Inexplicable Anxiety

[Douleur]

I find myself frequently having inexplicable anxiety. It's a feeling that consumes my body. I feel a tension in my chest. I can't focus. I tried taking anti anxiety medication in the past, but that dulls my senses and worsens my depression. I also thought about overdosing on the pills, so they were soon taken away from me. From time to time, I turn to red wine or pot when I feel overwhelmed by this anxiety, and they can help. The more puritanical part of myself feels guilty for relying on substances to manage my mood. I'm also on Prozac for depression. I try not to dwell too much on this, because my use is pretty low. Anyhow, on good days, when I feel okay leaving the house, I am able to push the anxiety out through a long bike ride or run. Right now, I am feeling this anxiety, it almost feels like I am short of breath. I have an appointment that I need to make in about two hours. During moments like this, I feel like canceling and going back to bed. But, I know that may in the end make me feel worse. Kind of like a vicious cycle. The funny thing is, this is an appointment for something I'm doing to try to be kind to myself.

 

[Gamereign555]

Depression can make anxiety worse, but for some people anxiety is the cause of the depression. It is possible that your anti depression medication is also not working well with you. The benzos do a great job to curb anxiety, but in too low a dose you may not notice the effects at all and depression will confuse results. Lack of sleep can also make my anxiety skyrocket, the difference sleep to no sleep makes is astonishing.

Try to find out which one is causing the other with you, for me I was probably lucky that the anti depressant that works for me also killed my anxiety. Other than the anti depressant I only take something to help me sleep. A psychologist could help you find out. Some healing might be in order. It is a vicious cycle.

 

[Smorck5]

Douleur,
have you ever tried to write down what happened right before you started having the anxiety? I've been doing this to learn my triggers and have found I can be triggered by some pretty mynute things. If you are being triggered and you can identify whats triggering your anxiety that could help you find away to stop it or avoid it.

Good Luck,
~S~