Topic: New and needing help!

Hi, this is my first post and I'm really hoping someone can offer some advice on what I'm going through.

I have always been a worrier however in the last month my anxiety has been gradually getting worse until about 2 weeks ago when I started having constant anxiety all day, every day. Pain in the chest, internal tremors, constant nausea, mind constantly going in loops worrying about all the bad things that could happen and absolutely no appetite which has lead to losing 3kg in that time, I've also had a panic attack. I have been to the doctor and he has given me something for those times when I feel really heightened. I am also going to see a psychologist and my first session is this Saturday.

The thing is, since the really long anxiety episode started, I've been feeling extremely depressed. I cry daily and feel totally overwhelmed. It's effecting my work, my relationship (although my partner has been very supportive). I also have children and at the moment have managed to hide this from them; this is the only thing I feel I am doing right at the moment!

Has anyone else experienced a severe anxiety episode triggering depression?

I should also say that I was using alcohol, not a huge amount, but most nights and I now see that was me just trying to cope. I have quit drinking and feel like that was the best decision.

Getting through each day is becoming more difficult. My doctor talked to me about medication however I have been reluctant, but due to my level of depression at the moment I feel like just running back to the doctor and getting it just so I can feel even slightly better.

Thank you for reading and any comments are appreciated.

Hi A , Brave awesome post , just keep hanging on , everything evolves , your doing all that can be done , things will pass , I'm rooting for ya . C

Hi Alexandra_M,

Welcome to the forums. I'm really glad that you have felt able to reach out and share what has been happening for you.

I am really sorry to hear that you have been hurting so much. It sounds like you are in quite a dark place and that things are getting increasingly difficult. You are not alone in what you are experiencing, unfortunately it is not uncommon for anxiety and depression to coexist - this can make getting through each day feel especially hard. It is tough when it affects every aspect of your life, but please do not feel that hiding it from your children is the only thing that you are doing right. There is not really a concrete right and wrong, you are going through a lot and depression and anxiety can make just functioning and looking after yourself difficult, let alone caring for others that depend on you. From what you have mentioned, it sounds like you are really trying everything to give yourself the best chance of improving - seeing your GP, making an appointment with a psychologist, and having the insight to see that you were using alcohol to cope and trying to stop drinking as a result, that is tough but you are clearly motivated to make changes and this is really important. Is there anything that helps you to feel better, even only for a little bit?

Different things work for different people, some of these may not be your thing and that is more than okay, but here are some suggestions you may like to try for when things feel really overwhelming or difficult: journalling - writing down your worries and thoughts and what is going on can help organise your thoughts and get them out of your system and can help you see your thoughts from a different perspective, being outside in the sun, calling a friend or loved one, listening to your favourite music, watching a favourite movie/show, washing your face with cold water, having a bath or warm shower, playing with a pet, hugging someone or a pillow, calling a helpline (Lifeline is 13 11 14), making a cup of tea or hot chocolate. You may also find grounding techniques helpful - they focus on shifting your focus away from your mind and back onto the present, they can involve controlled breathing techniques, meditation exercises and sensory exercises, it may be worth looking up grounding techniques to have a try.

Please do not hesitate to reach out when you feel up to it. We are here to listen and support you. Take care and give yourself the time and space that you need.

Thank you for your kind words. Reading this really helped me in the moment!

Thank you so much sunnyl20 for your thoughtful response and your advice.

I have had a lot of difficulty enjoying anything lately, although my children were interstate visiting their father for 3 weeks and I think this was a massive stressor for me considering the constant border changes. I find the thing I enjoy the most is spending time with my children so I'm trying to keep busy doing activities with them. The other things I used to enjoy, I just don't anymore.

Thank you for your suggestion of grounding techniques. I found a mindfulness app that was recommended in another post and I'm giving that a go but will also look into this.

Looking back now, I think this has been something that has been affecting me for many many years. I'm unsure as to why it took me so long to recognise it. I now understand why it is so important to get onto things like this early, otherwise they can get out of control.

Hi there , I feel like I’m pretty much in the same boat about regarding medication, I’ve suffered depression and anxiety most of my life but due to DV I can now add PTSD and agoraphobia to the mix , my granny had this and she couldn’t leave the house for 30 yrs so this worries me as it’s in the family history and I’m starting to have physical symptoms while trying to leave the house , sickness, dizzy , bathroom, ect and I too have been crying everyday and have started to withdraw from my friends , my dancing, and I’m quite happy at home with Netflix .... I am very desperate as crying all the time can’t be good and it’s well let’s face it so tiresome I’m exhausted....... professionals want me on medication ASAP and I have the script but I’ve done some research and worried about the side effects and coming off apparently is horrible ..... so I hear you loud and clear xx

Hi Janez,

I am really sorry to hear you are struggling so much right now. Crying everyday can be draining and it sounds like things are feeling really difficult for you. If you feel able to, I would really encourage you to talk to your doctor/clinician about your concerns re side effects and withdrawals - they may be able to offer you some advice and options to help with these side effects. The professionals are there to help and support you and to hear your questions and concerns. Take care.

Hey Alexandra_M,

Yes the uncertainty of things right now with Covid and border changes can be really difficult, and it is understandable that that would only compound your anxiety and distress. I am really sorry that you are struggling to get any enjoyment in your days, that can feel pretty awful. It sounds like your children are a real strength for you though right now which is so important - keep holding on to that and enjoy that time. I would really encourage you to talk to your doctor/psychologist about your inability to enjoy those things that you used to - it is important that they know. Let us know how you are going if you feel like it. We are here to support you.

Take care Alexandra_M.

Hi Janez, thank you for sharing what's going on in your life. That sounds extremely difficult and I'm sorry to hear you are going through so much. The decision to take medication is one that takes some consideration and it sounds like we are definitely in the same boat on that issue. As sunnyl20 suggested, it might be a good idea to speak to your doctor about those concerns. I have just started to see my psychologist and have found that just talking has helped a lot. If you aren't already getting assistance from a psychologist, would that be something you would consider?

Crying definitely takes it out of you.. I really feel for you because I know what that is like.

I hope things begin to improve for you soon. Please take care. Xx