What is Your Experience with Anxiety?

Posted by Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5, Apr 7 7:19pm

Many of us experience anxiety and most every day one of us writes something here about anxiety. I thought I would start a discussion on this topic.

Some have experienced anxiety all of our lives and others experienced anxiety when diagnosed with a serious illness. Some people have panic attacks. Some people have anxiety that affects falling asleep or waking up early in the morning and not able to get back to sleep. We can explore what anxiety feels like to you, what goes through your mind and where you think it comes from. It's all up to you. You might want to share what has helped you as a way to support others on Mayo Clinic Connect.

Your turn. What would you like to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

mimigirl63 | @mimigirl63 | May 3 8:36am

In reply to @sksnow "I wanted to ask you…..can you tell a difference in your depression yet? Or will this..." + (show)

Usually takes up to six weeks! It’s the longest wait!

ellemccope | @ellemccope | May 3 9:01am

In reply to @sksnow "Yes. Today was my first day. I just had to, I need relief like yesterday! So..." + (show)

Congratulations on starting the Lamictal but I understand about not wanting to wait weeks for relief. I, too, have considered Ketamine therapy. If you do it, and don’t mind sharing, please let me know how it goes.
Sending lots of hugs! 🤗

samcal9977zz | @samcal9977zz | May 4 3:57am

When I first got sick, I used to have panic attacks. Breathing exercises is what ended those for me.

So, I believe in them, generally at least.

I have also had success with meditation and Hatha Yoga relaxation exercises.

I was a violent crime victim. In 1982, I was kidnapped and held for a time. I have PTSD from that.

I have also done counseling. That has helped a lot.

If you have some history of trauma or abuse, I would recommend being assessed for PTSD.

That is a specific kind of problem and needs a specific kind of aid to resolve.

Very sorry for all those who suffer with anxiety.

Wishing everyone well on your healing journey.

Take care now.

szucker99 | @szucker99 | May 4 6:55am

Anxiety is a special kind of a beast. It just chased me for four days while I worked down off of pregablin. I have dealt with it during my life anyway - but titrating off of this medication was super rough and breathing was not helping much. I just tried to distract myself as much as possible with little things like washing dishes or listening to something or talking to someone for time to go by to the next day. But it was a good reminder for me of what this beast is for some people every day.

Love to all who face this ordeal it is a battle we can overcome but formidable!!!!

sksnow | @sksnow | May 4 7:16am

In reply to @ellemccope "Congratulations on starting the Lamictal but I understand about not wanting to wait weeks for relief...." + (show)

I will let you know, and we’ll keep each other posted on the Lamactil situation 😊

sksnow | @sksnow | May 4 7:20am

In reply to @samcal9977zz "When I first got sick, I used to have panic attacks. Breathing exercises is what ended..." + (show)

I too have PTSD. Serious traumas in my younger days, that I honestly believe are the root of all my issues. I just started talking to a therapist but im not ‘feeling the love’ really. May choose another, idk. It is a formidable beast for sure.

skullbasecancer4 | @skullbasecancer4 | May 4 8:44am

In reply to @frouke "I’m curious if this has happened to other people, I take 1 mg. per day of..." + (show)

Same

frouke | @frouke | May 4 10:03am

In reply to @skullbasecancer4 "Same" + (show)

What did you do about this problem, they gave me another generic Ativan and it’s helpful but I still feel different from it, however not as bad.

skullbasecancer4 | @skullbasecancer4 | May 4 10:15am

I am
Sorry , did not have the same issue . I just suffer greatly from anxiety and take klonopin and wish there were other safer alternatives that worked for me and everyone else that worked .

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | May 4 10:27am

In reply to @frouke "What did you do about this problem, they gave me another generic Ativan and it’s helpful..." + (show)

@frouke Have you asked your prescribing medical provider to prescribe the name brand of Ativan? It could cost you more and sometimes insurance won't cover the name brand when a generic is available. The reason I suggest this is that when I was prescribed a specific antidepressant in the 1990's my psychiatrist said that he had seen some differences in his patients who took generic brands. So, he prescribed the name brand for me. Fortunately at the time my insurance covered it.

What do you think about this suggestion?