Is this just anxiety?

Question

I feel as though something bad is always going to happen, and I'm scared to do anything. I'm currently on Lexapro and a low dosage of anxiety medicine but I'm having this feeling alot. Its the most horrible feeling in the world. I feel like I dont want to do anything and I'm scared to sleep. Please help me, and tell me what you think is wrong with me. I'm not sure if its simply just anxiety and I'm afraid to ask my doctor to help me.

Answer 1

It sounds like you are still experiencing a form of generalised anxiety (maybe) despite the medication you are currently on. That feeling of impending doom and being hypervigilient to perceived threats is usually a pretty clear sign that you have an anxiety disorder of some sort.

I would suggest that you go back to your doctor (consider seeing a psychiatrist if you aren't already) and explain what the feelings are like. I know its an extremely difficult and scary thing to do. When you are anxious, just the thought of trying to get help for your anxiety is frightening in itself. You may need to have your medication reviewed or the dosages changed or even try some other types of treatments like CBT.

I also have anxiety and I too find it difficult at times to come out with what I am experiencing so I have in the past written a letter to my psychiatrist and posted it because the thought of having to describe in session what is going on is too much. It helped me in that situation to get my point/ feelings across when the thought of doing it face to face was too confronting.

You don't have to continue feeling like this. There are lots of medications on the market that you could try and as a consumer should be able to have access to. You may also want to take a trusted friend/ relative with you to the doctor that will be able to help you assert yourself or get your point across if you need it.

Hope you get this sorted.

Answer 2

I do not recommend medication because it will not solve your problem, only suppress it so it can pop out in another form, perhaps in a process happening within your body that you will not notice until it is too late. As for anxiety attacks, I had an acquaintance who was in the same situation. I did not help her because she refused help, but I have some strange methods to deal with this. It sounds as if there are no tremendous problems in your life, but I'm only assuming from the "suffer from attacks of anxiety for no apparent reason" quote. It would be helpful for you to seek an opportunity where you can focus on other people in third world countries, perhaps volunteering to distribute malaria relief or food, even. When you're dealing with a real crisis, sometimes these things take the backdrop and leave you alone. On the other hand, pressure can mount higher and you'll find yourself worse off, but I doubt this.

Answer 3

When you say " is it simply just anxiety" it sounds like you think anxiety is a mild symptom, in fact you probably have severe anxiety and panic attacks along with thoughts of "something bad is going to happen all the time" I have this problem too and Ive had lexapro " which made the symptoms worse for me, including suicidal thoughts" but now i am on regular Valium and it really has helped me,it is very similar to xanax. Anti depressants mess with my head so i personally wont take them. You should find a doctor that you feel comfortable with, whether that's a female or male doc , don't be afraid to ask for help they are professionals also counselors have helped me in the past even if its just for someone to talk to, and they don't treat you like your crazy most of them are very understanding and respectful of your feelings. I hate the overwhelming feeling of anxiety it builds up in your stomach and has makes your mind fill with panic I hope you get better . feel free to email me at any time - [e-mail] you may just wanna have a chat.

Answer 4

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

if not you could be suffering from Generalized Anxiety
Disorder..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_anx...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 5

You have every right to ask your doctor. You could be having an adverse reaction to your medication. I had post partum and was put on prazoc, it did not help me, but actually made me worse. I took myself off of it and once the therepudic levels were out of my body I felt better. I then was switched to welbuterin and felt much better. After 6 months or so I didn't even need the medication anymore because my hormones leveled out. Every body is different and reacts differently to each medication. Don't be afraid to switch until you find the right one for you.

Answer 6

Its probaly psycological. Lexipro..I used to take that because I was a hypochondriac (I always thought I was sick or dying). I used to be real bad like when I was 15 in 2003 I would stay up days ay a time and lose interest in everything becuase I thought I was sick or dying. I would see doctors sometimes twice a day and they all said I wa fine..but I never believed them. would see a psychatrist . There are lotta meds that help...Xanax helps u relax bigtime like if ur having a panic attack or something/

Answer 7

sweetie i will tell you experience that you are having some seriously bad anxiety attacks and please do not be afraid to talk to your doctor about this and not only that but maybe the lexapro low dosage is not strong enough for you they will have to give you a stronger dosage.

Answer 8

U might be having panic attacks i have them i get scared alot of times and im also scared to sleep sometimes ask a dr for help they are very understanding they might give u some better meds. I hope u feel better

Answer 9

it does sound like anxiety... but i do think it's like insomnia or something... don't be afraid asking your doctor about it... the doctors work is to help people in distress... try finding a place to relax and a place that can give you a peace of mind... and try reading the Bible.

Answer 10

You could always try another doctor, who may have a better bedside manner; describe the symptoms (write it down so you don't forget - use your own words, THEN refer to your notes). Ask to be referred for counselling.