how to stop a relapse of symptoms?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
how to stop a relapse of symptoms?
6
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 6:28pm

hi everyone...


well...i've had a pretty good week with my anxiety, again, i'm not functioning at where i want to be, but i'm doing better...and when i'm doing better i "hope" that i just keep getting better and better and better until i'm my old self again...


but sure enought after a good week (anxiety at a 3 out of 10), i feel like its coming...like its a cloud that i can see far away, but approaching, and i fear that i will be having another bout of high anxiety and depression....


i'm trying really hard not to focus on it, but its really upsetting...i'm scared i'll have another "mini" relapse...why anxiety and depression has to come in waves beats me! i hate it...


i just want to get better and better and better, and not have any downs during my ups know what i mean?


anyways...any tips on how to prevent this from getting worse?


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-1998
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 6:43pm

Well, I am probably not the best one to offer advice as I am still new to this illness and don't really know. But one thing I know and have talked to my therapist about is the fact that a major factor of an anxiety disorder is the "fear of Fear" meaning that when you starting thinking that you are going to have an attack, that really makes it come on because you start fearing not being able to control it, and it causes an attack. So do the best you can to distract yourself. The "cloud" may be something you started by being worried about another attack, and you can remind yourself of how well you have been feeling and doing, and how you can handle this now because you have the necessary tools.
But I think that distraction is a great idea. Someone mentioned getting immersed in a good book-- that often brings out the obsessiveness for me (LOL) but that doesn't hurt to keep the anxiety away. Get a good, upbeat book (or a couple) and read anytime you feel yourself worrying about the "cloud"

HTH!!
Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 6:47am

Heather, just keep concentrating on your good week!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 6:49am

Karen, that is such good advice.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2003
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 7:24am

I totally agree! Total distraction works better than anything! But you need to catch it early so it is easier to distract yourself! Once you really get into the anxiety and panic, it is really harder to control it!
And if you need to use medications to feel better, do it. Sometimes it is just necessary! And always remember, even though there are bad times, there are always good times too even though sometimes it doesn't seem like it! My 14 years of experience have been up and down and up and down. But for all the downs, there are always up times too!

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2003
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 7:36am

I saw you have a fear of driving. I went through that and after reading www.anxietycoach.com newsletters and info on his website (no I really am not affiliated with it, I just utilize it a lot!) I learned to make myself do it. I decided I would not allow myself to be stuck at home because of my fear. There is just too much I would miss like visiting my best friend in the world who lives 3 hours away. I learned how to breathe through the attacks and just drove anyway. I've pulled off the side of the road so many times I can not tell you. I would walk around the car several times just to calm down. If I wasn't alone and embarrased about my anxiety, I acted like I needed to check the tires or something. Other times I've pulled over and just sat there for a moment putting a cold cup or something cold on my neck and breathing. I made it through those moments without calling my dh to come get me so far! It is really really hard but can be done. And there are such varying degrees of anxiety and panic that sometimes that just isn't possible yet until you reach a certain point. Know what I mean? If you aren't ready for that step, you aren't ready but it will come! This all takes work. I haven't always been good at keeping up with maintenance of it all to keep it under control. That really is important. Meaning practice the relaxation techniques when you are feeling good too and not just when you are feeling bad.

I hope I don't ramble on and on too much!!!

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 8:50am

That is so true, Laura.

Sheri Ann