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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 10:24:15
Seems I create my own problems with fearing the worst and then it's not true. What causes this? Examples decided to go to Florida to stay with youngest and granddaughter and take the dogs but have to leave cat home with self feeders. Already fearing what will happen strange eating habits of mine can I manage? Will I be able to handle a small child and add in a bunch of other stuff. Then see the pdoc and convinced he will say he's retiring. And then woke and just "knew" that something had happened to an old babbler from my facebook from some post saw on newsfeed from a relative of hers. Already found out she's fine. But why am I thinking the very worst of everything? I think if I see say a sore on me that it must be cancer? I need and want to be able to make this trip. So please someone say the advise my brain needs to hear that will break through this wall of fear. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Phil on November 28, 2012, at 12:17:59
In reply to Fears, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 10:24:15
Sounds like anxiety along with too much time to think. One day at a time.
Posted by rjlockhart37 on November 28, 2012, at 13:38:38
In reply to Fears, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 10:24:15
It's kinda a protection mechanism, to be ready for the worst....i duuno how to explain it throughly but I always think the worst thing...and then when it doesnt happen I feel much better, but if it does happen im ready for it.
Think rationally...alot of bad things that happened in the past can influence this thinking. And of course somepeople where just born to be in fear....sometimes its a genetic thing...my grandmother was always scared...she always thought the worst, i usally tried to tell her it was going to be alright...but then when she passed away and I grew up it started happening to me.
It's a feeling of not being able to control something...kinda like powerlessness...and that creates fear, and instability.
dopamine can make you think and be ready for bad things...its a motivation chemical...NE is what causes the anxity...dopamine also can cause paranoia and fears....
just try to relax and take day by day....low dose of a antipsychotic can reduce fear episodes, seriously....but that's up to the doc.
hang in there...
r
Posted by ChicagoKat on November 28, 2012, at 13:43:48
In reply to Fears, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 10:24:15
> Seems I create my own problems with fearing the worst and then it's not true. What causes this? Examples decided to go to Florida to stay with youngest and granddaughter and take the dogs but have to leave cat home with self feeders. Already fearing what will happen strange eating habits of mine can I manage? Will I be able to handle a small child and add in a bunch of other stuff. Then see the pdoc and convinced he will say he's retiring. And then woke and just "knew" that something had happened to an old babbler from my facebook from some post saw on newsfeed from a relative of hers. Already found out she's fine. But why am I thinking the very worst of everything? I think if I see say a sore on me that it must be cancer? I need and want to be able to make this trip. So please someone say the advise my brain needs to hear that will break through this wall of fear. Thanks Phillipa
My dear Phillipa, the more I get to know you, the more it seems we have so much in common. I may have depression/anxiety, but on top of that is a constant state of sheer fear. I *always* have a sense of impending doom. Like if I leave the house for too long, what if there's a fire and my cats die? If my husband goes on a business trip, what if his plane crashes? If I have to drive a long way, especially on a crazy Chicago expressway with crazy *ssh*l*s driving there too, I'm sure I'll get into a serious wreck. The list goes on and on. Maybe it's b/c of our similar backgrounds growing up? I don't know, but I do know I am the best worrier in the world and I live with fear, which is quite different than anxiety. It's actually pretty damn paranoid. And I honestly have no idea how to get rid of it. If I do find a solution, you'll be the first to know.
Kat xxx
Posted by herpills on November 28, 2012, at 15:29:54
In reply to Fears, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 10:24:15
Phillipa I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling well. It sounds to me like classic generalized anxiety disorder. Are you being treated for this condition? I wish I had better advise. I've struggled with the same thing as well as being afraid to leave the house for extended periods. I hope you can go on your trip. Could you take a little extra benzo just to get you through? herpills
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 28, 2012, at 17:02:13
In reply to Fears, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 10:24:15
A couple of suggestions Phillipa
- this is pretty standard for generalised anxiety disorder, dont worry about it, accept that its how you arer
- recognise that the fears arnt real
- increasing the Luvox to 100mg per day or more might help
- adding a very low dose of risperidone (say 0.5-0.75mg at night) might help
- as you know, benzos are very helpful
A course of CBT would probably be a good idea, as it can help you deal with these negative thoughts and help you with ways to deal with them
Take your holiday to Florida, and enjoy being with your grandchild! If it takes an extr 5mg of valium a day for a couple of weeks to help you relax and enjoy your break, so be it
Posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 20:35:11
In reply to Re: Fears, posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 28, 2012, at 17:02:13
Thanks seems the concensus is anxiety. And RJ what an insightful post. But the strange thing about that post is once I saw a therapist that said always think what's the worst that can happen. Will they stand you up against a wall and shoot you" That used to stop me but today it's possible. Where then it was obsurd. And saw the pdoc today asked if he'd retire he said no. And something I didn't know the healthcare bill he said means more care for the mentally ill. So for psychiatrists they will make more money as insurance premiums will rise. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 28, 2012, at 23:13:55
In reply to Re: Fears » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2012, at 20:35:11
Phillipa, why not ask for an increase in your Luvox and benzos - you dont have to live like this.
You have been on benzos for 40 years and havent abused them, I doubt you are going to start now......no reason you couldnt take Luvox 100mg and a slightly higher dose of benzo (say Xanax XR 2mg) and feel free(er) of this anxiety - I know how awful it can be
You could even stay with your current regimen, and add some Atarax 3 times a day, this is safe and non addictive, so your doctor shouldnt object
Posted by Dinah on November 29, 2012, at 10:15:19
In reply to Re: Fears, posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 28, 2012, at 23:13:55
Have you ever tried Risperdal? I find it very good for obsessiveness in teensy low doses as needed.
I worry before every trip. I never ever want to leave home. But once I'm gone, I generally enjoy it and hate the idea of returning. I realize how much staying in the house all the time limits my thinking. I can almost feel my brain closing up again as I return.
So do what you can to minimize the chances of what you're worried about, see if your doctor has any ideas on medications that may help, then go.
I do see your issues with staying at someone else's house. It can be stressful to not only leave your own house but have to conform cheerfully with someone else's schedule and ways of doing things.
But maybe you could focus on the fact that your daughter wants you with her on Christmas, even though from her end it will also bring extra stresses. Having houseguests can be as stressful as being a houseguest. Go, and have compassion with yourself and with her, and recognize that you will have to put up with some inconvenience to have the pleasure of cementing a good relationship with your daughter.
Posted by Phillipa on November 29, 2012, at 18:55:04
In reply to Re: Fears, posted by Dinah on November 29, 2012, at 10:15:19
Dinah trying to switch so can stay at oldest Daughter's as she is the one with huge home and an extra wing for guests. I wrote her as Greg and I discussed again what to do and he now also says a 2 bedroom apartment with our dogs her cat and no space makes no sense at all. Oldest lives l0 minutes away and she's involved in so much she is never ever home nor her husband. So it would be like having our own place there. So will see what happens. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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