Why? why? why?

[cnote]

I'm just so disappointed. I've been anxiety free for about 4-5 months. I even made it through the months where I though I would def. have it. B/c October and November were the months when I first started getting anxiety!

Anyways, I've been doing so awesome... til about 5 days ago... I must also mention I've quit taking my Lexapro... 2.5mg (which isnt much, but maybe it was enough to keep the edge off, and help me think clean?")

Anyways, I'm also laid off work, and I guess that could be playing a toll in this? I always take a month off work in January, then go back in Feb.

I just feel out of my element I guess... not having a routine... I wake up, and could possibly do anything I want... but yet have nothing to do but, lag around... watch tv, play video games, get on the computer...

I dunno...

My anxiety could be a lot worse! I have to admit that! Here are the symptoms I have right now...

Symptoms I Have Now
___________________
Nervous stomach
No appetite (I'm still making myself eat, its just really really hard)
Insomnia (hard to fall asleep, and when I do, its hard to stay asleep, yet lastnight I did sleep good)
A little depressed feeling.

That's all my symptoms... Now, heres what I usually get when I have BAD anxiety
__________________
Nervous stomach
No appetite
Insomnia
Nightmares
Night sweats
Clammy hands
Rapid Heart Rate
Dizzy Spells
Trembling Arms and Legs
Constant Pacing Around
Crying Spells



So, it could be worse! I also started working out lastnight with my brother. He wants me to start working out with him every day, and he thinks that will help with my anxiety spell I'm going through.

Hope it works. =)

If not, I'm just going to start back up on my Lexapro... cant hurt. It can only help. =)

A question for you guys too...

Can an anti-depressant actually take the edge off? Take that unnecessary nervousness away?
And can it actually help your way of thinking?

Thanks so much! =)

[titansfan614]

Since the effects of the anxiety aren't affecting you too much, I would hold off on going back on the medicine and try the gym with your brother. Working out helps me SO much with anxiety, it's unbelievable and it's good for you, and you meet new people if you're going to a gym. Start working out at a pace you can handle, but i have to warn you, it can be quite addicting ;)

[phtgrapher]

Yeah, I'd love to try and work out more than I have been.  The problem I have is that my stomach and intestines are so messed up that exercising is really like the last thing I want to do.  Plus I've been losing weight and I know they say that if you work out your appetite will increase, but I don't really have an appetite anyway because my stomach is always so nauseated.  It's a vicious cycle.

[cnote]

Thanks! Yeah, the gym is a good thing! I love working out, then hitting the hot tub and just relaxing... and even doing some swimming... by the time I get home I feel worn out and ready for bed, which is a great feeling.

I still might go back on my 2.5mg of lexapro... I mean, it can't hurt. It was such a SMALL dosage, that it probably was more placebo than anything, but at the same time, who knows, maybe 2.5mg does do something to me, to take the edge off and be anxiety free. =)

We'll see how the next day or 2 are... then I'll think about starting it again.

But, yeah, I think it's b/c I'm laid off work... and have too much time to lay around and THINK TOO MUCH! Ya know?

And idle mind is a devils playground... and for me,... its evil anxietys perfect time to jump at me! =)

I'll be fine, I know I will... I just wish I was feeling 100% like I was a week ago..

I did however get my appetite back some today! That's a start! =)

Peace out guys.

[atticus565]

Just wanted to compliment you on your decision to start working out. It helps me so much. I'm sort of in the same predicament. I'm in between jobs and have a lot of free time during the day. A few months ago, I signed up at a gym and have been going regularly. Not only does it totally boost your confidence, but it also gets the seratonin pumping. It puts me in a better mood most of the time, just runnin on the treadmill for half an hour or lifting some weights. Above all else, it takes your mind off of your symptoms because you're really focused on the task at hand. Good luck!

[cnote]

Thanks so much for writing back! I think I will start the lexapro back and see what happens. =) And of course, I'm going to keep working out, and keeping busy! That should help.

I just feel really "WEIRD" today... I took 2 benedryls lastnight for allergies, and totally got WAY WAY dizzy... and it almost scared me... but I just told myself, "Dude, you took 2 benedryls.. they make you drowsy/loopy"

And today, I'm really really tired feeling and loopy feeling still... kinda groggy...

My wife said she gets like that when she takes benedryl.

Anyways, thanks so much for writing! =)

[cj29]

Remember in life anxiety will ebb and flow...especially with job related stress.  That can DEFINITELY play a roll in your anxiety.  Stressors will often bring it out, but remember to focus on the positive in which you said you were panic/anxiety free.  Challanges are going to arise and you will confront them again, but this time you have the knowledge and the will power to confront it...which makes all the difference in the world in my opinion.  Keep us posted!

[phtgrapher]

Yes, an anti-depressant can take the edge off.  I have all the same symptoms you do.  Two years ago I used to be on a tricyclic anti-depressant and a small dose of a SSRI and I had absolutely no problems.  I was fearless.  Now that I'm off of them I have all sorts of problems.  I used to think clearly, even excel at what I did, have so much energy, everything.  So yes it probably can.  Go back on the Lexapro and see what happens.