Michelle2102
24-05-12, 14:14
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to update my progress. I developed an anxiety disorder four weeks ago completely out of the blue. I wasn't stressed and I wasn't depressed although looking back over the last few years I've probably brushed a little too much stuff under the carpet. But four weeks ago I couldn't get myself off the sofa, I craved medical attention calling the emergency doctor, calling NHS direct etc there was no way I could go in to work to the job I love and I couldn't even walk to the school to pick my son up. I felt hopeless, panic stricken and feared I'd never recover.
Anyway, 21 days ago I started on citalopram 10mg and upped to 20mg after 10 days. I had Lorazepam to get me through the really bad bits but im pleased to say, I took 1mg at night for 4 days then decided i wanted to see how i was without them. I didnt need them. I've had every side effect in the book including heightened anxiety, nausea, intense fatigue, burning, shaking, dizzyness, dry mouth, numb face, insomnia, no appetite (lost a stone!)headaches, etc and also been confused about what's been side effects and symptoms. For every good day I've had a bad one until yesterday when I woke up panic free and ready to face the world again. Last night for the first time in four weeks I slept through the night and today, although there's a little haziness in my head, I've been shopping and met a friend. I'd say I'm 85% me again!
I realise there will be blips and I'm ready for them but I wanted anyone who felt like I did four weeks ago, to know that it does get better. I'm going back to work on Monday! I know we are all different and I wouldn't advise googling too much because there's a lot of stuff out there that doesn't relate to you but because of how you're feeling at the time, you think it does. It made me worse.
The things that have got me this far are...
This website and learning from it, the importance of understanding your symptoms and seeing them for what they really are and changing your mind set to refer to them as flight or fight instead of panic or anxiety.
My relaxation app which includes pouring rain sfx - VERY relaxing to listen to in bed (unless rain winds you up of course... It also includes birdsong, the sea ( with or without seagulls) plane cabin sfx and an erupting volcano - each to their own!!!)
My pills (I know they don't work for everyone)
Taking time off work to relax ( I've been off four weeks). I never get time off to myself and I think this has made all the difference. The weather's been kind too this week.
Give any meds time to work (at least a fortnight) and be kind to yourself. You WILL feel better.
Michelle x
Just wanted to update my progress. I developed an anxiety disorder four weeks ago completely out of the blue. I wasn't stressed and I wasn't depressed although looking back over the last few years I've probably brushed a little too much stuff under the carpet. But four weeks ago I couldn't get myself off the sofa, I craved medical attention calling the emergency doctor, calling NHS direct etc there was no way I could go in to work to the job I love and I couldn't even walk to the school to pick my son up. I felt hopeless, panic stricken and feared I'd never recover.
Anyway, 21 days ago I started on citalopram 10mg and upped to 20mg after 10 days. I had Lorazepam to get me through the really bad bits but im pleased to say, I took 1mg at night for 4 days then decided i wanted to see how i was without them. I didnt need them. I've had every side effect in the book including heightened anxiety, nausea, intense fatigue, burning, shaking, dizzyness, dry mouth, numb face, insomnia, no appetite (lost a stone!)headaches, etc and also been confused about what's been side effects and symptoms. For every good day I've had a bad one until yesterday when I woke up panic free and ready to face the world again. Last night for the first time in four weeks I slept through the night and today, although there's a little haziness in my head, I've been shopping and met a friend. I'd say I'm 85% me again!
I realise there will be blips and I'm ready for them but I wanted anyone who felt like I did four weeks ago, to know that it does get better. I'm going back to work on Monday! I know we are all different and I wouldn't advise googling too much because there's a lot of stuff out there that doesn't relate to you but because of how you're feeling at the time, you think it does. It made me worse.
The things that have got me this far are...
This website and learning from it, the importance of understanding your symptoms and seeing them for what they really are and changing your mind set to refer to them as flight or fight instead of panic or anxiety.
My relaxation app which includes pouring rain sfx - VERY relaxing to listen to in bed (unless rain winds you up of course... It also includes birdsong, the sea ( with or without seagulls) plane cabin sfx and an erupting volcano - each to their own!!!)
My pills (I know they don't work for everyone)
Taking time off work to relax ( I've been off four weeks). I never get time off to myself and I think this has made all the difference. The weather's been kind too this week.
Give any meds time to work (at least a fortnight) and be kind to yourself. You WILL feel better.
Michelle x