- My Exchanges
- Last Activity
- My Discussions Watchlist
- My Exchanges
- Remove
- My Discussions Watchlist
- Remove
saved!
We're already making updates to the community based on some of your feedback. Check it out and let us know what you think!
What's Happening Now
My anxiety is very high and I start to shake when I'm really nervous. I went to some National Alliance for Mental Health meetings and people saw how negative and suicidal I was. It was scary to see their reactions. They were telling me I should try for Social Security Disability. A social worker in town also said I should to get a "break" right now until I can get a little better.
So I did apply. Now I'm just waiting. I have convinced myself that if this doesn't go through I'm doomed and I will most likely have to end it. I don't want to but I know I can't handle the anxiety and panic and depression. The humiliation, the feeling like I'm a failure, etc.
I am facing losing my dog any day. She's very old and is really not happy. She's in pain and I can tell she is hurting. She has a huge tumor on her head near her eye. That tumor looks horrible. The vet said she's not ready to be put to sleep. She didn't eat good yesterday or today.
So, my doctor said I don't have to die just because my dog dies. But that's only part of it. I don't understand why everyone at my jobs always treat me so horrible. Its disgusting. I can't handle it. These are not minor things, its daily harrassment. I can't even begin to tell you.
I've been humiliated by my mother at a young age and she turned me away and gave me the silent treatment for nothing. She would give me the most dirty looks like she hated me. I had mean nicknames. So I can tell you that I no longer can take mean treatment by anyone. I have stayed away from family for a year now. I don't intend on going back. There's so much more, but who can explain it all.
I'm afraid to call SSD because I got a letter saying I was denied SSI. I don't know if they are the same thing. I'm literally acting like there's nothing wrong and I'm preparing myself for the worse. I haven't panicked to much. The day I got the letter was bad.
I feel like my life is over. There are no other options. I have no friends. When I lose my dog I'm going to flip out. She's almost 18 and she's been here my entire adult life so far. Part of me doesn' t want to suffer anymore. I want to live, but I don't know how to do it anymore. I seriously can't handle it anymore. Death sucks, but I'm convinced its my fate now.
I will lose my apartment and all my stuff if I can't pay rent. I've become empty. No fight in me anymore. I love my stuff..but I keep thinking it just stuff. Its so scary to be in the place that I'm at. I've had suicide ideation for 30 years and now I feel like I have the reasons to really do it.
I hate the thought of hurting anyone when I die, but they have all hurt me. I'll be at peace. People will talk but at least I won't be here to feel that negativity. Man, I've tried so hard to make a decent life for myself. But no dreams came true. Just getting my dog. Best day of my life. Now she's leaving me. Posted by whatevertoday
I have been diagnosed with Acid Reflux disease, as well as social anxiety and generalized anxiety, and IBS. I currently take birth control, as well as zantac when my acid reflux acts up, and clonazepam every once in a while for anxiety.
Each day when I wake up early (6-7 am) for work, my stomach problems will occur. It's the same thing every morning when I wake up before 9 am.... I will wake up, feel extremely empty and hungry (my stomach will just growl and gurgle like crazy), and either before or after I eat breakfast, (which is usually just cereal or a PB and J sandwich) I would get stomach cramps and 50% of the time, diarrhea is a result. Well, it's either diarrhea or loose stools OR... I will feel the cramping/urge to go to the bathroom all morning long, and sometimes would be 3-4 times. This wouldn't wear off until afternoon. But what happens is, after I eat lunch on these days, my stomach feels off...like it's bloated. Not only that, I feel like there are fireworks going off in my stomach with the way it gurgles, and moves. It is horribly bothersome. It puts me on the edge of my seat every single day (I work in a quiet office), and it's not only embarrassing, but it's NOT NORMAL. I know I should not feel this way. It doesn't make sense. These dreadful feelings lead to me missing work a lot, and in turn, losing my job!! HELP...
And here's the thing:
Ever since I was layed off from my job about (6) months ago, and have had the privilege (if you would call it that in this economy) of sleeping in everyday until about 9:30 AM. Guess what? All my stomach problems magically went away. I could even stop taking my acid reflux medication! Explain that. I don't get it. Am I just allergic to the early morning?
I just recently got hired for a temp job full-time, first shift, and am now noticing these same problems return. This is awful, it makes it 10 times harder for me to go to work each day, and I can't live this way. It is hell.
How can I deal with this when I'm working a first shift job? Does anyone have any insight to what might be causing this? Or any advice as to how to deal with it?
I mean, my motto is, if your body is trying to tell you to stop whatever it is you're doing, it's natures way of letting you know that whatever you're doing to yourself is not ok. And screw the "that's life, you just have to find a way to deal with it" BS. Your overall health and well-being is more important than money people. I learned that the hard way. Posted by Anon_9813
If you would like Dr. Farrell and our current members to see this post, I would suggest starting a new Discussion. You can do that by clicking "What's Happening Now?" link on the upper lefthand side of this page, then use the big orange "post" button to start a new Discussion (or Tip or Resource).
This thread is really long, and was originally started two years ago, so replies are likely to get lost.
My best,
Byroney Posted by Byroney_WebMD_Staff
Xanax is more for the acute and "flares" of anxiety while the paxil is your main control medication to be taken daily. Posted by MagPrincess
Anyone else relate?
(I'm new here) Posted by Coastal_Mindset
He also put me on another medication. It's one I've never heard of before. The drug is Lamotrigine. So far, I haven't found anyone who has used this med before, and I'm always nervous starting a new medication. One he also said I COULD try was Clomipramine. After doing some cross-examining on WebMD, I'm surprised he didn't simply prescribe it. What he did was write the name down for me on a sticky-note and told me to research it to see what I think, but he said he wanted to try Lamotrigine first.
I am fully willing to try the Lamotrigine, but at the same time, it almost sounds like Clomipramine might pinpoint some of my psych. issues more directly.
On Monday, I saw my psychologist. He did an annual re-diagnosis on me. Just by the questions he asked, it's possible that I really may not have JUST G.A.D, or generalized anxiety disorder, but Panic Attack Disorder. Wouldn't surprise me, as after I posted here, I saw just how many symptoms I have.
I like my new psychiatrist. He spent 35min. with me, as opposed to previous psychiatrists who would spend maybe 10-15min with me. He really talked to me and listened to what I said. He asked about obsessions, and was very understanding and compassionate when I told him about how I've been obsessing over the horrible things that happened to Jaycee Dugard, and how much it kills me inside to really know what happened to her.
BTW, here's what has been confirmed up to this point:
Obsessive Complusive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder
Asperger's
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Mild Social Anxiety Disorder
(Possible) Seasonal Affective Disorder
Thank you for the advice. Maybe the next time I get my meds refilled, I should request brand-name instead of generic. I remember how well Paxil worked back in 2002, but when my insurance changed and I started getting generic Paroxotine [SP>, it didn't do so well for me anymore. Also, suffering from chronic pain, I'm on Hydrocodone, and I've found that Qualitest and Watson-brand Hydrocodone work far better than Mallinkrodt [SP>. (Is it okay to mention pharmaceutical companies here? If not, my apologies.) Posted by NotYetBeaten
My name is Chelsea and I am new to the discussion board. I am a 21-year-old female. I attend the University of Missouri- St. Louis and plan on graduating with a BA in Communication within the next year.
I have struggled with anxiety literally almost my entire life. I know it is unusual, but I have been taking Zoloft every day since I was 12 years old.
I still have problems with anxiety all of the time. I have infrequent panic attacks, but very frequent occurences of fearful anxiety as well as slight depression. I have a great family, good friends, and considered a well-rounded individual by many of my peers.
At times I feel that my anxiety is affecting my life at every turn. I am a religious person, and this helps me a lot. I do not know how I am going to enter into the "real world" with this huge burden I have carried nearly my whole life. Even prior to taking Zoloft I always seemed to worry a lot and experienced extreme anxiety at school.
As far back as Kindergarden I remember having trouble falling asleep and worrying that I would foget to do something I needed to do. I am afraid to tamper with my prescriptions, because I am busy and have always had trouble with side effects. I have never tried counseling, because I was taught to be self-sufficient. My biggest fear is loneliness. I would be happy to exchange advice with anyone who is willing. Thank you for reading,
Chelsea Posted by cjs7dd
Hope it helps,
Byroney Posted by Byroney_WebMD_Staff
In the future, I will look for a service...I more or less wanted to know if what I'm experiencing is from anxiety.
Currently I'm unemployed, by choice, because of looking for a new job in my new field :) Which I'm excited about and I do not have insurance because doctors don't really know why I get nausea.
Thanks for responding, when I get insurance I will look into it..Until then I will continue to work on postponing my thoughts and relaxation breathing, and getting myself to the gym.
:) Posted by babes0502
The mental symptoms were pretty self-explanatory. I haven't felt a fear of being in public but sometimes when in bed at night I'd get afraid to fall asleep, for fear I wouldn't wake up = die. My personal beliefs are pretty rational concerning death so that was a big indication something was amiss.
Now I know the physical symptoms are from the anxiety/panic, I don't freak out and can manage them with medicine, exercise and a Zen-like acceptance. Posted by Spankyrae
A Schatzki ring or Schatzki-Gary ring is a narrowing of the lower part of the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing. The narrowing is caused by a ring of mucosal tissue (which lines the esophagus) or muscular tissue.[1> Patients with Schatzki rings can develop intermittent dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or, more seriously, a completely blocked esophagus. The ring is named after the German-American physician Richard Schatzki . Posted by VipDesigns
Please consider what I've said and see where you might get a referral to someone who can help in your communty. I do hope things improve very soon for you. Posted by Patricia Farrell, PhD
As to your counselor, what is the reason you haven't received more help there? Just asking.
I hope things improve very soon.
BTW, I wouldn't say it's delirium. Here's a link to the Mayo Clinic with some information: http://bit.ly/964wFW Posted by Patricia Farrell, PhD
Here's a clickable hyperlink to Dr. Farrell's Site if anyone needs it. Posted by Byroney_WebMD_Staff
Thanks for your reply. I will keep in mind what you have given in the way of suggestions. When I had to go to the ER the other day for an apparent allergic-type skin reaction, the doctor did a complete blood workup on me and said that everything was fine. I will be seeing my regular doctor in follow-up in a couple of days. I do have chronic pain from previous surgeries and also endstage osteoarthritis in my right hip that was found after I had a workers comp injury over a year ago. I have lost almost 100 pounds and am watching my diet and trying to walk as much as I physically can. My psychologist recommended magnesium and vitamin B complex to help with depression symptoms and the Xanax XR is working. I have taken Paxil in the past with little effect.
Thank you so much for writing and sharing your suggestions and your journey with me. Do take care of yourself as well. I'm glad you are doing better! Posted by kell2010
thanks Posted by nwatergate
It's frustrating and scary, and it's hard to tell yourself you are fine when the panic attack can mimic a heart attack. If you've had all of this checked out by the doctors, and everything has come back normal, try to reassure yourself that you are OK. I know this is easier said than done. As I was visiting the ER almost once a week because of these symptoms. I still get them occasionally, and they still scare me, but I've learned to tell myself that I've been checked out, and I know what's wrong with me.
I also have Fibromyalgia so I'm in pain all the time, and this contributes to the chest, back and arm pain that I have. It is also made worse when I'm anxious and my muscles are already tightened because of the flight or fight mode my body goes into.
Have you tried medications? Xanax is a fast acting med that helps stop the panic attacks before they become full blown. Antidepressants can also help. I would also suggest therapy to help you. The right kind of therapy can assist you in changing your way of thinking. When something like this comes on instead of trying to fight it off because it's scary and we don't want to go through it, try telling yourself that this is just a panic attack, it will pass.
The more we fight having one, the worse the panic attacks are. If we just acknowledge that we are having a panic attack it doesn't seem to be as horrible. At least this has helped me. My psychologist has helped me deal with trying to get some sort of control over them in order to get back to my life.
As for the nervous stomach that comes with it, I have that too. I get severe diarea when I'm having a panic attack and I don't feel like eating, when I do my stomach tightens up into knots.
I don't know if this helps you, but I wanted to let you know that you are not alone. Posted by ednaroberts1978
The site will be cleaner, have many more things on it and will include several new things which I believe will be of interest and value to you. Posted by Patricia Farrell, PhD
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Create Your Own Exchange
In a few easy steps you can create a Health Exchange focused on what matters most to you. Who do you want to reach?
- Member-created Public Exchanges are accessible to everyone. These Exchanges will be available in the directory and may be featured in other areas of WebMD!
- Member-created Invitation-Only Exchanges are accessible exclusively by individuals who receive an invitation. Only Members of the Exchange will have the ability to view and participate.
WebMD® Anxiety and Panic Disorders Exchange with Experts
Helpful Tips
- Relaxation breathing and guided imagery
- Resource for all things brain and mental related
- Finding the right medication
- My Advice
Helpful Resources
Latest WebMD Anxiety-Panic News
Anxiety-Panic Drug Reviews
- Drug Name
- Reviews
- Last Reviewed
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Anxiety & Panic Disorders Information
More Related Exchanges
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like Exchanges, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.


