New and scared

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2007
New and scared
42
Wed, 01-17-2007 - 8:30pm

Hello...I am new here and scared and nervous...I have pretty big anxiety issues due to being sick for a long time, and I also have adrenal and thyroid problems as well. I am seeing a wonderful naturopath who is also a very good counselor and all around wise woman, and I am currently taking Xanax three times a day which does help, but I am afraid that I am headed toward being an agoraphobic because I am scared to death every day I am going to get sick again or I am going to get sick or have an attack outside of the house. My house is like my safe haven, and when I do get worked up and Im home I usually make a warm cup of tea, curl up in my husbands recliner chair with a blanket and watch some good tv shows or a movie on dvd and this seems to help alot, but I am going to be working with my naturopath a few days a week soon and my life has totally changed...i went from being this happy, healthy person who loved to be out and around people to this scared, needy and panic stricken person who cant enjoy her life the way I used to. I can't tolerate any antidepressants ( i have had horrible allergic reactions to every one i have taken) and I really don't like drugs to begin with, i feel horrid because I have to take the Xanax. I would really like to know what some of you have done to get over your fears....my husband tells me I just need to start going out on my own, forcing myself out there and face the fear, and i want the strength to do that but it's so hard sometimes. some days are better than others, and I am doing alot better than i was a couple months ago, but are there such things as therapy groups for people like me? I start seeing a new psychiatrist next week so I am hoping she is nice...the other people I were seeing were really insensitive and wouldn't listen to a thing I said so I am hoping this one will be better. any advice would be wonderful, and if anyone lives in or around Richmond VA as I do and knows good support or therapy groups, that would be greatly appreciated. I am just so scared that this is going to run my life, and I pray to god every day for strength and guidance and hope that my husband will be able to put up with me long enough for us to get through this...I look forward to hearing from many!! Its nice to know we are not alone....

Krista

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-2004
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 11:17pm
I just found this board. Glad I looked around a bit. I have had anxiety and depression for about 10 years. I used to have so much anxiety, it made me nervous to even post a message on here. I take Prozac and even though I wish I didn't have to, every time I go off of it, I hit bottom. I take it to get through life. It helps me feel normal. Without it, I will think about taking a shower, going for a walk, anything, and just start crying uncontrollably. I have tried to fix it myself, and I can't. I can do things that help sometimes, like taking a bath or doing yoga, and I hope to one day be able to stop taking it. Particularly in the future when I plan on trying to get pregnant. I usually feel okay for a few months, but then I feel overwhelmed with depression and anxiety once again. Glad to know you gals are here who understand. So many people "don't get it"
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 11:42pm

Hi, Sherrill! Welcome to our community. We are pleased that you found us & hope you'll continue to share your thoughts on anxiety with us.


Personally, I have had setbacks with anxiety when I was under additional stressors. Sounds as if what you're experiencing is related to the changes in your life. It will get better. Whatever coping mechanisms you used in the past are still available to you. Perhaps meds? What about seeing a counselor? There is no shame in asking for help. This is a flaw in your chemistry. Not your character.


I am sorry to hear how distressed you are. Many of us are works in progress, finding new ways to deal with our anxiety & take our lives back. Post anytime. Join us in chats on Tues. & Thurs. evenings. Check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. We want you to live the life you deserve. GL&GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 11:51pm

I'll share that laugh, Fran:) I am a nurse & have worked in psych units & state hospitals most of my career. Always *locked.* I NEVER panicked there;) Also, I didn't drive for 3 years from fear, but used the exact small step approach to getting behind the wheel. I have ventured farther & farther away from the safety of my home & enjoy the freedom. It is possible for everyone who posts here to live a better life in spite of the anxiety. (((hugs))) jan


WalMart is my Waterloo! That store is such a trigger for my anxiety, but I HAVE to get my craft supplies there. Why is that department so far in the back &

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 11:59pm

Hello & welcome to our supportive community. We are so happy to see you;) Believe me, you are NOT alone!


My co-cl Sheri Ann finds yoga helpful. I like meditation, relaxation

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 9:40am

I am so happy to hear about the new position with the naturopath!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 10:36am

(((Sherill) You have found a very safe, supportive & caring group to come to whenever you are feeling badly (and when you're not!)

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 10:38am

Fran, I'm so glad you found us!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 10:40am

Welcome to our board!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2007
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 1:28pm

Thank you so much for your words of encouragment...they are hard to find sometimes...and some people get a little opinionated when they learn its only going to be a few days a week, probably half a day, but I need to get used to it again and i get tired out so quickly because of the stress on the adrenals and whatnot...so I thank you and I will keep you updated...i start the first tuesday in Feb...and hey does anyone else suffer from acid reflux with this stuff? I have a very nervous stomach and my naturopath is supposed to call me back with some suggestions...i used to be on medicine for it but i hate drugs and she usually can find stuff to cure me lol...but i was just curious if anyone else had this problem as well.

Krista

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2007
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 1:40pm

Holy crap Fran! I would be scared out of my mind lol...actually when I was in high school i was fascinated by abnormal psychology and thought that is maybe what I wanted to get into, until my school guidance counselor told me I would probably be in prisons talking to people like Charles Manson and I was like, okay NO WAY lol...I cant hardly even stand scary and violent movies and stuff...I actually went to walmart yesterday to do some grocery shopping and that voice came in my head so i hurried quick and finished which sucked because i did want to look around a bit, but was happy that i at least got what i needed without leaving the cart sitting there and running off lol....but today im staying at home and doing dishes and laundry...i get tired really quickly because of the adrenal problem so that sucks too when it comes to going out....but anyway kudos to you for that scary job!!! :)

Krista