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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 10:34:39
I did post a while back...I was on Lexapro last fall, but went off after only 3 months because I was feeling a lot better.
I just feel like I will fail at life, end up unemployment, not be able to get another job, and end up homeless.
Posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 11:18:53
In reply to Nightmare of Anxitety, posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 10:34:39
I really wory about supporting my wife, and if I will ever be able to have a family...I hope the Lexapro works for me.
Posted by cherylann on October 26, 2004, at 12:23:08
In reply to Re: Nightmare of Anxiety, posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 11:18:53
If the lexapro doesn't work, remember there are many other drugs to try. And if the meds do work and you're feeling great, you'll probably want to think twice before stopping them. I did the same thing on some meds that worked for me in the past. I now know that I have some chemical deficiencies (sp?) and will remain on meds until something changes. I've got two kids and a husband to think of.
Best wishes to you and remember to come here for advice. It's a great place.
cherylann
Posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 13:17:07
In reply to Re: Nightmare of Anxiety, posted by cherylann on October 26, 2004, at 12:23:08
Cherylann,
Thanks for your response....were you ever worried you wouldnt be able to take care or support your family?? I worry about that all the time.
Posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 15:27:24
In reply to Re: Nightmare of Anxiety, posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 13:17:07
Here I am, 5 days in...I still feel helpless and unable to cope with my life. The latest thing that set me off was my job...I have so much to do, and given our companies leadtimes I cant deliver as needed...I feel helpless, and worried I will be fired.
My anxiety has also prevented me from wanting to do anything...When I get home at night I get in bed and hide...and Im 26 years old!
I worry I wont be able to support my family, or raise children...My wife must think I am crazy, and I think I am.
What happens if you lose your job, and cant find a new one? You become homeless, and destitute??? I hope this Lexapro helps me soon.
Posted by banga on October 26, 2004, at 17:59:55
In reply to Feeling Helpless Still, posted by mattsit on October 26, 2004, at 15:27:24
Hang in there! I've struggled with these thoughts in the past. Many things including meds can make such a difference. When I've sunk really low, I remind myself of a specific moment in the past when I was not feeling depressed and helpless. For me, it was when I told my sister-in-law that "I actually don't feel depressed anymore." That was years ago, and often lately it's hard to believe that I once felt like that, but I remind myself: if I said it, it must have been true, so even if I feel hopeless now, I know that it is possible for me to be in a different place, and it will come again, I just have to be patient." I am switching medications hoping for a shift back to the better place. Just hang in there, try to just take it one day at a time for now. Try not to worry yourself with big overwhelming questions like "am I a failure at life?" That's depression talking, it will pass, maybe not tomorrow but it will let up. I get carried away too with these scary ideas. I just take a breath and slow down this thinking, put it in context as a setback that will right itself, just to take it one day at a time. A lot of people here know how it is when you feel like that. Hang in there.
Posted by Jasmineneroli on October 26, 2004, at 23:42:20
In reply to Re: Feeling Helpless Still, posted by banga on October 26, 2004, at 17:59:55
Hey:
You are describing EXACTLY how I used to feel ALL the time, worrying and worrying, feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Having anticipation fears and worries. Then it turns into anxiety, with attacks that make you feel like you've really lost your mind!
What is your diagnosis? It sounds like you have GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) that is peaking.
How long have you been on Lex? Cuz that can make your anxiety worse to begin with...sometimes doctors will back your dosage down for a bit and take it up very slowly. Have you called your doc recently?
I have GAD and I am on Lexapro's cousin, Celexa, along with Klonopin. Klonopin is the ONLY medication I've tried (of 8) that has had any impact on the anxiety. The Celexa helps with the constant worrying. But I still have bad days when stressful things happen.
Try asking your doc to add a little bit of Klonopin to your Lexapro. (I only take .5mg per day).
If you have GAD, it's pretty impossible to try to MAKE yourself feel better. Just keep trying the drug combinations and force your doctor to help you function properly. Tell him/her about your fears of not being a responsible husband/father.It might be hard to do, but you also need to take away as much pressure and stress off yourself for a little while too. I ignored all those warning signs you describe and had a "mini-breakdown" and had to take stress-leave...it took me a long time to come out of the abyss after that.
Yes, you can be a good, supporting husband and Dad, once you've got the med issue sorted out!!! You will be probably be one of the best, because you wil be very conscientious, wanting to do an awesome job :).
Take it easy, ask your wife and doc for help...maybe take a bit of time off work if possible. Best of luck to you.
Jas
Posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 8:10:15
In reply to Re: Feeling Helpless Still, posted by Jasmineneroli on October 26, 2004, at 23:42:20
Thanks for your thoughts....
It just seems so impossible right now. I literally feel like there is nothing i can do to escape the situations i am in at work....Everything seems to be crashing down, and it's all out of my control.
This is the end of the thread.
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