Delurking here...

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-1998
Delurking here...
6
Fri, 09-22-2006 - 9:33am

My name is Emily and for the past 3 weeks since I've been very depressed and panicking since: #1 The main water line to our house burst and we're in the process now of getting it replaced; and #2 I'm going to be laid off from my job next week due to a contract not being renewed.

I am looking for another job, and I will most likely get placed by my company at another contract but I am still freaking out. I am the primary breadwinner in the family, and while my dh has just found a part-time job, it would not be enough to support us. Luckily we do have some savings in mutual funds we can use.

The problem is last year I got laid off from a previous job, and I went into total panic mode at first. I did find this job about a month later and that was great but this is bringing it all back.

I get freaked out, start panicking, can't eat and can't sleep. I am back on Zoloft which is helping some but right now isn't much. My self-esteem is usually never great to start with and this is making it worse. I have been really hating myself again. I don't know how to turn the thoughts off except for short spurts and my dh fears I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. Frankly it feels like I'm losing it too much of the time. I know this is not how to behave in a crisis and I need to be strong and be a role model for our 10-year-old dd.

I am going to counseling which helps some, but since I can't be there all the time what do I do? I can't seem to get my act together. I never used to have these large panic attacks, occasionally an anxiety attack which I would get over quickly but nothing like this.

Does anybody have any suggestions to help me?

Thanks you.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 09-22-2006 - 12:15pm

Welcome, Emily! We're so glad to have you here. You are NOT alone. Many of us have a setback with anxiety when under stress. I wish you well on your job search & hope there's a quick resolution to the plumbing problems.


I have good luck with belly breathing & meditation. Check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. You can get many good ideas on how to reduce stress & self-help techniques to use when you're on your own. As for zoloft, it's a good med with several people on our board reporting success. It does take 4 to 6 weeks to see the best effect. You didn't say what dose you're taking, but sometimes it needs increased. When do you see your dr. next? Counseling is great, too. Ask to be taught some relaxation techniques. Don't forget to carve out some *me* time from your busy life.


We do care about you & want you to live the best life you deserve. I know I'm a work in progress, so make our board your home & learn how to live more comfortably with anxiety. It IS possible. Drop into chats on Tues. & Thurs. night. We'll save you a seat! good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan



 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 09-22-2006 - 3:27pm

Hi Emily & welcome!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-1998
Fri, 09-22-2006 - 3:47pm

Thank you to both of you. I am trying to keep it together, but it hasn't been easy. I know I need to take better care of myself. I guess in some ways I'm "punishing" myself because I feel like I've failed again. Not rational I know but there it is.

I will be trying those relaxation techniques.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Sat, 09-23-2006 - 11:25am

hi there,


just wanted to say hi and offer some support. i know what it feels like to "lose it" and have a "nervous break down."

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Sat, 09-23-2006 - 8:58pm
Welcome Emily!! I am sorry about your job and the anxiety
you are having. The zoloft will need time to work until then
maybe you can get the doc to give you an anti anxiety med???
Panic attacks are awful!! Try to find time in your day to do
some kind of relaxation---- Take care!! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2003
Sun, 09-24-2006 - 10:52pm
Welcome to the board! *hugz* This is a great support group and you'll find a lot of great coping information and friendly people who will always listen and try to offer advice! Welcome again!