Self-Diagnosing

[Fe12]

Hello! I was hoping to get some advice on here before going into the clinic. I believe that I might have general anxiety trouble. I wouldn't say that I am paranoid or OCD, so I think GAD would describe what I am feeling. I've experienced it in the past, but most recently, it's been with a new job. I do outbound calling to help people begin the process of filing for disability with SSA. In the past, I've felt anxious to the point of being overly emotional and feeling physically ill when I did customer service. Even if the customer wasn't angry, I found myself feeling like this. Now, I am experiencing this with this new job. Before the person even answers, I feel dread. When I acknowledge that I am feeling this way, I only feel worse because I feel like a basket case. As far as physically, I get red and splotchy on my face, neck, and chest. I feel nauseous and I get shaky. Since I started this job, I haven't been sleeping very well, and I woke up in the middle of the night with a charlie-horse in my calf-muscle, which I'm sure was caused by a muscle-spasm. I'm overly emotional right now and I just don't feel happy. I worry sometimes that I might have depression too, but anxiety is my biggest worry. Whenever I get down on myself, I feel even worse because I have so much to be grateful for in my life. I have a great life, but with this constant dread, I find myself forgetting how blessed I am. I know a general description is much too little for diagnosing something like this, but I was hoping to just get some advice on whether or not I should see a professional. Any help would be much appreciated.

[nursegirl6572]

Thanks for the update!  You sound like you've got a good take on what's going on, you're very insightful.  You've eliminated one trigger by leaving the stressful job, that's good.  Certainly money worries can cause stress, so let's hope your PT job keeps you busy with extra hours for now.

Make yourself an appt to get in and talk to your doctor to get the process started.  You may end up doing just fine with only therapy, depending on how bad the symptoms are, and how much they are affecting you.  When the anxiety starts affecting your daily life, meds may be warranted.

Lean on your hubby, that's what he's there for.  Don't feel like you're taking advantage of him!  You'd do the same for him!  So great that he's being so supportive!

Keep us in the loop hon...we're here for you!

[Fe12]

Wow, I didn't realize I had this many comments, so thank you all! I've been working two jobs on and off since February of this year, but besides feeling a little tired, I didn't feel different. When I got laid-off at my full-time job, I applied everywhere because I was worried about being unemployed. My other job is a seasonal job and so I didn't want to ride that until they let me go without having found another job yet. That has definitely been stressful for me, especially when I found a job that ended up making me feel anxious like this. I actually left that job last week and I've just been working my part-time job more hours (luckily, they let me take more hours). That job is still seasonal so I'm still looking for something more permanent. I believe the best way for me to deal with this would be to have therapy and maybe medication to help with daily struggles. Leaving that job has helped with my anxiety, but I do feel depressed still as I don't know what's going to happen as far as finding a job. My husband has been very supportive and understanding, but I don't want to take advantage of that. I just hate not knowing what's going to happen. I will try to keep everyone on here updated as things progress, but I'm thinking it might be at least next week before I can get in to the clinic in town. But I am doing better and feeling more like myself. I just need to get back to work!

[nursegirl6572]

You need to seek out the opinion of a mental health professional, preferrably a psychiatrist, as they are the best to diagnose these conditions.  They will discuss treatment options with you, which may include therapy and possibly medications.  

Medications and therapy together is a great approach, as the meds help to control your symptoms, while therapy (preferrably CBT) will help you learn coping techniques and how to undo that anxious cycle of thinking.

Applying for disability is quite premature, as you haven't even sought help yet.  These conditions are very manageable with the right care, and you can be completely functional.  Disability is not going to be granted when you cannot provide any documentation, you don't even have an official diagnosis yet.

Please do not hesitate, reach out for help soon.  Your family doctor can give you a referral for a psychiatrist.  Very best of luck, let us know how you're doing!

[DanXYZ10]

I think you should see a psycologist. and it better be one who is experienced with CBT., it sound like a sort of anxiety. CBT is the most efficient treatement for axiety today. you better dont jump straight to psychiatric doc, medicines better be considered only as as a second or even 3'th line with anxiety.
wish you health.

[remar]

Oh yes, I can understand why your other job would make you anxious and depressed. It's an awful lot to deal with. Is there a possibility of finding a different job? I do know it can be hard to find any job with this economy right now.
Do you have an extra time for yourself at all? I'm asking because counseling may help you a great deal. That would mean having the time to go though. Starting with the local clinic sounds like a great idea.
No, in my opinion, you are not over reacting. It sounds like you have so much going on in your life right now. No wonder you're anxious and depressed at times.
We're here to listen and help any way we can.

[Fe12]

Thank you for your words! I would say these symptoms happen sometimes, but mostly when I'm feeling down or upset. They've happened when I've had an argument with my husband or when I'm upset about something. Having it happen on a daily basis is exhausting and I think that being on the phones triggers it. What's weird is that my other job is on the phones too, but I rarely have these feelings there. I think it might have something to do with the subject matter. The people I talk to with this new job are dealing with a pretty crappy situation (out of work because they are sick or disabled) and I think my mind is just taking it personally.. I think I will start with the local clinic and see what they think. I just wanted to see if ya'll thought I might be over-reacting. Thanks again.