One month and Im a mess - just need to vent.
 

Sorry but I had to post this here cuz really theres nobody i can talk to about this. My friends are over hearing about how Im feeling.

One month and Im full of anxiety. Heart palpitations. Panic attacks. Crying jags for no apparent reason. Each day feels like forever if that makes sense.

Seems everything i do (or dont do) effects me tremendously. Eat sugar. bam. Dont drink enough water. bam. Watch some tv - forget it. Im trying to do the stuff thats supposed to help (vitamins, eat well etc) but each tiny time i veer off that road I crash into an emotional mess. I literally thought "Oh I can watch some TV - its been a few days" but NOOOO

I live alone here in NYC and in lockdown see very few people (for short walks) and im losing it. I guess im hoping it will get better but its just hard and I needed to vent. Its my damn birthday next week - fun!

OP: Millions are going thru gloom and doom with this virus disaster...so many worse than others. I'm a strong person but I even had a melt down yesterday from all the body pain I deal with and the virus issues....I just broke down. It's OK to break down, but pick up and keep going.

Get into some easy meditation, that can do wonders.

And celebrate your life -- birthday.... Many are alone on those days. Hang in and hang on...

Thank you.

I literally feel like Im going crazy. Almost want to go to the ER but I know that wont do anything.

Im on a low dose of valium (which Mark said was not a problem - just continue taper) I actually tried to taper and that made the anxiety worse.

But I want to get off it because Im afraid it will stop any recovery.

I know Im posting alot. Dont really have anyone to talk to about it. Just started therapy - hopefully that will help. So far doctors have been un-helpful.

Thanks again

stevegee,

Have you sought a psychiatrist or other professional who specializes in anxiety disorders? You will get better help from a mental health professional than from anybody who you complain to about your concerns about a possible concussion a month ago. I know that accessing these specialists in today's environment is a challenge but you need serious help.

You know what events and activities others have claimed to cause symptoms and you try to engage in those with an expectation of a negative result. When you expect negative results, you will get negative results.

You live in a crazy lockdown state and city that is causing millions to struggle. This is likely the core of your struggle.

Hi Mark,

Trying to do this now but like you said - a challenge in the current environment. I appreciate your response but when you say "a possible concussion" that does not help. Thank you.

When I engage in activities such as watching TV - I am not expecting or hoping for negative results. I stayed away from TV for days and when I finally did try I was hoping it would be OK. Unfortunatly it was not.

TV is not a risk. The idea of No Screens is directed at teens who get concussions in sports and are sent home for a few days and want to play video games all day. That is the No Screens warning.

Watching casual TV is not a risk. The risk is the type of programming that many watch. Fast action, high drama, news drama, and similar programing triggers anxiety or over-stimulation.

If you find yourself losing track of the program, you are likely over-stimulating your brain with too much information too fast. You can do that trying to read a magazine or newspaper, you know, the paper kind.

News programs are intended to trigger an emotional response. Avoid them. Many TV shows use interpersonal conflict as a main theme. Avoid them.

News shows used to be "We report. You decide." Now, they are "We will tell you how to respond by the emotion in our voice and by twisting the news to make it the most alarming." That is not helpful.

I say possible concussion because you have not had any valid diagnosis of a concussion but have locked onto the idea that everything you are experiencing is a result of your head/face impact.

If you would back off the "This is all concussion caused." and instead consider "Is my anxiety taking over my life?" and try to look at these struggles as due to your struggle with anxiety, it will help you move forward.

There is nothing you can do about your head impact. No treatment is possible except for visual and vestibular therapy. Even vestibular is not always appropriate. Your face and head just need to go through normal bruised tissue healing. The nerves under your skin will take the longest to heal.

I will correct myself. There is one condition that is often triggered after a head impact that can be addressed. Increased anxiety and less tolerance for stress and stimulation. Benzos are not the treatment. SSRIs, SNRIs, behavior and environment modification and moderation, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and a few others can help. Have you considered my comment about taking 5-HTP to see if it helps your mind settle down? 100 to 200 mgs to start is safe. Your body already makes it but is likely not making enough.

Do you drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages? You should avoid them.

Gotcha Mark. As you know I am on valium, Tried to continue the taper and it was a bad idea. So for now I need to just stabilize.
I have gotten 5-HTP and started therapy last week. Avoiding coffee completely.

Also - SSRI's seem to be a mixed bag as to whether they help or really f you up. In terms of side effects getting on them, etc.

stevegee, please do just be sure to be checking with your doctor(s) on any changes to your medications, whether adding or removing.

Some supplements also interact with meds so be sure to check those too.