For me, the key is the knowing that you CAN get better. You have done it before. That is something to always keep in the back of your mind. If you go off meds in the future and you have a crisis, you can always fall back on the fact that medication works for you and you can start taking it again and eventually you will be better. This thought helps me tremendously. Take care.
Here's how my anxiety works: I start THINKING about how basically I can't stop thinking...it started because I was afraid if I thought about anxiety I would start to have more attacks...and then it just became an endless loop...I don't even worry about attacks anymore, it's just that I fear that I will not be able to stop thinking one thought..., in this case, anxiety. I don't have any other OCD symptoms, that I know of any way.
My trigger is actually crowds...movies and concerts, specifically (which really *****, since I LOVE music and film) but my anxiety reemerged at a concert, where I was already feeling anxious, and then the singer happened to say something about "never being able to get a thought out of your head." Ooooooops. But I am now 6 weeks into being on Celexa, and staying positive. The less anxious I feel, the more I am able to "surpress" the anxious thoughts. It's hard, and it's exhausting, but I have faith that I will be stronger when I get through this.
Do you have any other symptoms of OCD? Do you just worry about having anxiety? I'm not really sure what that means actually other than perhaps you are worrying about having a panic attack?
CBT is a very useful tool. It takes practice and patience on your part. I especially like controlled breathing. It has gotten me out of going into a full blown panic attack when I start doing it early enough.
As far as the medications go, there are many out there that your doctor can try. I have not heard anything about using ADHD medications, for instance Adderall. However, I myself take a SNRI Wellbutrin and I am treating OCD with this. I like it because it doesn't have any effect on my sex drive and I have not gained weight on it. So maybe something to discuss with your doctor if these things caused you problems on the Celexa the last time you took it.
Unfortunately, you are predisposed to anxiety or OCD that leads to anxiety. Whenever there is a stressor in our lives, that seems the time when things start to fall apart. New baby = scary for some people. So the next time you decide you are better and want to go off the meds, make think about tapering down the dosage and staying on it. Trust me, I just had a son graduate high school and another finishing 9th grade...it has been one hell of a rollercoaster ride. Congratulations on the upcoming baby!
It's so reassuring to read these comments. I had what I now think must have been a panic attack last night after being clear for more than two years. Teeth chattering and very uneasy feeling. I dread going down that road again - but I know I got through it before. My biggest worry is being on my own at night when I get these uneasy feelings. But I really don't know what I'm worried might happen. Hang in there - it will pass.
Congratulations. You're going to be a new dad! Changes, whether good or bad can bring on anxiety. I wonder if this is what may be happening with you?
My daughter does CBT and it really helps her. I think it's going to help you too.
How long have you been back on the meds?
It's nice to know someone else has gone through this...sorry to hear that you are dealing with it again...just like you, I had a few years of no anxiety at all...and now to be back feeling the way I was is super frustrating...but at least the knowledge that I have been through it once already and have seen the other side is reassuring...and I will have to check out that book. I have the Anxiety And Phobia Workbook, bought it years ago, and found it to be super helpful too.
Thank you for responding...I am grateful that this community can offer support.
Hey I have the same thing and I started go read this book panic to power and teaches you how to change your thought pattern and has been great I am on medication that I just started and see a therapist and I had similiar as you my last attack was 4 years ago and I thought it was done. Now I feel like I am starting from scratch wake up and that's all you think about and its frustrating and annoying big time
Yes, I have high hopes that CBT will be of great help. This constant "anxiety anxiety anxiety" loop in my head is a huge inconvenience...my wife and I are expecting our first child in October, and I want to be there for my wife.
That's great news that you have an appointment set up.
Yes, anxiety can be a vicious cycle. If you're feeling anxious or have a panic attack you start obsessing about when it may happen again. And trying to stop thinking about it can be so frustrating.
Scheduled an appointment for a CBT specialist who says she can help me with this. It's a lot of money but I hope it's worth it.