[MizzzJ]

There may be nothing wrong, but sometimes I fell like I could just jump out of my own skin for no reason. I had a nice relaxing weekend, cut the grass, did all my laundry, visited my family. I don't know why I feel on the verge of constant hysteria. I try so hard to keep things under control, but my panic and anxiety are stopping me from enjoying life. There is nothing to worry about, but I'm worried sick. I'm a single parent with lots of "things" going on, and just can't relax. The slightest noise or things that go bump in the night terrify me and make me feel that I have to be on night patrol. I can't take SSRIs and now only have script for Ativan for sleep. I am seeing a psychologist, but I have so many layers of distress, I feel that we have only scratched the surface. I wish I could reformat my brain, so I wouldn't react the way I do. I feel like nobody understands and I'm a complete nut. Its all in my head and I know that the first thing I have to do is change the way I think. How does a person take charge of their own mind?? Thanks for any input from anybody...J~

[SunshineGold03]

Hey Mizz,
It sounds to me that you definitely need to be on a daily medication for your anxiety disorder. Benzo's like ativan are only good on a short term basis. If you can't be on SSRI's talk with your doc about an another alternative. But in my own personal opinion it sounds to me like you should be on a daily med for your anxiety. I know what you are going through I really do I can completely relate before I got my medication regimen fine tuned I was experiencing almost all of the things you mentioned. Before medication I was extremely anxious 24/7. I am doing much better now with the help of medications, therapy, and support. Good Luck to you and keep us posted.

Jennifer

[Starbuck]

Hi Mizzzj, Welcome !

I tend also to think you might need medication.

I felt like you before I saw a Pscychiatrist. I saw several psychologists before, and no one ever suggested me I might need medications-though they've helped me to discover my inner self, etc.

When I saw a Psychiatrist in 1999, I felt just like you.

After 3 meetings, he prescribed me medications, and I felt a lot better : obssessions and frightening thoughts were very less intense. I never thought I could feel that way.

I know medications are only part of the solution, but nonetheless it helped me a lot.

Sincerely,

Starbuck

Born in 1963 of French mom and Canadian dad. Studied and worked (Majors in History, Theology. M.A. in Sociology).

[Butterfly_Faerie]

Deep breathing exercises will help, you have to tell yourself that you are safe, whenever you jump. Reminding yourself about this should calm the nerves. Doing any sort of relaxation, drawing a hot bubble bath for yourself with music, a book. Maybe writing in a journal will help you purge everything that is negative, I know with me writing helps a great deal...

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>