Having problems with anxiety. . .

Thank you Kathy.  I guess we'll see what the doctor wants me to do.  She'll probably ask me if I want to go to therapy but I know she'll prescribe something for me right away.  So, this all seems so weird to me, finally getting help but I'm pretty excited about getting my life back.  Even if I only improved half way it would still be a BIG improvement over this.  Thanks everyone. 
 
Edited to add---What would I talk to the therapist about??  I can't pin point any particular reason I feel like I do, I just do. 

HI, sorry to hear you have been going thru this it is hard.
 
I have had panic disorder since I was 14 yrs old and it was so bad at one time I was in my house for five straight years.  It is not a mental disease, has nothing to do with schizophrenia, it is a nerve disorder.
It is curable it is manageable and you can live normally again.
 
I am 38 now and even though I still have problems with it, I have gotten better.  I am actually on permanent disability because of this and fibromyalgia. 
 
I think that you need to understand the first thing is you are not alone and from the responses on the board I think you see that.
You need to get a book called Hope and help for your nerves and More Help and hope for your nerves my Dr. Claire Weekes, she is dead now, but you can get the books on amazon.
 
These books saved my life.  It was at a point in my life where I did not think I was going live passed thirty.  It can really mess with you mind.
 
I hope that you will get these books. They are the BEST ones out there on this subject.
 
Feel free to email me any time and I will talk you thru this any time day or night.
 
I will send my phone number to you and you can call me anytime, I have been here, it sucks but you can get out.  I promise you can get out.
I still take Prozac and Klonopin every day for these issues and I probably will for life, which is OK by me.
 
You can live fear free again.
 
Julie

I don't think being on medication for depression has much of a stigma anymore.  Heck, half my friends take something.  We are all even able to joke about it!
 
I hope you find something that works for you and get to feeling better soon.  I'm sending hugs to you.

Lori - I think you might be quite surprised by what you'd find to chat about with a therapist.  I don't know about you, but I had lots of crap in my life that bothered me.  For example, my dad was an alcoholic.  I knew it had caused problems, but didn't realize how much until I ended up in a relationship with an alcoholic and didn't know how to get out.  Anyway, I just think that talking about things can really help.  It sounds like you have some stuff that bothers you about your parents and don't want to go visit for that reason.  It may be that talking about it releases some of those feelings.  Just my opinion, but I think that sometimes medications can be a very necessary, but temporary, bandage.  Getting to the route of your fears, anger, hurt, etc. can really set you free though.  Figure it this way - if you see a therapist and find it's not needed, all you've wasted is a little time, right?

Cathy, yes, true. 

I talked to DH last night, told him I'm feeling worse and that I want to speak with  my doctor.  He was very supportive as I knew he would be.  He said he wants me to do whatever I think I need too.  He did say to make sure I get on the right drug so I'm not taking something for nothing and just spinning my wheels with this. 

I also told him I was afraid this has also started to effect his life.  He said that it does effect him but not as much as I think it does. 

Anyway, going to call the doctor tomorrow they aren't open today. 

Thank you all for the support and understanding and thanks for all the PM's, I've gotten so much information here.  We need an i-mommy board, LOL! 

That's great that you were able to talk with your husband and that he is being supportive of you talking with your Dr. It always help to have someone especially your spouse be supportive and as understanding as they can be. As I said before to you if you need to chat at all feel free to email or pm me anytime[]

I have suffered with anxiety and depression for a long time now.  I was put on a drug called Lexapro and have been anxiety and depression free for 3 years now.  I would also recommend therapy.  I believe my anxiety was brought on by the death of my husband when I was 24, I was alone and raising two little kids and also being sexually abused at age 6.  It then cropped up again after having my son 3 years ago.  Please seek help, there is nothing worse than living with this disorder.  I suggest therapy and possibly drug therapy,  there might be something in your past that is triggering this.

Lori,
 
I've been taking Zoloft for depression for about 9 years.  I went off of it for about 9 months after my divorce (I had no insurance), but couldn't do it alone.  It is not addictive.  If I miss a dose (and I usually don't), I don't crumble into a heap. 
 
I started therapy years ago and the therapist sent me to the psychiatrist for an evaluation.  I started taking Paxil, but 3 months into it, the night sweats were so bad I couldn't handle it.  I also had side effects in the sex dept on the Paxil.  I asked the doc to do something else for both issues if he could and have been on the Zoloft ever since.  Works like a charm.
 
I still go to therapy, just not as often as in the beginning.  For about a year I went weekly and then to group session monthly.  Now I have better tools to cope with all the issues, so I only go once every 3 weeks.  I didn't know where to start either, but the therapist asked me some questions, including what my goal in therapy was, and we went from there.  It's a good thing, IMHO, to be able to talk to someone who is non-judgemental and who listens.  She doesn't just tell me what I want to hear - she helps me see things from other perspectives, too.  And it's a safe environment - there's no "I'm right and you're wrong".
 
I hope you find something that works for you.  I'm glad your hubby is supportive - that makes a huge difference!
 
.

I think that just taking meds or just talking to someone for a problem like this is a bit like trying to lift a heavy box with one hand.  You *might* be able to do it, but you have to work sooooo much harder.  A two pronged approach is going to be so much more beneficial, and please don't hesitate to tell your doctor that you think you NEED to talk with a therapist for a bit.  Do whatever it takes to make your life easier.
 
Hugs to that wonderful hubby of yours! []

Lori, so sorry to hear you're having the blues(that what my mom calls them). I have gone through them in the past, and have taken celexa for them.  Every now and then I'll have a day where I just don't feel like doing anything. And then I feel guilty for being so lazy. Its really hard to pull yourself out of it. And sometimes you can't do it by yourself.  I'm glad you're going to see the doctor. My husband also suffers from depression. He went through a severe bout of it before we met and he always swears by making a routine and sticking to it really helps.  Going to bed at the same time, getting up at the same time, exercising at the same time.  Good luck at the doctors and I hope you're feeling right as rain soon!
 
Take Care,
Emily

I'm just a puppy so I hope you don't mind me sticking my nose in.  I just want you to know that you going in the right direction by knowing something is not just right and talking about it.  After I had my twin boys I went into a major panic/anxiety disorder.  I thought I was going to die any second.  Couldn't leave the house, cried all the time and thought I had every disease known to man and some that haven't been discovered yet.  I even called my next door neighbor to check my boobs for lumps. lol,lol  Thought I would never live to see the twins go to kindergarten and watching the news or TV shows made me think all that bad stuff would happen to me.  I could go on and on and we all laugh about it now.  Even me.  Mine only lasted about 9 months and I got to wean off the meds after one year.   The twins graduate this June and I'm now in the medical field which FLOORS my friends and neighbors that knew the old Cindy Lou Who.  Please know your not alone.  Keep asking,talking, going to Doctors until you feel the way you want to.   I'm sending you best wishes and hope you find your peace of mind very soon.  It will happen, I'm sure of it. 

Thank you all, you're wonderful friends. 

Tina-My cousin is also on Zoloft and having good results.  I think I'm going to see what she thinks about me trying it.  I don't want side effects and you're not the first one to tell me that they had them and bad on Paxil.  So, I will be refusing that one. 

Puppy-I'm glad you told me that because I ALSO think I have something almost every day.  DH calls it the "ailment of the day".  I've also gone in more than once thinking I had a breast lump.  Thank you, now I know this is all part of it. 
 
Added in---I also think Willow has every ailment and I also check to make sure she's OK during the night.  She's not too thrilled with me.

Thanks! 

Lori, I'm sorry you're feeling down, but I am glad that you are taking steps to do something about it.
 
I am bipolar and have ADHD and anxiety (the pharmacy loves me!!) I grew up in a small town, school counselors told my mom my whole child hood that I needed medication but she didn't want anyone to think I was crazy so she wouldn't put me on them.
 
I was 26 when I finally sought help on my own when I just couldn't take it anymore. It was the best thing that I ever did... and after about a year my mom finally realized that I needed to do it and supports me 100% now.
 
I am on Welbutrin, Ativan, Concerta, and Ritalin. The Ativan really helps with the anxiety.. hospitals give it to patients in the ER when they come in and are in pain and anxsious so they can calm down.. it doesn't make you groggy or feel funny.. at least it didn't with me.
 
If you ever need to 'talk' just PM me
 
God Bless
Trish

Thank you Trish!

Lori, I'm so sad that you are feeling this way. My daughter Bianca also suffers from this and she doesn't even go out except for in the yard when no one is around. She becomes very panicky when people walk down the street and runs back into the house, she is afraid someone will approach her. She is 24 and has been like this for about 2 years. She, like Glenda is taking Celexa and is also taking lorazepam when the panic hits. I have tried to get her to go for small walks but she doesn't make it very far before the tears of fear start flowing.
Depression runs in my family and my father was also very depressed. I remember when I was little, finding self hypnosis books in the basement and wondering what Dad had those for, now I know. Years ago and the fact that a man is a man, things like that weren't ever discussed. Dad passed away 9 yrs ago and he was unhappy right to the end. I wish I would have know then what was going on, I would have done anything to get him help.
All I can suggest is that you take it one day at a time and also it would be a good idea to try out CBT- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Good luck and healthy thoughts coming your way