anxiety
 

Hello, all;
I'm new here. I have to lose weight and do it immediately. I broke my ankle last summer and my weight and neuropathy made it so much worse they had to do reconstructive surgery. About 4 months before that I was in a rough period and went to a counselor and was given an antidepressant that didn't agree, but then I was put on Paxil and have had great success with that.
I started having feelings of anxiety, shaking hands, urge to eat everything in sight. I asked my dr. about it and he said they were anxiety attacks and would probably go away. Since I can't wait for "probably" I made an appt. with a new counselor (mine was no longer available) and he said that before we label these attacks, let's look at the many meds I take. Sure enough, I cut my neurontin and elavil meds in half (they are prescribed for foot neuropathy pain) and I haven't had any anxiety attacks in about a month.
I'm continuing to see the counselor and am now taking my weight loss (thru WW) a little more seriously. I'm 100+ pounds overweight and I have had mobility problems for a long time. I'm 56 years old and if I don't lose weight soon my hip replacements will fail and my broken ankle will probably rebreak. So, I desperately need to get some help that is available more than a once-a-week weigh in.
Thanks for hearing me out. I've been wandering around diet lists for a couple of weeks and this looks like the most compatible for me.

Gobbie in Baltimore
:(

Hi Gobbie and welcome to our group,

Sounds like you have a lot going on in your life. I have personally lost 85 pounds and kept it off for 7 years. These past few months have been a struggle for me, just a few pounds up but none the less I have to get rid of them!! I am doing ok now, I started having anxiety attacks and boy they sure are up setting. I have been taking Buspar for a few months and that helps with the anxiety and also this board is so much help, our group of ladies always have an encourageing word or idea for us when in need. I also go to counseling and I am learning deep breathing and relaxation. That's my history, but I just wanted to let you know I was so addicted to junk food and eating in general, it took me 5 years to finally really make the commitiment to lose the weight and then I regained it twice before I finally kept it off. I would be happy to offer you support anyway possible. My email is [email protected] if you want to write. You will do it and then you will feel so much better!!

How's everyone else doing? It is still raining here, I don't know what happened to "gobal warming" ???? It is a whole 50 degrees and it is supposed to be 75. Guess I don't need to open my pool anytime soon LOL. MyGirl, sounds like the time at your sisters was good for you, and Barbee, I just don't know how we have any teachers left, kids are so awful, back when I was in school it was getting bad but nothing like it is now. I say thanks to all you teachers, I didn't forget you are a teacher to Mygirl. Have a great day everyone.

Daytona

Hi,

I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and panic attacks 8 weeks ago. I have been refered to a specialist for cognative therapy. I also have beta blockers to help during panic attacks.

After reading books and gathering info, I found out that hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) contributes to the anxiety symptoms, therefore a hypoglycaemic control diet can help. These are the things I learnt:

Avoid stimulants: caffeine, nicotine, salt, preservative, hormones (present in industrial meat) and processed food.

In order to follow a hypoglycaemic diet: Avoid simple sugar (white or brown sugar, honey, fructose and food high in sugar). Avoid fruit juices or dilute them in water. Reduce or eliminate simple starches such as pasta, refined cereals, potatoes or white bread. Subistitute with complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads and cereals, vegetables and brown rice or other whole grains. Have a complex carbohydrate or protein snack (nuts, whole grain toast etc) half way between meals. You can have four or five small meals no more than 2 to 3 hours apart. Moderate you alcohol consumption since your body converts alcohol into sugar.

To do:
Drink plenty of water: 8 glasses a day, Take time while eating, chew, eat small quantities, spread during the day, do not drink while eating. Increase your intake of dietary fiber by eating foods such as whole grains, brans and raw vegetables. (Note too that too much fiber can cause gas and bloating and interfere with the body’s ability to absorb protein.) Also try to avoid saturated and polyunsaturated fat. Monounsaturated oils such as unrefined olive oil are preferable.

Supplements that can help:
Vitamin B-complex: 50-100mg of all 11 B vitamins once per day with meal.
Vitamin C: 1,000mg once or twice per day with meals
Chromium: 200mcg per day
Glycogenic amino acids: (L-glycine, L-glutamic acid, L-tyrosine, L-leucine, L-alanine, L-methionine, l-lysine)


Meat, poultry, dairy and cheese products, as well as eggs are acid-forming products, thus moving your diet towards vegetarianism good be a good option. To help maintain a proper acid-alkaline balance in the body, it helps to decrease consumption of acid-forming foods and increase the amount of alkaline-forming foods, like vegetables, most fruits, except plums and prunes; whole grains such as brown rice, millet, and buckwheat; and bean sprouts. Ideally 50 to 60 percent of the calories you consume should come from these foods.

I gathered these information from the anxiety self help website and also from a brilliant book The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook (3rd ed) by Edmund J. Bourne. I really advise you to have a look at both for info about anxiety and panic attacks.

I have also been diagnosed not long ago with lactose intolerance so I cannot eat anything with milk proteine (lactose). But that's another story!! (that means no cheese, no butter, no milk etc...)

I have lost almost 60lbs since last year (june 2000). These health problems have been really tough to overcome. When you realise that you diet and a change in lifestyle can be one of the major factors towards recovery you realise that you can have control over your life again.

I have created on the computer my own food journal where I enter everthing, the stimulants I have had during the day (well almost always 0 as I cut right down all of them), then the number of glasses of water, the different groups of food, the supplements to take ( the vitamins, chromium etc). I also point my food since I am on Weight Watchers.

Learn as much as you can on anxiety and panic attacks. Knowledge is power! Also there are a lot of possible alternative therapies.

I am not a nutritionist, nor a doctor, the advice I give above is just from my own research and experience but learn about yourself and what works for you. As a cheese lover and a meat lover, being diagnosed with anxiety and lactose intolerance means that I have to rethink the way I eat completely. Having been with Weight Watchers for 1 year now and being almost at goal (6lbs to go!!!!) I know that changing habits in order to be healthier is possible!!

And I was going to forgot!! Exercise! It is good for anxiety too!!!

Good Luck!!!!

Ghislaine

Hi everyone,

i've been having a bit of a slow week...feeling a bit down and lethargic to be honest but I treated myself to a one hour massage can't begin to tell you how good that felt! :yawn:


Welcome Gobbie - hang in there & thanks for sharing your experience with us...together we can all do great things!

Welcome Ghislaine - wow what an informative post! I got so much out of it I decided to print it - thanks for sharing and I definitely agree with you - knowledge really is power.

Daytona - thanks for your kind words, you're a real sweetie :D
how's the deep breathing and relaxation coming along?



Take care,

MyGirl :wave:

Today is the 1st day
 

Thanks so much for the kind and encouraging words. I am going to my WW meeting tonight and reweigh in. I don't know how many weeks (2-3) I missed due to bronchitis, but I'm going to start myself again. Boy, all the information this group has on anxiety attacks is great. I think depression may bring on some of it as well. The panic/anxiety attacks, no matter what form, breaks the continual plunge into depression because you have something else to focus on. Now, let's see if my theory works because I haven't had any attacks in a month or so and that coincides with my cutting down on two of my meds, seeing a counselor, and deciding to take charge of my overweight. With all the positive moves, depression isn't as acute. :s:

The only thing I don't understand is why I have to have a "starting point" like WW tonight or I will just eat anything in sight until I have that starting point.

Gobbie in Baltimore :?:

I am glad my research about anxiety attacks and a good diet to help fight them was of some help. Just remember eveyone, you are not alone in this quest both towards health and fitness and towards mental balance! We can do it.

I have been pigging a bit today but it is ok. I am usually really tough with myself and I have realised that I need the occasional 'off' day to relax. I am almost at goal and a week difference does not matter. What matter is that I finally manage to relax and obatain this mind balance I long for. ( the thin hips to go with it would be nice too :)!!! But I am only 6lbs from goal now. I will get there!!!!)

People:

- Learn to relax, breath and make time for yourselves
- repeat to yourself: " Yes I can do this! (relax) na d be thin too!"

Good luck everyone!!!

Ghislaine.

Hi girls,

How's everyone doing? I am getting the breathing down better now, at first it felt to funny to breath like that. It does seem to help. I am going to a bookstore sometime this week and check out all the books mentioned here. I love to read info on self help, you can always learn something. I did a 5k walk Sat, it only took me 40 minutes so not to bad. I think walking everyday helps to. Ghis, do you think your eating better has really made a difference on how you feel? I am still not off the caffeine, I seem to have an addiction to the stuff and I know it isn't helping my anxiety at all. I also eat way to much sugar. I had been diagnoised with hypo (low blood sugar) back in 1986 and learned to eat better. However I now have slipped all the way back into my bad eating habits, after you have that so long you learn to cheat, but of course you are only cheating yourself!! Just wondered if you noticed a huge difference on how you felt after giving up the bad foods.

Well hope all of you have a good day.
Daytona

Need some moral support
 

I've posted a couple of times and you all have really been super with the support. The past couple of weeks have been like a soap opera and I'm letting it get in the way of everything I should be thinking of if I'm going to lose the weight. I came to work this a.m. and immediately had coffee and a breakfast sandwich. A little later I had more coffee and a breakfast muffin. It's not lunch yet, but I have leftover noodles and veggies as well as yogurt. (I have to have the yogurt to try and control an infection.)

So, nothing in my life will change until Wednesday and I really do need to quit eating what I want and start eating what I should. I planned to go back to WW on FRiday, but became ill at work and ended up at home in bed instead.

I know that each of you people have some experience with what I'm going through. I'm losing hope and I find myself saying more and more, "what's the use?" Then later I say I'll give it one more try. Only this time it is harder than usual.

Gobbie :(

can I join in?
 

Hi Everyone,

Can I join this thread? I too, have panic attacks and need to lose weight.
I've found your postings very helpful, particularly the ones that discuss medication and diets.
I just turned 44 and have had panic attacks for as long as I can remember. As a child I became terrified to leave the house (my first experience at being housebound). About 12 years ago, with help from a therapist, I found out the reason. It didn't stop the attacks but it did solve the mystery as to why I have them.
I'm 5ft. and weigh 125 lbs. I seem to be putting on pounds and not losing it every Dec since 1989. I'd like to stop it now before I gain anymore. It's so easy to ingore the weight gain when you are concetrating on dealing with life and panic attacks.

Thanks for this thread,
Bliss

Hi all,

Gobbie, don't be discouraged!!! You will get on track and lose the weight, sometimes it is just the last thing you think about when more pressing matters are at hand. Maybe you can start by making a few better choices? I read an article in Good Housekeeping saying if you just cut 75 cal a day you can lose 15pds in a year. Just try to make small changes and don't think all or nothing. That was a trap I fell into when I first started dieting, if I wasn't perfect on the food plan I would say what the heck, and really blow it. I am here to tell you I gained my last 20 pounds saying tomorrow I will diet. You can do it, we will encourage you when you need it, you are not alone!!

Welcome Bliss, when you found out what caused your panic attacks did they stop or didn't it make a big difference? I am taking Buspar for the past 2 months but I still have some days that are not so good. It helps a lot with the anxiety and I have not had it effect my weight loss one way or the other. It is hard to worry about your weight when you are feeling anxious, for me food is like a tranqulizer I am the queen of emotional eating. At least if you diet and lose weight it gives us something positive to think about LOL.

Daytona

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let all of you know I am going on vacation tonight and will be back next Wed the 20th. We are going up to our cabin so it should be a relaxing time. Have a good week everybody.

Daytona

hi everyone
 

hi all,
I've been lying low these past few days...not very active, my weight has been stable...no loss or gain...have hit a wall, need to get a bit of a jump start...my anxiety has been ok some days and moments have been better than others...I just need to re-focus and follow my tried and true walking and eating the right food. I have not really been feeling all that motivated to be honest, I don't know what it is but I hope I get out if this rut soon! sometimes though I think that I need to experience the lows it makes the highs all the more exciting! :dizzy:

daytona,
have a fabulous break you lucky girl you! Come back relaxed and re-energized!

bliss,
welcome.....and a big >>>HUG<<< sounds like you have at least identified the cause of your anxiety, which is more than I can say...I am still looking for it...post as often as you like and we all look forward to hearing updates on your progress or even if you just feel like dropping in to say hello, that's fine too.

jennifa, barbee, ghislaine gobbie & 1moretime and anyone else I forgot to mention - how are things going your way? relaxing thoughts and vibes to you all. :love:

p.s - anyone got any good jokes?

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

Thanks for support
 

I look forward to your posts MyGirl and Daytona1; I hope all is well with you. I did go to WW and weighed in on Wed. Highest I've ever been and I know it isn't all from being on crutches so long. I strongly suspect some of the meds I'm on; I'm trying to cut back on those now, but I expect I'll have some side effects from that. Things are at a new all time low in my life right now, but finding 3FC and this forum helps loads. As soon as my personal crises pass, I'll be more active here (and hopefully less sedentary at home). My corgi, Gobbie, says that if she can keep her figure down to a svelte 23#, I should be able to get down to my healthy figure. :rolleyes:

I feel your pain...
 

Hi All!:D


I suffer from anxiety also. It started when I was ten years old and has progressively gotten worse. I am in a generally "anxious" state all day long, which is why I overeat. A doctor once told me that I grind my teeth and eating alleviates the sensation (didn't make any sense to me at the time, but think about it - what is eating? grinding food and swallowing). The doctor said it is not that I am so hungry but that my nervousness causes the "teeth-grinding" and overeating. (Don't get me wrong. I'm not blaming it all on the anxiety. I love the taste of food.)

I have learned to function with my anxiety and am trying try to "lower my stress threshold" as my doctor says.

What I've noticed is if I have "too much on my plate", run myself ragged, and don't get enough sleep, I will get anxiety attacks.

It's all one day at a time. With patience and perserverance we will all achieve our mental and physical health goals.

Stay well!
Raff0519

P.S. I have the flu today and have only little eaten a little lunch. Maybe I'll lose a couple of pounds! (heh, heh):lol:

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for letting me join in!

Can anyone recommend web sites on phobias and panic? For the past few years we've been on the net I've looked at a few, but haven't found one with a message board I wanted to join.

To Daytona, You asked if my panic attacks stopped after finding out what caused them. Not completely, but I do feel I have better control over them. I'm no longer housebound. I can travel all around the county I live in and if I'm feeling really good, I can get to Pittsburgh (I live in a county north of it). I believe I've had panic attacks since I was 3 at least. Now it feels almost like a habit I can't give up. Having this problem is a part of who I am and I think I'm afraid to get well, of making such a big change in my life. A while back I saw an Oprah show where Dr. Phil was discussing addictions and habits. So much of what he said hit home. It's so easy to use "the panic attack" excuse when you don't want to do something. Like doing it out of habit instead of really thinking about whether you can or just don't want to go out. I'll talk later about how I found out what caused my attacks.

To Ghislaine, I'm lactose intollerant, too. When I first had this problem, I would get so sick it would bring on panic attacks but now that I have it under control, by avoiding lactoce or by using a product called Lactaid, I don't get sick so I don't have panic attacks. Your letter on the hypoglycemic diet was great. My doctor told me ages ago I should stay on that kind of diet but it's very hard to give up certain foods. BTW are you an Easties fan?

Thanks for the hug MyGirl! Hugs back to you and everyone! Bliss

lying low
 

Hi everyone,

Welcome RAFF0519...glad you have found us

I'm still in my state of limbo, can't say I have made any progress yet on the weightloss front...I just need to get myself organized!

I still haven't figured out what the underlying cause for my anxiety is...when I find it I will feel a bit relieved!

S-L-O-W-L-Y does it this week.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

Hello Ladies...I'm a little sleepy today
 

Hi all! Hope you all are doing well.

I'm at work and am stressed as ever. I'm juggling work and college classes, and am having a hard time handling it all.
IT JUST MAKES ME WANT TO EAT MORE!:lol:

Otherwise, I am fine thanks to this webpage and all of you - it's nice to know there are others that feel the same way.

Stay well and keep strong.
Peace and love.
Raff0519

Web site for panic and phobias
 

Bliss,
Check out www.healingwell.com and go to their panic message boards. They are very helpful there and sometimes it's nice to know others feel the same way.

Hi everyone,

The vacation was great, just hung out and relaxed!! I managed to stay the same with my weight so I was so glad. Now that I am back I have been eating a little more so I need to stop that. I felt less anxiety while I was away, I think it was because I was busy doing enjoyable things, walking in the woods, going to the mall, eating out etc.. Too bad everyday life can't be like our vacations!!
Have a great clam day and welcome to all the new posters!!

Daytona

bouncing back!
 

Hi everyone,
how are you all doing? I have finally snapped out of my rut...thank God for that...I often feel like I have to experience the lows to make the highs all the more better!

I've been out walking and watching my total daily fat count seems to be helping and of course avoiding coffee and most caffeine products. I think having some more protein rather than filling up on carbohydrates has helped me enormously...I read that it helps control the anxiety and is also good for my weight loss...a double whammy!!

1moretime...I checked out that website it had some real good stuff on it, thanks for letting us know about it.

daytona,
sounds like you had a great time, I am so happy for you. Having time out is so re-energizing, it helps us regain focus in our lives and gives us that boost we all need form time to time.

Have also been doing some spring cleaning (ok I know I'm a bit late for that)and it feels so good throwing out so much junk that has been lying around the house collecting dust...it's quite liberating!


Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

Finally climbing out of hole
 

I am finally coming out of my blue funk and nonstop eating. However, last week I did lose mightily (8.6 lbs), so haven't been very strict (while the mouse is away the cat will play???). Did a lot of emotional eating, too. I weigh in again tomorrow, so we'll see what happens. Either way, at least I have a better attitude.

Do I need to stop replying to this thread since I found out that my "anxiety" attacks were brought on by a medicine I take for neuropathy? I'm not having those attacks anymore, but I can sure empathize with those who are!

Have a great day, folks.

Gobbie
:wave:

Thanks for the info
 

:wave: My name is Jan. I think I posted wrong the last time. I created a page and didn't mean to. What it was about was thanking you for all the wonderful information. I also wanted to know if I could join your group please?

I was diagnosed with panic disorder, depression and ocd about 2 months ago. We tried handling it with just cognative behavior but that didn't seem to be enough. I am now taking a drug called Celexa. I was on 20 mg but was still averaging 4 to 5 panic attacks per day. Last week we upped the dosage to 40 mg. I haven't noticed a big change yet but the doctor send it would take a couple weeks. In the meantime I meet with a therapist weekly.

I also have had quite a few medical problems that began about 6 to 7 months ago. I've been off work since the middle of January. Am hoping to be able to go back soon. I started taking insulin for my diabetes about 4 months ago. Am still getting used to that.

Most my days are spent in a grey funk. After reading your board, I found that there is hope. There was a lot of good information. I want to thank all of you for that. It's just so discouraging to feel this way most the time. I just want to get back to the light again. A lot of days are spent crying. Things I used to enjoy doing, I no longer do. Even reading, I get about 3 pages and the concentration just isn't there. Then the crying begins all over again.

I'm hoping if I am able to join this group, you'll be able to help me. In turn, I promise to be supportive to you as well.

I look forward to hearing from someone.

:wave:

Hey Janney
 

Hey Janney!

You are more than welcome here. I suffer from anxiety and have had a few panic attacks. I generally just have different symptoms with my anxiety attacks and sometimes I just feel yuck!:( I also see a therapist and I didn't want to take medicine but I decided that if I had any other illness I wouldn't hesitate to take medicine. I've been on BuSpar for about a year and it does seem to help but I still have flair ups.

My son, who is 12, also suffers from anxiety and his manifests itself with a cough-bark. When he has a flair up he does it every few seconds except when he's asleep. Needless to say this is hard on everyone.

Focus on one day at a time and practice relaxation techniques. Good Luck! ;)

Hi everyone and welcome Jan.

You are more than welcome to join our thread. It sounds like you have a lot going on. I have been suffering anxiety/depression etc for the past few months. My Dr. put me on Buspar and it helped a lot. It did take sometime to work, but when you feel so lousy 1 hour can seem like a week!! I too have been seeing a therapist to learn how to relax etc. I agree the support on these boards is very helpful and so much good info. For me it really helps to know we are NOT alone in our struggle. I had been taking my med's for a couple weeks and felt fine, then all of a sudden all the symptoms were back, it sure caught me off guard. Lucky 1Moretime told me it was still normal to have bad days. Here I thought take this med and everything would be better LOL . So things will get better for you to, please post here often and we will give you support.

Daytona

Welcome Janney!
 

Hi Jan,
good to have you on board (get it...on board our boards....lol) ok ok I am just feeling a bit quirky today.

Post as often as you like...we all take comfort in both giving and receiving support...even just a shared experience often lets us know that we are not alone or going insane...the symptoms of anxiety, ocd and panic attacks don't seem to discriminate...we are all treated equally as bad...it's how we choose to handle these situations that makes all the difference...oh boy, that sound like good advice, maybe I should take some of my own advice.

I was reminded of something I had seen on Oprah...(gee I love that show) it almost seems like the programs are aimed right at me.

Cheryl Richardson author of "Life Make-Overs" mentioned that we should use tragedies or illness in our case panic attacks as a "defining moment" where we decide to use it to move forward in our lives. I'm buying the book after I post this...amazon.com here I come.

Hope everyone is doing fine - I know I am back on the road to feeling better again and life feels so exciting again!

Take care,

MyGirl :wave:

Thanks for the welcome
 

Hello. Thanks for the welcomes and letting me join your board. I'm looking forward to it.

I have therapy in the morning and don't want to go. I know that the only way for me to get better is to go but that doesn't seem to matter to me right now. It's after 3:00 am and my appointment is at 8:00 am today. I'll go because I feel I have to.

Found out from my employee that they are going to fill my position. That hasn't helped with the aniexty and depression. I guess the policy is that after you're off for 90 days, they can fill your position. Then when you're ready to come back, they want 2 weeks notice to find you something else. If nothing is available, they lay you off for up to 6 months. If nothing is open at that time, they terminate you. It's a bummer because I've worked for this company for 23 years and have never been off this long or on any sort of disability in all that time.

I'm finding it hard to cope with everything that's going on as well as dealing with the work aspect. I'm asking my therapist to talk to the doctor (whom I see on the 18th) to see about getting me back to work asap. I've been off for medical reasons as well and see my regular doctor on the 10th. He's been working with the other doctor on the panic, depression and ocd.

I've noticed some difference with the increased Celexa but am still experiencing alot of panic. The depression seems to be a little better, although I still spend alot of time crying and don't seem to focus very well. The panic attacks strike at all times. Seems alot while I'm driving. Any of you have that happen? Any special tips on how to handle it, besides pulling over to the shoulder of the road?

Again, thanks for listening and letting me join. Any tips would be helpful. Thanks for the support. It's truly needed.

:wave:

Good Morning all,

Wow, MyGirl, it seems like you are feeling a lot better!! That is so encouraging. Can you place your finger on anything that seemed to snap you out of it, or do you think it was a combo and time? I feel very lucky to feel as good as I do. When you go through mental health issues then feel better it seems you appreciate it much more when you just feel "normal". What is "normal" ? LOL!!

Janney, you will feel better, I remember feeling like every hour was at least a week. It is so hard when you can't sleep. Are you taking anything for that? At least when you sleep you get a break from all the stress. Check out some of the books recommended on this site, they have info on how to deal with panic attacks while driving etc. I use a lot of self talk, deep breathing and reminding myself it is "just my nerves" and I can handle this. I think the type of med you are taking takes 2-4 weeks to really make a difference, so hang in there. Hope you therapy session goes well. You will get through this.

Have a great day!!

Daytona

Wow
 

Wow Mygirl. Just reading your post is so encouraging. It's nice to know that there is light at the end of this tunnel!!! Thanks.

Thanks Daytona for the support. I did make it to therapy today. I was given an assignment to read a chapter from Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. The chapter is on"Distorted Thinking". I'll let you know. I also have a friend who has panic disorder. We go to church together. I've been having trouble with my faith will all this darkness surrounding me. She sent me a book that helped her through the worst times. It's called: Little Pieces of Light....Darkness & Personal Growth by Joyce Rupp OSM. I"ve only read a few pages and it seems like it may help. I'm having trouble reading alot as I don't seem to be able to concentrate very long.

The therapist did say she thought she noticed improvement. I told her about this chat board and she was thrilled. It's nice to have the support and hopefully be able to support others!!!!

:) Hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

Stay well......;)

Jan

Happy fourth of July!!

What's everyone doing today? I am having a cookout with the kids over and using the pool. Having people over is fun sometimes, it gives you a change of pace. I am going to try and stay on my w/w diet program so I don't gain this week.

Janney,
Good for you making it to your appointment. Your work situation will be ok to. Just take things one day at a time and try not to get caught up in the "what if" thinking. So many times we make ourselves sick over things that never acutally happen. I am very guilty of that. My husband always is telling me why do you worry about everything so much? I tell him cause you don't LOL. But I wish I could be more like him. Maybe it's a guy thing?

Well have a good day and post soon.

Daytona

Frustration!!!
 

I've nearly completed this message 3 times now. If I have to leave the screen for a length of time before I've finished (I'm at work), something goes haywire and the message disappears. All that work and nothing to show for it! Maybe the software is trying to tell me something. :devil:

I'm on Paxil, but my therapist said that since it seems to be diminishing in effectiveness, to ask my doctor to change to one of the other meds in the same category (he mentioned BuSpar) because often times that will restart the antidepression effect. He said that all of the meds in that category are notorious for trickling off in their effectiveness after a year or two.

Janney, don't worry about your loss of concentration...the book your therapist has you reading is not the most interesting book in the world unless you can concentrate. I was also told to read it a couple of years ago and I just couldn't do it. My therapist at the time didn't give me a chapter to read, but rather said--read the book and then we can talk about it. HA!

Being off work and homebound for 6 months between last summer and this spring (I'm still on crutches) made me shut down, too. I no longer had the motivation to do anything but watch reruns of old reruns. I remember waking up in the morning and counting how long it would be before I could go back to sleep. It's part of the depression and it will pass. I was lucky to have the same boss for 19 years and so he had no inclination to replace me while I was out. He just hired temps when he needed them. Even with this, having my dog get up on the hospital bed with me or watching her sleep in the chair next to the bed was probably the most helpful thing to my depression.

After I was able to get out, I changed my hair, bought some new clothes, rejoined WW; I've since put together a booklet of motivational pages from Dottie's Diet homepage and I try to make myself read one before diving into the refrig. when it isn't meal time. It doesn't always help, but it doesn't hurt either.

I've had a lot of health problems in the past, almost, two years on top of a lot of personal stress. Sometimes it's just too much effort to even get out of bed. Having someone on this list to talk to really does help and you might have days right now that are very "gray," but remember the days that aren't and work toward that.

I was surfing the net today and I found a neat anxiety page with lots of helpful ideas:
http://www.algy.com/anxiety/relax.html#top

Give the page a looksee and see if anything there appeals to you. I'd love to have your help and anyone else that needs to lose weight. I have about 120 lbs to lose. I've lost 10 so far since I went back two weeks ago to WW, but I'm having a very hard time holding onto motivation. I know I'm letting my personal problems get in the way and producing the "I don't care" loop. Any suggestions anyone? (Now I can't wait to check this board tomorrow and see if my message disappeared again.

Gobbie;)

Hello everyone
 

Hi everyone. Hope you all had a very nice 4th.

I went to my aunt and uncle's house and spent the day. I thought it was going to be very rough. Got myself all worked up about going. Even called and tried to back out of it but my Aunt would not hear of it. Ended up having a very nice day. Best I've had in a long time
:)

What did the rest of you do?

:D Thanks Daytona for the kind and encouraging words. Hope you enjoyed the time with your family. Were you able to stick to your w/w? I was able to stick to my ada plan. It was kind of hard but at least I did. The only bad thing was I didn't get any exercise in. Oh well.....haven't done any today yet either. Maybe later.

Talk to all of you soon.:wave:

Jan

Book Update
 

hi everyone,
glad to see most are doing well...remember, one step at a time.

daytona...cookouts...mmmm mmm sounds fabulous

gobbie...hang in there! don't pc's just drive you nuts sometimes?

janney...it's always a pleasure to offer some assistance

I finally got my hands on that book I'd mentioned in an earlier post and I started reading it.

One of the first things that the author recommends is to keep a Journal...she says it's a great way to have a dialogue with yourself...I am planning to do this...as it will be a way for me to put my real and inner-most thoughts on paper...I guessin a way it frees up my mind of all the clutter and all the racing thoughts.

I must admit though I do consider posting here as a kind of journal, where I check in regularly with teh added benefit of being an interactive journal...I get to compare notes with great people! like you guys! :)

Here is some wisdom from the book.

1. Write down your 5 most important accomplishments.

2. Write down your dreams/goals or aspirations - no matter how unattainable they may seem...I like this one because dreams have no boundaries.

3.Do you set boundaries? ie; do I say yes to everything?

This is one I have to work on - I often aim to please others and forget about myself. :?:


That's all for now,
Take care,

MyGirl :wave:

Good morning everyone,

How's it going? I been feeling pretty good most of the time. I think I am having hormone problems on top of my anxiety problems, I guess it comes with the age LOL. I have been keeping a journal (very loosley) but I have noticed a pattern to the days I am depressed. I will have to work on that. It doesn't seem fair to have to deal with depression, anxiety, hormones etc. It makes you wonder if you will ever just feel normal again???

Mygirl, you are doing great, are you planning on going back to teaching this fall? We need caring teachers like you so I hope you are able to. I went to the library and requested some of the books listed here so now I am waiting for them to come in. I hate to buy them all as I just don't seem to read them more than once. I will have to resort to buying them if I don't get them soon though. I really like reading inspriational stuff, it lifts my mood and gives me encouragement.

How are you doing Janney? I been thinking about you. Are you feeling even a little better?

Well, I am off to my morning walk and breakfast. I have picked up the pound I lost so I have to stop slacking so much. It is hard with summer and ice cream and cookouts!!

Daytona

Hey everyone!

Looks like I can post again! I wonder what this bug was but I could only post topics and not reply! So many times I wanted to contribute to this thread and I could not :(.

The panic attacks are still under control. Since I started the visualisation and the positive thinking, they have been so much better!! I do not take the beta blockers any more as so far I did not find them useful enought.

I wish you all the best and I will try to see if the replies work.

{{Hugs}}

Ghislaine

happy thoughts to everyone
 

Hi everyone,
just a short visit today to check in on how you're all doing.

thanks for the encouragement Daytona...i've been feeling a bit better than usual that's for sure! the exercise really does help!
I am heading back to work in the Fall and can't wait to get back into it!

glad you can now reply again Ghis ! we've missed your input.

have to run....errr make that walk...lol
take care,
MyGirl :wave:

Hi all,

Just wanted to ask if any of you watched Oprah on Mon.? I didn't see it but my daughter told me it was about anxiety and panic attacks. I went to Oprahs web site and found a lot of info, seems like the show featured a couple authors one was a Phd. Jerilyn Ross her book about anxiety & panic attacks and 8 steps you need to know. There was another book also. Check out Oprahs site!

Looks like another nice day here so I am going to enjoy it by spending a lot of time outside.

Have a calm and relaxing day.

Daytona

Oprah show on Panic
 

Hi Daytona,

yes I did see the show. It featured a couple of people who suffer from panic attacks and how one lady in particular who followed the author's 8 step program was able to overcome her fears - eg; getting into elevators and going out into public places...this is known as graded exposure...ie; going back to the very places that freaked you out, places where you had the panic attack...the idea is to expose yourself to these places a little at a time and then be able to stay there successfully for the whole time.

People talked about their feelings and experiences of having panic attacks.

What I didn't like was the way they put one guest, a guy from a boys singing group on the spot, he was clearly having a bad day and even experiencing panic while there in the studio with Oprah...he was clearly VERY uncomfortable....that made me feel bad just watching him....I thought that part could have been handled a bit better...but maybe that's what they wanted to do to get across the message as to how bad things can get ...I don't know....it's just that it seemed to be at his expense...we all know how BAD we feel during an attack it's very confronting having to watch someone else go through it.

Apart from that, the show was informative. I don't remember the title of the book. I will probably check it out at my local library.

I'll also check out Oprah's site and get back with the details of the book if anyone is interested.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

Book details
 

Here are the details of the 2 books featured

1. Triumph Over Fear by Jerilyn Ros
she also has a website www.rosscenter.com


2. I'd Rather Laugh by Linda Richman



Cheers,
MyGirl ;)

Hey all, hang in there!

I know it has been forever since I checked in but one of my strategies for coping with anxiety is to just be too busy to let it begin.

I noticed that people are recommending books and I have one that is FANTASTIC -
The Fear Book by Cheri Huber.

You'll probably have to order it - just tell the bookstore you are doing some research! :lol:

I hope this helps some of you. Off to more stress,

Jennifa

Help!
 

I know it is probably because I am switching from Paxil to Butrol (sp?), but I start something and I can't finish it before switching to something else. As a result, I've accomplished very little. at work today. I'm also latching onto every possible thing that might go wrong and magnifying it all out of proportion. I have a 10 year old corgi that I love very much, but all of a sudden I am worried about losing her to the tune that I even called my vet and asked what they do if a dog has to be euthanized. (Her mother died of cancer and two dogs I know have died of cancer recently.) My vet said they don't go to the house, but they will give me valium to give her if she has to go in under those conditions so that she won't be stressed. Lord, why would I even think of something like that when she is in perfect health?

And, with all the real problems we've had the past 6 weeks, I keep finding myself saying, "go ahead and eat whatever you want--you deserve it."

Please tell me that things will go back to normal next week when I start the new medication.

Gobbie :(