, I will have months where it is totally manageable, and then weeks to months of feeling like you do right now.  It will get better, it goes in cycles.  However, if it is that bad, medication is a quick fix...I, personally, take Paxil and buspar daily, and when needed I take klonopin.  I suggest to try not to take drugs if possible, but we all have to do what we have to do...I have to take them at this time of my life and I am not embarrassed about it at all. I just wish I didn't have to.  If you feel that you are suffering more with SYMPTOMS (jittery, anxious feeling, breathing, etc) I would suggest an anti-anxiety med like Klonopin (for a daily pill) or Xanax (for a when needed basis)...if you are suffering more because of thoughts ( I feel I am dying, I am depressed, I am afraid) and these bring on the attacks, I suggest an anti-depressant that also helps anxiety (like Paxil).  However, you have to see what your body feels and needs.  and remember, everyone reacts differently to different meds...you have to see what is best for you.  Hope you are feeling better....YOU WILL BE OK.

[gottafeelbetta]

how much zoloft are you taking that you felt relief

[MeWorry]

I can relate.  I have 2 kids and a full-time job.  I was always able to do self-talk to get by the anxiety but it got so bad when I started a new job I couldn't drive.  So I caved in and started taking Zoloft.  It works.  It actually works and that is the only advice I can give because it is the only thing that worked for me.  Although the pharmaceutical companies are getting rich.  Other places here talk of a Dr. Claire Weekes whose book helped them.  Maybe try that too.  This will pass...it will be ok...