Re: New Here and Could Use a Pep Talk

[Guest guest]

Hi , sounds like you need some " SLEEP " I understand the breast

feeding but could you take a low dose of zanax? at night berore bed?

I think a good night sleep is the most important part of anxiety I

was the same, I could not relax at the end of the day " thinking " too

much I am on lexapro tho. and it does seem to work for me. with no

sides I hope it will work for you anxiety is horrible. stay in touch

KIM

>

> Hi Everybody,

>

> I am a married mother of a boy, 3.5 years, and a girl, 20 months. I

> work half-time for a not-for-profit, part at the office and part

from

> home. I have been on Lexapro (10 mg.) for almost five weeks,

> primarily for anxiety. The first few days were really rough; I had

a

> bad anxiety attack and barely slept for four days. After that I

> gradually got back to normal, and have felt pretty well.

>

> Today is a big day work-wise, and the next six or so weeks with the

> holidays and work are going to be really intense. Last night I had

> bad anxiety and couldn't sleep. It was one of those nights where

> everything I thought about seemed insurmountable; work stress,

money

> problems, more Christmas shopping to do, and so forth. I really had

> myself all worked up, and although I feel better this morning I

don't

> know how I'm going to get through the next couple of months.

>

> I have been in therapy with a social worker for a few months, but

I'm

> not sure it's the right kind. I like my therapist and am

comfortable

> with her, but we never seem to get beyond talking about the weeks

> events and how I felt about them. I think I need some intensive

> Cognitive Therapy, but am exhausted with trying to figure out how

to

> find the right help.

>

> Also, my daughter is still breastfeeding, so I have to weigh that

in

> with any decisions I make about medication. She is very attached to

> it and probably won't wean for several months.

>

> Nice to be here,

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know what you mean about the therapy sessions. Sometimes it seems

all they want to talk about is what is wrong and not give you any

tools to cope. I think you definitely need sleep. Do you ave help

with the kiddos? I know I get overwhelmed too, I have a 2 and 3 year

old. Hang in there and it is great that you have stuck with the

lexapro. I am on day 3.

Jen

> >

> > Hi Everybody,

> >

> > I am a married mother of a boy, 3.5 years, and a girl, 20

months. I

> > work half-time for a not-for-profit, part at the office and part

> from

> > home. I have been on Lexapro (10 mg.) for almost five weeks,

> > primarily for anxiety. The first few days were really rough; I

had

> a

> > bad anxiety attack and barely slept for four days. After that I

> > gradually got back to normal, and have felt pretty well.

> >

> > Today is a big day work-wise, and the next six or so weeks with

the

> > holidays and work are going to be really intense. Last night I

had

> > bad anxiety and couldn't sleep. It was one of those nights where

> > everything I thought about seemed insurmountable; work stress,

> money

> > problems, more Christmas shopping to do, and so forth. I really

had

> > myself all worked up, and although I feel better this morning I

> don't

> > know how I'm going to get through the next couple of months.

> >

> > I have been in therapy with a social worker for a few months,

but

> I'm

> > not sure it's the right kind. I like my therapist and am

> comfortable

> > with her, but we never seem to get beyond talking about the

weeks

> > events and how I felt about them. I think I need some intensive

> > Cognitive Therapy, but am exhausted with trying to figure out

how

> to

> > find the right help.

> >

> > Also, my daughter is still breastfeeding, so I have to weigh

that

> in

> > with any decisions I make about medication. She is very attached

to

> > it and probably won't wean for several months.

> >

> > Nice to be here,

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

First of all.... Stop that!!! I know you. The over-thinking, the squirrels on

the wheel that won't stop! The all or nothing thinking. How do I know? Because

that's me too.

When my mind won't shut down I get back out of bed and either play computer

solitaire (don't you know that was created for people like us?) or read

something engaging enough to tune out the squirrels.

You get easily overwhelmed as I do. Worrying is ok if it's productive. Most

worrying serves little other than to drive us nuts. Worrying is free of charge

but the cost can be high for those of us with anixety. Yes, you have a lot to

think about, a lot to keep straight and a lot to strategise for. The difference

between them and those of us with anxiety is we allow it to get the best of us.

Or because of our anxiety it gets the best of us in ways we aren't always aware

of. It can be controlled to a certain extent. First is realising we have this

problem with out of control thinking. And second is realising that that's all it

is. It doesn't have to define us. Since I started to pay attention to how I

think and what triggers the out-of-control thinking for me I've been able to

shut it down before it gets totally out of hand. I've had many less sleepless

nights.

You'll get through the next couple of months. Trust me, you will. No matter what

else you do or what else happens there is one fact that can't be denied. Time

keeps marching on.

When I have cleaning to do it's easy to get overwhelmed. If I don't think about

it and just start with one thing, one simple little thing, the rest follows.

Pick one thing and do it. That's all it takes. It makes you feel in control and

productive again. And no one expects you to be a super-woman. One step at a

time.

Part of the anxiety problem is out of control thinking and feeling. The feeling

of having little control over our lives contributes to the anxiety. Or causes it

to begin with! And like a snowball running down hill, it gathers baggage and

momentum as it goes.

Welcome to the group!

Barbara

New Here and Could Use a Pep Talk

Hi Everybody,

I am a married mother of a boy, 3.5 years, and a girl, 20 months. I

work half-time for a not-for-profit, part at the office and part from

home. I have been on Lexapro (10 mg.) for almost five weeks,

primarily for anxiety. The first few days were really rough; I had a

bad anxiety attack and barely slept for four days. After that I

gradually got back to normal, and have felt pretty well.

Today is a big day work-wise, and the next six or so weeks with the

holidays and work are going to be really intense. Last night I had

bad anxiety and couldn't sleep. It was one of those nights where

everything I thought about seemed insurmountable; work stress, money

problems, more Christmas shopping to do, and so forth. I really had

myself all worked up, and although I feel better this morning I don't

know how I'm going to get through the next couple of months.

I have been in therapy with a social worker for a few months, but I'm

not sure it's the right kind. I like my therapist and am comfortable

with her, but we never seem to get beyond talking about the weeks

events and how I felt about them. I think I need some intensive

Cognitive Therapy, but am exhausted with trying to figure out how to

find the right help.

Also, my daughter is still breastfeeding, so I have to weigh that in

with any decisions I make about medication. She is very attached to

it and probably won't wean for several months.

Nice to be here,

[Guest guest]

Gosh...it *is* nice to know I'm not the only one in this boat. I've

thought about trying Xanax for nights like last night, but I hate to

add more meds. It makes me feel so disfunctional.

I just feel so trapped. I love my kids and I like my work, but I'm in

way over my head.

And everybody does expect me to do it all.

Sorry. Not my most sunny day.

Thank you all for your helpful words. I really need that kind of

support right now.

Gotta go now and feed the kids and then go to this meeting...

>

> First of all.... Stop that!!! I know you. The over-thinking, the

squirrels on the wheel that won't stop! The all or nothing thinking.

How do I know? Because that's me too.

>

> When my mind won't shut down I get back out of bed and either play

computer solitaire (don't you know that was created for people like

us?) or read something engaging enough to tune out the squirrels.

>

> You get easily overwhelmed as I do. Worrying is ok if it's

productive. Most worrying serves little other than to drive us nuts.

Worrying is free of charge but the cost can be high for those of us

with anixety. Yes, you have a lot to think about, a lot to keep

straight and a lot to strategise for. The difference between them and

those of us with anxiety is we allow it to get the best of us. Or

because of our anxiety it gets the best of us in ways we aren't

always aware of. It can be controlled to a certain extent. First is

realising we have this problem with out of control thinking. And

second is realising that that's all it is. It doesn't have to define

us. Since I started to pay attention to how I think and what triggers

the out-of-control thinking for me I've been able to shut it down

before it gets totally out of hand. I've had many less sleepless

nights.

>

> You'll get through the next couple of months. Trust me, you will.

No matter what else you do or what else happens there is one fact

that can't be denied. Time keeps marching on.

>

> When I have cleaning to do it's easy to get overwhelmed. If I don't

think about it and just start with one thing, one simple little

thing, the rest follows. Pick one thing and do it. That's all it

takes. It makes you feel in control and productive again. And no one

expects you to be a super-woman. One step at a time.

>

> Part of the anxiety problem is out of control thinking and feeling.

The feeling of having little control over our lives contributes to

the anxiety. Or causes it to begin with! And like a snowball running

down hill, it gathers baggage and momentum as it goes.

>

> Welcome to the group!

>

> Barbara

>

>

> New Here and Could Use a Pep Talk

>

>

> Hi Everybody,

>

> I am a married mother of a boy, 3.5 years, and a girl, 20 months.

I

> work half-time for a not-for-profit, part at the office and part

from

> home. I have been on Lexapro (10 mg.) for almost five weeks,

> primarily for anxiety. The first few days were really rough; I

had a

> bad anxiety attack and barely slept for four days. After that I

> gradually got back to normal, and have felt pretty well.

>

> Today is a big day work-wise, and the next six or so weeks with

the

> holidays and work are going to be really intense. Last night I

had

> bad anxiety and couldn't sleep. It was one of those nights where

> everything I thought about seemed insurmountable; work stress,

money

> problems, more Christmas shopping to do, and so forth. I really

had

> myself all worked up, and although I feel better this morning I

don't

> know how I'm going to get through the next couple of months.

>

> I have been in therapy with a social worker for a few months, but

I'm

> not sure it's the right kind. I like my therapist and am

comfortable

> with her, but we never seem to get beyond talking about the weeks

> events and how I felt about them. I think I need some intensive

> Cognitive Therapy, but am exhausted with trying to figure out how

to

> find the right help.

>

> Also, my daughter is still breastfeeding, so I have to weigh that

in

> with any decisions I make about medication. She is very attached

to

> it and probably won't wean for several months.

>

> Nice to be here,

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Group-

The holidays are the most anxiety driven, hectic time of year...not to mention

that the depression and anxiety tend to worsen with the shorter, darker, colder

days!

Please know that some people do have success stories on lex! How do I

know...because I do!

I have taken it for almost 3 years since my depression rock bottom which left

me in the mental hospital. My panic attacks have lessened to once/twice a month

instead of once/twice a day. My depression is finally mangeable, no, not

perfect, but certainly manageable.

Remember that this is the hardest time of year...you will get through it...we

are all here for you!

Barbara <bjarrett@...> wrote:

First of all.... Stop that!!! I know you. The over-thinking, the

squirrels on the wheel that won't stop! The all or nothing thinking. How do I

know? Because that's me too.

When my mind won't shut down I get back out of bed and either play computer

solitaire (don't you know that was created for people like us?) or read

something engaging enough to tune out the squirrels.

You get easily overwhelmed as I do. Worrying is ok if it's productive. Most

worrying serves little other than to drive us nuts. Worrying is free of charge

but the cost can be high for those of us with anixety. Yes, you have a lot to

think about, a lot to keep straight and a lot to strategise for. The difference

between them and those of us with anxiety is we allow it to get the best of us.

Or because of our anxiety it gets the best of us in ways we aren't always aware

of. It can be controlled to a certain extent. First is realising we have this

problem with out of control thinking. And second is realising that that's all it

is. It doesn't have to define us. Since I started to pay attention to how I

think and what triggers the out-of-control thinking for me I've been able to

shut it down before it gets totally out of hand. I've had many less sleepless

nights.

You'll get through the next couple of months. Trust me, you will. No matter what

else you do or what else happens there is one fact that can't be denied. Time

keeps marching on.

When I have cleaning to do it's easy to get overwhelmed. If I don't think about

it and just start with one thing, one simple little thing, the rest follows.

Pick one thing and do it. That's all it takes. It makes you feel in control and

productive again. And no one expects you to be a super-woman. One step at a

time.

Part of the anxiety problem is out of control thinking and feeling. The feeling

of having little control over our lives contributes to the anxiety. Or causes it

to begin with! And like a snowball running down hill, it gathers baggage and

momentum as it goes.

Welcome to the group!

Barbara

New Here and Could Use a Pep Talk

Hi Everybody,

I am a married mother of a boy, 3.5 years, and a girl, 20 months. I

work half-time for a not-for-profit, part at the office and part from

home. I have been on Lexapro (10 mg.) for almost five weeks,

primarily for anxiety. The first few days were really rough; I had a

bad anxiety attack and barely slept for four days. After that I

gradually got back to normal, and have felt pretty well.

Today is a big day work-wise, and the next six or so weeks with the

holidays and work are going to be really intense. Last night I had

bad anxiety and couldn't sleep. It was one of those nights where

everything I thought about seemed insurmountable; work stress, money

problems, more Christmas shopping to do, and so forth. I really had

myself all worked up, and although I feel better this morning I don't

know how I'm going to get through the next couple of months.

I have been in therapy with a social worker for a few months, but I'm

not sure it's the right kind. I like my therapist and am comfortable

with her, but we never seem to get beyond talking about the weeks

events and how I felt about them. I think I need some intensive

Cognitive Therapy, but am exhausted with trying to figure out how to

find the right help.

Also, my daughter is still breastfeeding, so I have to weigh that in

with any decisions I make about medication. She is very attached to

it and probably won't wean for several months.

Nice to be here,

[Guest guest]

Hi :

I was exactly where you were about 15 years ago and have had a long

learning curve over that time. Here are a few thoughts:

a. I've tried every anti-depressive there is and Lexapro works for

me; makes me feel normal. Everyone is different. My dosage is 20 mg

per day and I've taken it for three years now.

b. Sleep is extremely important. The Lexapro deal with anxiety and

makes you feels stable but sleep gives you the energy to deal with

your day in a relaxed, focused and peaceful manner. I've also tried

lots of medications for this but Klonopin just before I go to bed

lets me confidently know that I'll be able to get " restorative sleep "

I need with with no side effects. And it's been around and doesn't

cost much. A good nights sleep makes everything seem possible and

makes it easier to 'face your demons' the next day. Once the sleep

issue is resolved, a lot of other things get easier.

c. I too went to a therapist. I too saw no benefit initially but

longer term; it made a huge difference as they really get to know you.

Don't be shy about suggesting treatments that you've heard on the

internet. In addition to the experience the therapist already has,

they should be willing to work with you.

I don't often respond to these but as I read your story I could

completely empathize; you reminded me of me many years ago. IT

WILL GET BETTER! In the short term you need to find the strength to

continue medication, work with your therapist and for right now, try

to find a medication for sleep. That would help you most right now.

Regards,

Mark

>

> Hi Everybody,

>

> I am a married mother of a boy, 3.5 years, and a girl, 20 months. I

> work half-time for a not-for-profit, part at the office and part

from

> home. I have been on Lexapro (10 mg.) for almost five weeks,

> primarily for anxiety. The first few days were really rough; I had

a

> bad anxiety attack and barely slept for four days. After that I

> gradually got back to normal, and have felt pretty well.

>

> Today is a big day work-wise, and the next six or so weeks with the

> holidays and work are going to be really intense. Last night I had

> bad anxiety and couldn't sleep. It was one of those nights where

> everything I thought about seemed insurmountable; work stress,

money

> problems, more Christmas shopping to do, and so forth. I really had

> myself all worked up, and although I feel better this morning I

don't

> know how I'm going to get through the next couple of months.

>

> I have been in therapy with a social worker for a few months, but

I'm

> not sure it's the right kind. I like my therapist and am

comfortable

> with her, but we never seem to get beyond talking about the weeks

> events and how I felt about them. I think I need some intensive

> Cognitive Therapy, but am exhausted with trying to figure out how

to

> find the right help.

>

> Also, my daughter is still breastfeeding, so I have to weigh that

in

> with any decisions I make about medication. She is very attached to

> it and probably won't wean for several months.

>

> Nice to be here,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

I appreciate hearing that it will get better. I have read that

without proper treatment anxiety just gets worse and worse over the

years, which, of course is not what I need to hear right now, whether

it's true or not. I have also read that medications may work for a

year or so and then gradually become less effective, so I'm glad to

hear that this has not been the case for you.

Anxiety and depression run in my family. My grandfather has taken to

bed many times throughout my lifetime. My mother has some form of

personality or mood disorder and has never had treatment of any kind.

I don't want to be 55 or 75 and still feeling unwell. I don't want my

children to grow up with my unpredictable moods hanging over their

heads. But I'm losing hope. Some days I can be the kind of mother I

want them to have; some days I can't tolerate much and become really

irritable, no matter hard I try to keep it together.

I'm reluctant to take more medication. I have taken Ambien for sleep

a few times when I had had a hard time sleeping the night before and

felt bad the second night, but I am so afraid to give myself over to

medication. The more I take, the less hope I have that I will ever be

normal again.

Anyway. Mustn't dwell.

Thanks for the encouragement.

> >

> > Hi Everybody,

> >

> > I am a married mother of a boy, 3.5 years, and a girl, 20 months.

I

> > work half-time for a not-for-profit, part at the office and part

> from

> > home. I have been on Lexapro (10 mg.) for almost five weeks,

> > primarily for anxiety. The first few days were really rough; I

had

> a

> > bad anxiety attack and barely slept for four days. After that I

> > gradually got back to normal, and have felt pretty well.

> >

> > Today is a big day work-wise, and the next six or so weeks with

the

> > holidays and work are going to be really intense. Last night I

had

> > bad anxiety and couldn't sleep. It was one of those nights where

> > everything I thought about seemed insurmountable; work stress,

> money

> > problems, more Christmas shopping to do, and so forth. I really

had

> > myself all worked up, and although I feel better this morning I

> don't

> > know how I'm going to get through the next couple of months.

> >

> > I have been in therapy with a social worker for a few months, but

> I'm

> > not sure it's the right kind. I like my therapist and am

> comfortable

> > with her, but we never seem to get beyond talking about the weeks

> > events and how I felt about them. I think I need some intensive

> > Cognitive Therapy, but am exhausted with trying to figure out how

> to

> > find the right help.

> >

> > Also, my daughter is still breastfeeding, so I have to weigh that

> in

> > with any decisions I make about medication. She is very attached

to

> > it and probably won't wean for several months.

> >

> > Nice to be here,

> >

> >

>