Any advice welcome (Health related)

[Moggo]

As some of you may have read from previous posts of mine I struggle terribly with anxiety/depression.

I pretty much spend my whole waking time shaking and feeling sick at the moment. It starts getting light in the mornings and I feel the dread coming over me.

I’m at a loss as to what to try next, my health overall has suffered terribly due to the levels of stress, I’m only mid 40’s and I’m sure I shouldn’t feel this ill!

I do and have suffered with Body Dysmorphic Disorder for 20 plus years now and that keeps getting worse also (looking in the mirror makes me feel unable to go on).

I’ve had CBT, tried mindfulness, relaxation techniques etc

Anyway sorry for the rant and if the subject is inappropriate or too personal.

Just looking for any advice from the good people on this forum.

Take care all.


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[superdog]

Try mediation, it is key to reducing anxiety. It actually increases gray matter in the brain.

I am no doctor or scientist, but this is what I read.

It also sounds like yoga would be good for you. Exercise sounds like an absolutely MUST.

You have only one life to live. Try to be as proactive as possible with holistic routes. Dont waste a moment.

Go to meetings with people that have the same issues. Support groups are integral and amazingly helpful.

I hope this helps. If you ever want to chat about it, please feel free to PM me.

I led self-help groups and taught yoga classes for nearly two decades. I can likely help.

But truly, you need to make a decision that you want to improve and change. There are a lot of external tools that can help. But you need to make the internal decision.

A post like this is the a good first step. Keep taking baby steps. Dont stop. Keeping moving forward in the direction you want to go on. Baby step and then baby step. And then another baby step. Always moving forward.

[Abdullah71601]

It doesn’t sound like whatever you’re doing is working, which means you are due for a change up.

I would take Seth up on his offer. Get some new ideas and start down a different path.

Best wishes for a better path.

[Cobain]

Did you find out the underline cause?

Whatever you do, don't take anti-depressants.

[Chuckred]

Originally Posted by Cobain

Did you find out the underline cause?

Whatever you do, don't take anti-depressants.

What are your credentials and what data are you relying on before dispensing this medical advice?

[gettocard]

Originally Posted by Cobain

Did you find out the underline cause?

Whatever you do, don't take anti-depressants.

This. Try to avoid being turned into a zombie.

See a therapist and stick to it. It may be a long and sometimes painful process but it will help a lot if you will make it happen. I'm telling you,you need to have some guts to go through the whole thing but if you make it the reward is priceless.
Have you tried getting into some kind of sport aswell ? I'm mean some sweaty and fatigue sport. I've gotten out of depression 15 years ago thanks to a total dedication to fitness. It helped a lot but eventually years later I've had to see a therapist to ultimately fix the whole thing for good.

[spoilsofwar01]

Not that I'm qualified however.....

A couple of things to try, Bach First Aid Remedy and Rescue Remedy,

Sunlight helps.... Without enough sunlight exposure, a person's serotonin levels can dip low. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that is triggered by changing seasons. not sure if light boxes work.... but worth a try.

Also consider, Tai chi is a non-competitive martial art known for both its defence techniques and its health benefits. As an exercise, it comprises gentle physical exercise and promotes well being....

Also youtube loads of relaxing mood music...

Finally don't become a stranger... its good to talk even if your feeling down.

Just a thought.

[Flyinghunter]

Find a medical doctor who will partner with you for solutions

[superdog]

Originally Posted by gettocard

This. Try to avoid being turned into a zombie.

See a therapist and stick to it. It may be a long and sometimes painful process but it will help a lot if you will make it happen. I'm telling you,you need to have some guts to go through the whole thing but if you make it the reward is priceless.
Have you tried getting into some kind of sport aswell ? I'm mean some sweaty and fatigue sport. I've gotten out of depression 15 years ago thanks to a total dedication to fitness. It helped a lot but eventually years later I've had to see a therapist to ultimately fix the whole thing for good.

This is good advice.

Hard exercise releases endorphins. Naturally makes you feel better.

And def try and stay off meds.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Flyinghunter

Find a medical doctor who will partner with you for solutions

Also good advice.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Chuckred

What are your credentials and what data are you relying on before dispensing this medical advice?

The OP asked for advice, not quality control.

[TheVTCGuy]

Moggo, all I can offer is you are not alone

[yannis]

Exercise is a solution. Try something your body can take and try increasing the doses of daily exercise. Even long walks can work miracles. Good luck man.

[Johny]

Hi op. Do you have any hobbies or interests?

[Phrank]

I would agree that exercise is key - as is routine, get up the same time every morning.

If you're suffering anxiety, your body is in a constant state of stress, so I would make sure you eat a good breakfast that has a solid fat and protein content. Your body is in a constant state of threat most likely, burning energy to continually protect itself, slowly wearing down your immune system and leaving you constantly tired.

Personally, I would see a psychologist to help you address first the physical concerns and building up the energy you need to then tackle what issues may be presenting themselves that cause this anxiety and depression.

Many of us have been there ourselves, or had close friends and relatives dealing with this as well...I wish you the best, and remind you to have Hope that you can overcome this.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Chuckred

What are your credentials and what data are you relying on before dispensing this medical advice?

he stayed at a holiday inn express last night.

[Moggo]

Thanks for all the suggestions and kind comments, it becomes a lonely place when you are suffering with anxiety/depression related disorders.

Exercise seems a common recommendation and making sure to eat well regularly which I probably neglect due to feeling nauseous most of the time.

I guess with regards to interests they have all been overcome by the dark clouds. This forum is one of the few places I find interest at the moment so thank you all.


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[Thatguy]

Have you talked to a psychologist or psychiatrist? Meds aren’t always the answer but sometimes necessary depending on condition and severity.
I’m not a dr but have dealt with similar issues.


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[Phrank]

Another poster suggesting taking up a hobby, one of the things I decided to do when I was letting my life turn into a "task list" rather than what I felt was, "experiencing" life was to try to turn the mundane things around.

Meditation was mentioned as well...I decided I would turn my daily shave into something more meditative, and start the day on my terms and learn a new skill, to "slow down" and not always be in such a rush...so I decided to learn how to shave with a straight razor - sounds stupid, but life is made up of a series of small changes that add up to big ones.

Once I saw this video, it stuck in my mind, kept making me laugh thinking about it, so I finally decided I had to learn...one of the best things I ever did, changed my perspective on my whole day....so just throwing this out there...all the best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q4IRoaJH34

[Hpozzuoli]

A therapist...that person to talk to...that’s what you need. Once you start talking you might see some benefit.

[rootbeer7]

Firstly, let’s find a decent football team to support (I’m a Spurs fan too!) Then perhaps take Superdog (Seth) up on his offer. What a generous offer. Be well friend.

[rdmlondon]

You have tried a few different things, have you tried hypnosis?

It can work on certain people and it helped me in the past. I'd urge you to give it a go.

Some good advice in this thread. We are all on your side, you will overcome this and find your peace of mind.

Good luck to you Moggo.

[RW16610]

I totally agree with the fact that starting this thread is a great first step. My vote / suggestion in addition to the physical activities would be a nice hobby to keep you occupied or focused on it. Easier said than done sometimes but it's certainly possible and worth a shot at this stage.

[cda555]

I agree with meditation and exercise. I also recommend you have your hormone levels checked. It could be an imbalance somewhere. Take vitamins and eat whole foods. This is all great advice in general.

Now for the part that may be hard to swallow. Sometimes it is just hard to pull out of anxiety and depression. Even if your levels are fine, you eat healthy, you go to therapy, and you exercise... it can still be hard. Routine is sometimes the issue. You need to take baby steps to bust the routine. Do small changes, like keeping your home clean. Remember to floss. Try to be social to the checkout person at the store. Honestly, even if you don't want to do these things, do them anyway.

Obviously what I'm saying sounds very easy to do, but if you are in a deep depression, or stuck in a state of anxiety, these small tasks are almost impossible to do. In addition to these minor changes that you can do, really examine what big changes you can do. Obviously stick to therapy since you have BDD. You mention a ton of stress, is there a way to lesson it? If your job is too stressful, then maybe it's possible to change, even if you get paid less. After all, what's the point of having money if you aren't happy enough to enjoy it?

One of my former roommates was extremely depressed and had every prescription medication for anxiety known to man. It was so hard watching him spiral. Your natural inclination is to retreat into your own world, but you need to fight that urge. Remember that it is always possible to overcome this. There are always new people to meet if you feel alone. While it didn't "cure" him, getting a dog really helped in his situation. It forced him to go out for walks and interact with other people... who can resist a cute dog? Having that unconditional love was also a confidence/mood booster.

[Moggo]

Thank you all, Superdog and cda555 I will pm you both if that’s ok. Sounds like you’ve experience that maybe helpful.

Thank you all for your kind words and support it means a lot and from people I’ve never met.


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[datejustrms]

I hope you get things squared away. A little something I do every morning when I get up is think of two things I am thankful for. It starts my day in a positive way. All the best to you.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Etschell

he stayed at a holiday inn express last night.

[TheVTCGuy]

Moggo, I didn’t want to go on to this but I too sometimes struggle with anxiety, and a little bit of depression, it is absolutely beyond description terrible. I know what the reason is, and my goal for 2018 is to eliminate that cause completely; wish me luck. All I will tell you is there IS relief in site, I promise. First is to discover the cause and I highly recommend speaking with a professional. You said You had CBT but have you ever found someone you can really TALK to? I did, and still do. It’s not easy for an Ex Navy Fighter Pilot to admit they need help, but a small bit of machoism, or pride, or embarrassment is not worth subjecting yourself to this malady. If you haven’t already, find someone you are comfortable with and speak freely and truthfully. There is a sense of relief when you do. It doesn’t happen over night, but saying how I feel to someone out loud has brought me a long way in the last year or so, I used to have debilitating panic attacks, but have progressed to a couple anxious-downer days here and then, and I look forward to making even more progress. TALK with someone, stay active, do as many activities as you can with friends and family (even if you don’t enjoy it ) and have faith; you’ll get better. It wasn’t easy for me to write this down, the sh-t hot Navy Fighter Pilot having an emotional struggle!? Can’t be; but it can and is. You are not a bad person, this effects a lot of very good people, and you will beat it. You are a very strong person my friend, and I salute you for putting this out there and asking for help; you are stronger then I am. Good luck and go beat this thing into the ground!!!!

[Canefan1]

Like Paul said above Moggo,you are not alone. I was diagnosed Bipolar 1 w/alcohol disorder yrs ago. Live anxiety on a daily basis and from time to time do have panic attacks. I am an alcoholic on top of the mental stuff. I have been on benzodiazepines, seroquil amongst other stuff for yrs. The Seroquil will make one a zombie. The klonopin does work but many times not. I am a mess Moggo and have lived a hard life which is all on me. I really hope you can get to feeling better because I do know how you feel. Hang in there my friend and may God always watch over you.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Canefan1

Like Paul said above Moggo,you are not alone. I was diagnosed Bipolar 1 w/alcohol disorder yrs ago. Live anxiety on a daily basis and from time to time do have panic attacks. I am an alcoholic on top of the mental stuff. I have been on benzodiazepines, seroquil amongst other stuff for yrs. The Seroquil will make one a zombie. The klonopin does work but many times not. I am a mess Moggo and have lived a hard life which is all on me. I really hope you can get to feeling better because I do know how you feel. Hang in there my friend and may God always watch over you.

I am sorry for your struggles Cane, but it takes a lot of courage to discuss your challenges to help someone like Moggo. Maybe you are a “mess” but you’re a stronger person then me. I sincerely wish you success with your battle.