Stress/Anxiety

[ScrappyDoo]

OK this may sound like a dumb question, but at what point do you go to the doctor regarding stress/anxiety/etc? With everything that is going on lately I find myself irritable and anxious just about 24 hours a day and it's almost like my whole personality has changed. I used to be mellow and easygoing and now I am like a grenade waiting to blow up. I bet my blood pressure is ridiculous!

I just don't want them to think I am some kind of wierdo.

[Chevelle]

I think at the point where you can't function normally you should go. I'm pretty sure they won't think you're a weirdo. It's hard to live with anxiety, I'm sure they see it all the time. It's worth it to go.

[shelleyf]

I understand exactly what you are talking about because I go through it. I talked to my Dr. about it and she said alot of people have it. I didn't want pills as I have tried them several years ago 1 pill and that was it. I felt crazy and high as a kite and so tired. Hated it and will not do it again. I think everything I have been through caused it. If you want to discuss it please pm me. I will be praying for you.

[AndreaCA]

No one will think you are a weirdo! You need to take care of you, and if that includes going to the doctor, then GO! In the meantime, try to take good care of yourself. Limit caffeine, try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and when you feel yourself ready to explode, step away from the situation. Make a cup of chamomile tea, take a solitary walk, sit down and listen to music with your eyes closed, etc.

I deal with anxiety too sometimes, and it can really be debilitating. I try to keep things prioritized and I have to remember to keep myself at the top of that priority list. This can really be a challenge at times but you have to take care of yourself or you become worthless to the rest of your family.

Hang in there! (((Hugs)))

[Macaela25]

You may have situational anxiety issues...not surprising in times like these. You may want to try things like exercise, meditation and talking to a friend to see if this helps. Good solid aerobic exercise does wonders for anxiety and mood stablization.

I began taking a low dose anti-anxiety med when panic attacks and irrational anxiety began to interfere with my daily life. It made me feel a little odd at first, but my brain soon regulated itself and it has made a huge improvement.

And as for thinking you're a weirdo...pfftt. Most doctors wouldn't remember you if they saw you on the street, let alone your prescribed medications. What, are they going to go home and tell their spouse, "Someone came in today and wanted some MEDICATION because she's been feeling ANXIOUS!!! Can you BELIEVE it??? What a FREAK!!!"

Obviously this is tongue in cheek :) I view my anxiety disorder as what it is....a chemical imbalance. I take meds for hormonal imbalance, I take meds for chemical imbalance. I take Tylenol when I get a headache, I take an antibiotic when I get an infection. What is there that's weird about any of that?

[buddysmom]

I agree with everything Macaela said above.
I too take medication for depression and anxiety and it has made a world of difference for me.
It wouldnt hurt to go discuss whats been going on with your Dr.
~take care

[Jen1]

If it's noticeable to you, and bothering you - then certainly speak to you doctor. They may have non-med solutions for you to try as well as very low dose prescription meds that may be 'just what the doctor ordered' to take the edge off. I hope you are feeling better soon.

[kimandkathess]

I would certainly speak with a doctor if you feel you are at a place where you can't deal with it.

I was put on both anxiety meds and depression meds a while ago. I would get 5 or 6 panic attacks every day, where i felt like my heart was being squeezed and I couldnt breath and i would get dizzy and nasueous. After being on the medication for both anxiety and depression for a few years i feel better and have been weened off them.

I feel great! Sometimes life gets stressful and crazy. I will pray for you and please if you feel you can't handle things right now talk to you dr.

[ScrappyDoo]

Thanks guys!!!

I actually did go to the doctor thanks to your encouragement and he did a bunch of bloodwork just to make sure there wasn't anything wrong physically and he also prescribed a very low dose anti-anxiety medicine. I only take it at night when my mind is racing too much to sleep and it is working very well so far.

He also talked to me about how my dietary habits (lots of junk food and caffeine) can affect my mood and emotional well being. I had no idea what I eat was so tied to my moods. I am starting to eat better in hopes that it will get me off to a good start in getting a handle on this aniety stuff.

Next comes the exercise componenet, but that one is a little more difficult to get motivated for