What is your anxiety like?

Upon reading your post I thought are you having side effects from any new meds? My mother had constant eye blinking from a med she was on and had to be taken off of it and slurred speech could be another side effect. Pls check with your doctor.

Good afternoon @sady. @lisalucier has asked me to join the discussion about your anxiety. I think you described the level of anxiety that I have known and that is "fight or flight". I think that reaction was given to us so that we could be aware of the danger and escape it. Maybe what I tend to do is maximize the anxiety for more and more situations. After my SFN small fiber neuropathy diagnosis, I was in real trouble with anxiety that is initiated by pain. Then the anxiety takes over and in so doing produces more pain.

My anxiety was interfering not only with the quality of life but also in being able to handle daily challenges. Although I protested, neuropsychological testing identified anxiety as a major deterrent to quality of life. I often had that dizzy feeling and what felt like sparklers spraying around my head. With support from my PCP, I started duloxetine and gradually increased the dosage until today, I feel rather calm. So here is the result. After months of settling down from anxiety, I am ready to go try to get my driver's license. It means I have to pass the test. That will be my Christmas present to myself.

What would you do? Is this the type of activity that sets off your anxiety? I have learned that anxiety and depression can increase pain. I think I know enough now from my time on Connect and talking with clinicians that I can withdraw from nortriptyline, an anti-depressant. I am in the third month and at the third level of withdrawal this week and have begun a journal. So far. trouble falling asleep has been a major symptom. Do you have trouble sleeping or falling asleep? Do you sleep uninterrupted for at least 6 hours?

Have a day of comfort and ease. Chris

Can you recommend a good meditation app or group to join thank you

@patrick7 Welcome to Mayo Connect. We are a diverse group of patients/family members/caregivers who share our experiences and offer support to others. If you do a google or internet search for "how to meditate" you might find some ideas that you can use. There are so many different forms and types of meditation, and it might take you a few tries to get one that works the best for you. Would you like to share with us the reason you are looking in to meditation at this time?
Ginger

This post came just at a time when i was contemplating taking daily lexapro 5 mg again. My anxiety, together with brain fog, seems to start in November/December and gets MUCH better around April. For the last 3years i took lexapro from end November through mid April. The brain fog is very bothersome, it makes me unable to think clearly. When it happens, i usually take a long walk in the woods with a friend or my dog, i go more frequently to yoga as well as aerobics classes and try to be active - not always easy but always helpful. I hope your anxiety will het better after your exams. Good luck 🍀

Hello @patrick7, It seems like you are posting for the first time on Connect? Is that correct? I subscribe to CALM. I use the 10 minute Daily Calm and some of the other meditation sessions. It is well done. There are lots of guided meditations on youtube. I have created my own guided meditation. What is important is to meditate at the same time every day. I choose the morning. Are you experiencing periods of anxiety? For what condition or disorder are you dealing with on a regular basis. Be safe and protected today. Chris

Thank you I will try at night I have intrusive thoughts

Anxiety and depression due to grandchildren involved in divorce I worry so much about them

Hi, @elisabetha - a long walk in the woods sounds nice, and I can see how it might be refreshing and calming when you feel anxious. Yoga and aerobics are also good ideas. Although I'm not doing a good job of of exercising regularly lately, I know it does help my mental/emotional state, and I have generalized anxiety disorder.

When you are experiencing anxiety, especially over the cold season, what is it like? For example, do you have a quicker heartbeat, experience excessive sweating, have feelings of doom, or something else?

@patrick7 - that stands to reason you could be experiencing anxiety and depression due to grandchildren involved in divorce. I personally experienced my parents divorce right after I graduated from college, and it was an anxious and depressed time for me. I had a lot of nausea at that time and felt like the world was crumbling around me.

Is your anxiety manifesting mainly in worry, or does it come out in some other way, patrick7?

@patrick7- Hi Patrick-I know how you feel and I imagine there are many more like us. My grandkids were 4 and 7 when
their parents split up. It was very hard for them and for the rest of our family too. It is several years down the road now
and I am happy to say they seem to be doing well and have good relationships with both parents. I hope that will be the case
with your as well. Thinking of you...….
Best wishes
Ainsleigh