having a bad relapse - any support would be welcome

[montos]

I used to suffer terrible anxiety and panic attacks for about a 5 year period, about 10 years ago.  Then with the help of some meds and a lot of counseling and lifestyle changes I more or less got back to where I was before.  I've had a few relapses here and there, mainly in the middle of the night but nothing serious for years.  

Now, for the last 2 weeks or so i've been in constant pain due to some dental work and it seems to have triggered something.  I've been getting the old obsessive thoughts about anxiety where I spend 99% of my day worrying about how I feel and not thinking about anything else.  

I can't even remember how to deal with this stuff anymore.  I've taken a few ativan to help me sleep, but I really don't relish the thought of going back on anti-depressants.  I'm sure I can work through this, I've done it before but it's been so long since I've felt this bad I almost forget how.  When you're feeling good you tend to blank out all the memories of when you weren't.

I don't know, any advice or support would be appriciated.

Thanks

[tinkerbelle713]

Hello !
You have already done some good here for me! It was so delightful to hear that someone made it through the darkness and was able to live a normal life, even if just for some time. I just responded to another thread, in which the trigger was mentioned. For her and me, we cannot figure out the trigger. You on the other hand have identified one, your dental work. I know it sounds crazy to be glad about that, but as you well know, that is huge! I wanted to let you know that you sharing this, has made a difference. It gives me hope that I may be able one day to break the cycle!
Thank you !

[montos]

Thanks, I really appreciate the comment.  I know that's all true and I know you can beat anxiety, I did it before and I know it can be done.  It's just when you're fixated on how you feel it's tough to get any positive message through to your brain.

I'm going to resolve that once I'm feeling better i'll come back and try to spread some positive thinking around to those who are not doing so good since I've taken alot of help from this board but haven't given as much back.

[MrGreen]

You said it yourself. You have beating this before and you can beat it again. Just a case of getting another head of steam up and telling yourself you done it before. Remind yourself of all the good times you had when you were feeling great. It will give you that something to aim for. Because when down just look at what you are missing out on? It can be a horrible life. You know that. You know which one you want. So with that determination I see no reason why you can't push yourself forward and pass by the bad times. Take hold of the good times again. Just try not to focus inwards. That is what is bringing you back down. Focus on a goal. Something you always loved doing and want to do again. You will get there. You have the right frame of mind.