Inner restlessness and trouble focusing

@nilsvega

I could have written a similar description. Originally, I was prescribed antidepressants, then later added a small dose of anti-anxiety drugs while going through some very stressful times in my life. It helps with mood swings, keeps me calmer, and stops the crying episodes. I still take it, though I have talked to the provider about reducing the dosage.

I also see a therapist and talk about jumping from task to task and feeling never get anything done. She mentioned ADHD. I had always thought I was organized, and felt very unsettled when things got out of control. I am a senior, and if I have ADHD, it is not officially diagnosed. I plan on asking my provider about it at my next appointment in Aug.

Glad you are going to follow up with your provider. Depression/anxiety medications can be a trial-and-error process. Sometimes during an appointment, we start to talk about other things and forget to ask my questions.

Are you preparing a list of questions to ask the provider?

Just my thoughts in this. I feel that way too about restlessness, but I don’t take anxiety or depression meds. I attribute mine to having too many tasks on my plate. I have unreasonable expectations of what one person can do in a certain allotted time. I’m overextended. The sense of accomplishment I long for is illusive.

Additionally, I have read that being on the internet and continually checking texts, emails, etc, causes low attention span. As I work on projects I hear my messages arrive…that distracts me. The viscous cycle continues.

I think I need a week of solid vacation to recharge my batteries.

Sounds like anxiety, which is separate from depression - although the two frequently seem to go together. I have both with a bit of PTSD thrown in - just to make it more fun. Is there an event in your past that might be causing this? Therapy has helped me with my anxiety, as sometimes talking about it can help find the triggers.

I know many people with this. At work, on vacation, at night, like a pinball machine. Nervous energy. Easily (willingly) distracted. A burr in the saddle.
Might get a dx of ADD or ADHD,and then a soup of meds, BUT
These symptoms are also consistent with unconcious painful stuff long buried (smoke from a distant fire or a "complex") that is trying to "get out" be acknowledged and resolved.
Jung said if you don't, it will come out as symptoms.
The Body Keeps the Score.

@roch Yes, I am preparing a list of questions, because during appointments I often forget what I wanted to ask. There is so much to talk about that I lose track.

@celia16 I'm on vacation for the second week and the same thing continues, nothing helps, not even light physical exercise or walks in the forest.

@mbixler I tried therapy, nothing worked.

@nilsvega So sorry that didn’t work for you. It’s so frustrating when nothing seems to help. But try to find someone who understands the battle you are fighting - not a health care provider, perhaps a friend or a support group in your area. Having a person who can relate to your situation can help, just venting with them can help reduce stress.

@nilsvega , I imagine that’s discouraging. Different things work for different people. I had a particularly good experience several summers ago at a beautiful retreat with friends. My internal transformation happened spontaneously while in that awesome environment with lake, mountains, wildlife, etc, but I have read there are places where professionals can help with this. I hope you keep trying to get where you want to be.