Anyone have any suggestions for dealing with anxiety issues? I've been off and on antidepressants for years, most recently restarted Cymbalta 2 weeks ago. I've had mild anxiety issues off and on as well, none while I was on Cymbalta before. A couple days ago at work (I have a stressful job as an ICU nurse), I completely lost it. Nothing terrible was happening, just the usual alarming ventilators and what not. I've never had one before, but I think it was an anxiety/panic attack. I didn't feel it coming, but all of a sudden I was frantic. I went to sit down, took some deep breaths, but my heart rate was 160, I was a little short of breath, and my blood pressure was elevated (since I work in an ICU, we did the usual cardiac assessments and hooked me up to a monitor-all that was ok). I was totally freaked out, felt like I'd run a marathon, and it was terrible. They ended up sending me home and contributing it to the stomach issues I'd had for a few days (probably anxiety/stress now that I look back on it).
Anyway, how do I keep this from happening? I'm petrified to go back to work and seriously contemplating just quitting and figuring it out later because it's too stressful for me right now.
__________________ Dx: March 18, 2009
Meds:
Seasonale
Spironolactone
Special Two multivitamin
Omega 3 Mood
Vitamin D
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Anxiety/panic attacks are not fun. I would recommend not quitting your job because of your anxiety. I know it isn't easy, but if you let your anxiety sway this decision, it will be that much easier to give into your anxiety next time. Breathing exercises like the pp described help. It also helps me just to talk to someone. I don't even have to talk about what I am going through, it helps to talk about anything. I had my first major panic attack at a campus youth group meeting when I was in college. I never really felt comfortable there again, but I wish I would have made myself go. Is there somebody you work with that you could talk to about your anxiety? It helps if somebody is around who understands and can help you through your attacks.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. SARAH To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
~If stress burnt calories, I would be a size 5.~
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
When I started taking Celexa for my depression my anxiety attacks got MUCH worse. From once or twice a week to several times a day. I was bordering on agoraphobia and could barely make it through a day at work. Many times I abandoned my cart in a store and left in tears because it became overwhelming to me.
Ask your doctor about your symptoms and they may recommend a medication change. Since I have done so I have been switched to Effexor and am doing much better. I have also starting having a regular menstrual cycle for the first time in about 4 years while on this new medication.
If you find yourself overwhelmed and having a panic attack you can try sitting down or excusing yourself to someplace quiet and closing your eyes and focusing on taking slow, deep breaths. I also find myself putting on a sweater or coat that comes up high around my neck (my comfort spot) and "hugging" myself until I can calm down a bit. I also rub my arms as if I am applying lotion or rub the palms of my hands with my thumbs which seems to calm me.
Hope you find some relief! Don't give up- I understand how debilitating it can be, but with some good medications, some vitamins (B complex and Magnesium), and support it is also totally manageable.
I have read that the choline and inositol combination greatly relieves anxiety and panic attacks.
I am about to start taking these myself, not directly for that issue, but to kick start ovulation and regulate my cycles. I do suffer with anxiety and on/off agoraphobia, so I hope it helps that too.
I am suffering with Generalized Anxiety and Depression right now.. sorry you are hacing trouble.. I know it sucks!
Back when I first had issues with panic attacks cognitive behavioral therapy in a group/class setting saved my life. Now even though I am suffering with some other issues the panic attacks do not bug me. I would rather I was having panic atacks as they come and go and I can laugh at them for the erroneous systemic response that they are. Hope you can find the help you need! Feel free to send me a message if you ever want to talk, I have been there.
Hang in there!
I thought I'd pop in and update. I'm doing MUCH better. I've been on Cymbalta for about 6 weeks and i feel human again. I don't have panic attacks before going to work, I don't freak out at work anymore, and I'm more alert and thinking clearer. I feel human again and it's been wonderful. I have goals and motivation to actually do things now, beyond sleeping.
The only thing I've noticed is that if I forget my Cymbalta or take it a few hours late I feel soooo sick to my stomach. When I forget it one day then take it the next, I feel pretty sick for several hours after I take it. I remember a little bit of this from when I was on it before, but I don't remember it being this bad! I was running late for work on Sunday night and forgot to take it. I took it monday before going to work (about 6pm) and I was feeling gross until about 2am. I just told my charge nurse that I didn't feel good but I wasn't sick or pregnant, so if I disappear just make sure my patients don't die for a few minutes. He just looked at me funny and I told him it was from a medication.
The only thing I'm worried about is pregnancy in the future. I KNOW I never want to be off my meds again... but Cymbalta is questionable during pregnancy. SSRIs make my anxiety worse. Hmm... I guess I just need to get established with an OB in my new town and discuss my fears with him.
I hope everyone else is doing well. Thank you so much for the suggestions and the support. I know I can come here when I'm feeling good or when I'm feeling terrible and I'll always find what I need.
__________________ Dx: March 18, 2009
Meds:
Seasonale
Spironolactone
Special Two multivitamin
Omega 3 Mood
Vitamin D
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Glad you're feeling better. I take Effexor and can definitely feel it when I miss a dose. I don't know if you're religious but prayer really helps me when I'm feeling anxious.
I was on cymbolta for about 5 weeks and in that time, my anxiety got shockingly worse. I have since changed to Sertraline and it has had an amazing effect. I no longer have major anxiety attacks, and I am also no longer suicidal. I do not recommend quitting your job, chat with your GP if your unhappy with your medication.
Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, oh my... 
