I'm new here, and I think it's about time I say hi.

[FlipsidE]

I have been diagnosed with GAD since late June of 2005.  I'm 29 years old, and I think I've had it all my life.  So, getting over it is not easy.  Not terribly happy with my Psychiatrist right now, and (as of the beginning of the year) my mental health insurance is HORRIBLE, so I can't go see my regular therapist anymore.

I go through rough times everyday.  I don't think I have a "good day" at all anymore.  As a matter of fact, I think all my days are bad days.  Some aren't as bad as others, but on the whole, all of 'em are bad. 

If you want to know more about what GAD has done to me, you can watch this particular video blog I put up on YouTube: Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Me

Thanks

FlipsidE

[anxiousinfla]

Hi: I watched your video and was impressed with your courage.(By the way, millionetc is such an a...hole). I hope you didn't waste your time with that one....he's either working on his neurology thesis or is just an absolute pimple on everyone's butt and can't see the forrest through the trees. Sorry, they pissed me off!!

 I am a long time sufferer (26 years) and know where you're coming from. GAD manifests itself differently in all of us, so I can't say I have experienced all of your feelings, nor you mine.... 

I would like to welcome you to the forum. There is a lot of support here.I have not been here that long, but have found it the best one, by far.

I have concern about the doctor you are seeing. The comment he made was WAYYYY out of line, bordering on a violation of the AMA guidelines. PLEASE find a new psychiatrist...you deserve better.

Have you exhausted your insurance plan? Sometimes if you call, they will approve out of network services. (Have to be very convincing)  There are also county health programs that work on a sliding scale (they don;t need to know you work or if you can't help that, let them know your situation-expenses, etc.) DO NOT allow this disorder to drain you financially. There are a few good county docs out there.

You remind me of a fellow sufferer who has been close to me for years, especially when it comes to the anger issues. That needs to be addressed.....a lot of people favor CBT and I think, in your case, it would do wonders, but you have to be faithful and "work it".

If you ever feel the need to cut, pick up the phone first. Call someone who understands......feel free to email me (below our names).

In no way am I saying I'm well and have all the answers. You will get a lot of feedback on these issues. Try posting with a more personal message ie: "what do I do with the anger?," etc...... you will get more responses and help.

Sounds like you are having success with Effexor XR (I believe that's what you said). Don't get too down if it stops working. They tend to "cycle" in and out of our stems. I lost count of how many I "cycled" through all these years. I have recently had the VNS procedure done and am looking forward o some positive results. More like praying!!! If you don't know what VNS is, take a look at my postings on it.....they are VERY recent.

Life is pretty flowers and butterflies.......we just don't know how to chase them.......

They all have to watch your video to understand what I just wrote...

Keep posting and God Bless us all, Kim

[apple]

Anger is a tough one to beat.  I think it is directly linked to the anxiety disorder.  Being tense 24/7 leaves very little left on the tiny thread we are dangling at the end of.

Cutting is common altho I'd recomend you dont start if possible because it is almost impossible to stop once you've started.  Your therapist is an idiot for what he said.  Mine told me it was common and tried to help me with my issues and guess what...the better I felt the less I cut.  I have not cut now in 15 years.

Cognative Behavior Therapy is the best defence if you can get it.  Along with meds or without.  I dont make my anxiety worse as much now because I've learned to change the thought process of many situations.  You really need to deal with your past and what triggers you.  You can get there.  I promise.

Then there is the chemical imbalance to deal with.  Which is my big thing right now.  Havning anxiety and panic with no thought provoking issues, meaning I cant talk my way out, I need new meds.

I hope we can help you on your journey of healing.  You will find nothing but support here.

take care

[lemongirl]

Hi,
I just watched your video, that was really brave and you did well with keeping the ideas organized and interesting.  I agree with previous post about your doctor...he shouldn't be working..and it was certainly inappropriate for him to threaten not to see you.

thanks for the video

Lemongirl

[pinky5]

Shortcake,

That's funny what you said about screaming in your car. I used to do this on a regular basis and called it "scream therapy". I would occasionally reccommend it to a friend and was just met with what could be described as a blank stare of disbelief. I stopped telling people about it, so I can't tell you how much your post made me smile to think there is someone else that knows how good this feels. I discovered that I can scream louder than anyone I know and have occasionally demonstrated this when I have had too much to drink. I am gratefull for the friends that still love me despite some really bad behavior on my part.

Rachel