Fear of stroms and more!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2004
Fear of stroms and more!
7
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 5:10pm
Hi all-I was posting on the depression board then found this. I just got myself back to the dr today and started Lexapro for panic disorder. I have such irrational fears. Im alone with my 20 month old daughter and I feel Im going to die in thehouse and no one will know she is alone. (I know crazy) I have been waking up in the middle of the night trembling and I actually unlock the door so the paramedics can get in. I also sleep with the phone on my bed and my mothers speed dial set so I just have to press a button. Im scared to death of storms and live in Fl, not a good combination. I literally sit in the middle of the living room and shake while my baby runs around clueless. My dr also gave me a referral to a cognitative behavoir therapist. At one time I was a career woman, had an identy, my own life and finances. I had a cute figure! Now Im a total wreck spinning out of control. I drove into the hospital parking lot last week thinkng I was having a nervous breakdown but didnt go in because they would have taken my baby away and put my on a mental watch. This all stated in my 20's. stopped for a few years and here we go again. Im so tired of this. I hope my daughter does not pick up any of my crazy behavoir.
Thanks for listening. Anyone on Lexapro? When does it start working?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 8:16pm
Hi d and welcome!!! My anxiety started when I was young also!!
I live in Florida and hate storms too!! Like you I felt my life
was totally out of control actually I was---- the panic had taken over!
I am 59 now and on Paxil and xanax and have been since I finally found
a doctor who knew what was wrong with me!! I raised 3 children with
panic and anxiety and would not wish that on anyone!!! There is lots
of help now and medications that help those of us with this disorder!!
Where in Florida do you live? I have a great doctor!!
As the medication begins to work you will feel much better and able
to think rationally! Usually takes 2-4 weeks to get really working!
Try not to look badly on yourself or your future just yet you are doing
all you can to get through this.
Check on the relaxation ideas on this board they do help---
We have chats on Tues and Thurs night at 9 EST time so come on in and
join us!!! Wishing you PEACE!! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2004
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 9:13pm
Hi Judy!
Thank you so much for answering. I dont have much support, mu husband has a hard time seeing this as a real disorder. My mother is great but I run to her constantly. Im 36 now with a 20 month old baby and its sooo much harder. Before I could crawl under the blankets or run. Now I have to be responsible for her. I cant believe you raised 3 kids with anxiety. Your my mentor! Sometimes I feel I should have never had a child, that Im harming her in some way. I live in Volusia Cty and we had another bad storm today and I really freaked. It was after my dr appt so youd think I would be strong. I hope my medicine works. This is not my first time on medicine, but it is after my child. My dr said this will most likely be a life long issue for me but we can keep it under control. Im having chest pains tonight and Im scaring myself. I have to change my thought patterns and Im going to therapy to help me. Id love to join in on chat tomorrow, how do I do it?
Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-05-2005
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 9:52pm

Hi Donna,
Welcome I and some of the others here have been on lexopro before. For myself it started the 3rd or 4th day and I have heard others say it has worked earlier than any of the other meds also so hang in there relief most possiblely is right around the corner. I used to hate storms and boy I would freak when I was younger and then my mom told me it is the angels rearranged furnture and they dropped alot sometimes or an angel plumber is trying something new, you know us mothers. but it did help and do you know it still helps, I have passed it down to my children, andfind comfort in it today.
You are not crazy, and things are going to get better. You took the first step in feeling better by coming here? Even just to vent, we all here are like family and you sound like you would fit right in. well you did it all by yourself you sound stronger than you think,so if you need us just come back, and the chat link is posted thrusday it is great alot of wise ladies there and caring. So Come and joins us ok look foward to chatting with you.

(((((((BIG BIG HUGS TO YOU)))))

lynn

Avatar for dustydavissss
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 06-15-2006 - 12:09am
I speak up here because I too have a fear of storms. St Louis gets a lot of wild weather and of course we have our annual tornado season. I just keep my flashlight, weather cube and a little space in the basement all ready. I don't know any cure for storm fright, but I thought that you would feel a little better if you knew that others felt as you do. Keep using your meds, keep your therapy sessions and be as brave as you can when it comes to the anxiety stuff. We all have very good times and when we slip back it's just plain hard to bear. But you can and you will get better so just hang in there and keep the faith. Take care to get your rest, eat healthy and get out with your family and friends. It's sad that many people just don't get this anxiety/panic issue, but you are strong enough to let that go and just move ahead to better living by taking care of yourself. I raised two children as well, all with the ups and downs of anxiety. They are just fine.
Blessings,
Suz

Blessings,

Suz

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 06-15-2006 - 11:44am

Having a fear of storms is what I consider to be *normal* anxiety.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2004
Thu, 06-15-2006 - 4:46pm
You gals are so great! I really felt silly with my fear of storms but you all understand. I know several people that love them and actually sit outside during one! I moved to Fl in 2004 and experienced the worst I ever have. I ask myself what Im afraid of even though its not a hurracaine. Im afraid of tornadoes, lightening, fire. My husband is gone 3 out of 4 weeks and being alone stinks. Anyway, day 2 on the Lexapro. I still have a "heavy" feeling in my chest and a caffine tingly feeling that I know is anxiety. m plugging away. Im looking forward to tonight.
Talk to y'all later
Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 06-15-2006 - 5:26pm

Hi Donna, I'm happy that you are coming to chat tonight.

Sheri Ann