Anxiety?

redddraggon

I'm suffering really bad from it at the moment, can't eat, can't sleep, can't concentrate, my heart is continuously beating like mad.

Perhaps it could be classed as depression as I've got no desire to leave my room and I feel worthless. I've just spent 3 weeks at my parents house, returning to Manchester on Saturday, and since Sunday afternoon I've felt really bad, I've never felt so down before....

guilliano

Had depression for a long time...... it was riding a bike that got me out of it. If you have anxiety as one of the symptoms that can be very hard, but you have to just get out and do it. It's a question of teaching yourself to be rational. When you feel anxious, what are you scared of? Is it a realistic fear? If not, why are you focusing on it? I know it sounds simplistic, but if you can't explain to yourself why you are anxious or nervous then you start to realise that you shouldn't be and you do calm down. If it is a real problem and you need to talk to someone who's been through it for a long time and is coming out the other side PM me

softlad

get a grip, man - pull yourself together..

(hope that helps.. )

redddraggon

It's probably all to do with my Uni work, project deadlines, getting worked up, can't concetrate, can't get the work done, and so feel even more worked up. I haven't been going on the bike because I'm supposed to be doing work, but getting worked prevents me from doing it. I never suffered anything like this ever before.

I did think I was suffering from caffeine caused anxiety, but my caffeiene intake over the last three weeks has been miles lower than usual :?

I guess I need to get out of the house and go to the library and try to do work, something I've never done before, perhaps being out and about will calm my nerves

guilliano

Seriously..... take an our or so to just go out on the bike. You will feel a lot better for the air and exercise

pneumatic

If it is uni stuff, make contact with the support services. I have had a lot to do with them professionally over the years and they are usually really good. If you are worried about stigma, remember that everyone who uses those services is always worried about stigma, the staff know this and, believe me, nobody's issue is too silly or too difficult. Just go in as if you were looking for some free condoms and then ask for an appointment.

In between making the appointment and getting seen, go for as many bike rides as you can. It helps (at least it helped me when I needed it for similar reasons.)

Hope that helps you.

(By the way, one in four of us experience something like this at one stage in our lives, so you are not alone.)

wiffachip

softlad wrote:

get a grip, man - pull yourself together..

(hope that helps.. )

it helps us understand that you are a tit

sylvestermorgan

You're not alone. I'm supposed to be writing up my PhD at the moment. My funding runs out in a few months so my income stops completely. Done naff all work in the last 2 weeks, so I get more anxious. When I get more anxious I sleep less well, when I sleep less well I can't work well, and so it goes on. As others have said, get out on the bike (especially with it being lovely and sunny this week), knacker yourself out (in a physical way), hopefully you'll get a good night's sleep and can get down to some work the next day. BTW, do you keep a personal diary. I find it helps if I can write down what's bothering me as it gives me ideas what to do. Just a thought... Good luck!

Crapaud

redddraggon wrote:

It's probably all to do with my Uni work, project deadlines, getting worked up, can't concetrate, can't get the work done, and so feel even more worked up. I haven't been going on the bike because I'm supposed to be doing work, but getting worked prevents me from doing it. I never suffered anything like this ever before. ...

Sounds very like what I suffered from a couple of years ago, RdD. Too much work, not enough time. There didn't seem anywhere to turn for help and not having felt like that before I didn't immediately realise that there was a problem. The more I searched for a solution the worse it got, and the further behind I got, and then it all started up again, but worse - round and round it went. It got to the stage that just thinking about it filled me with abject terror. It was crippling!

sylvestermorgan wrote:

I find it helps if I can write down what's bothering me as it gives me ideas what to do. Just a thought... Good luck!

This is a good idea; it helps to externalise things. As long as I kept it all in my head I couldn't concentrate on one thing for other things crowding it out, vying for attention. Even if it's only a list of symptoms for when you do this:

pneumatic wrote:

If it is uni stuff, make contact with the support services. ...

There's no shame in asking for help when you need it. I didn't and bombed spectacularly. Ended up dropping out - something I still regret after all the time and work I'd put in (not forgetting the money I'd spent on the course).

The first step is realising that there's a problem - you've done that. Get the help you need.

Courage, Monsieur!

SpinningJenny

There's absolutely no shame in asking for help at all. And as you get older you will find that more people than you think need the support of someone professional to help them deal with all kinds of situations - and that includes me, my OH and our two closest friends, members of their family..... it's amazing how you can think someone is so confident and 'together' when in fact they are not - or only are now because they've sought out some help along the way.

And yes - get out on your bike. It will definitely, definitely help you feel a bit better about yourself.

Take care

Harry B

I know how it can feel when you believe that everything is getting on top of you. I sat down to revise for exams etc and got in a panic and achieved very little but you do get there in the end. If the uni has a counselling service go and have a chat with them. Also work out a time table in minute detail of what you are going to do and when. Break it down to small targets so that you can see some progress and allow for some extra time for unforeseen eventualities. Also allow cycling time. You need to relax and being relaxed you'll achieve more.

Good luck and let us know how you're getting on

tuxpoo

Go to your GP!

If left unchecked your world can get smaller and depression deeper.

Get real actual support NOW! TODAY!

You will be suprised what they can do.

Tux

guilliano

I agree with setting a schedule..... it definitely worked for me. It lets you see what you are achieving a little bit at a time.

My doc was pretty good with me. I was put on anti-depressants for a long time, but she was the one who recommended I get a bike for the exercise and fresh air. At the time I hadn't ridden one for 14 years...... now I work in a bike shop and spend all my spare cash on biking gear.

DavidBelcher

SpinningJenny wrote:

And yes - get out on your bike. It will definitely, definitely help you feel a bit better about yourself.

Take care

+1 to that. I find that the bike is an excellent 'safety valve' when life seems to be getting too complicated (more often than not, work-related).
But also make use of any free counselling or similar services available (universities are pretty handy in that regard), and I hope you're feeling better soon.

David

Tom Butcher

I'd definitely try student support - and if the work is an issue maybe you can talk to tutors and work out some kind of compromise - maybe change some deadlines, defer something til the summer ?

GPs have their place but don't go in with the state of mind that you have to take their advice. I think too many give out anti-depressants as a first step. By all means go to your GP but if you don't feel comfortable with their solution don't feel obligated to take it. Of course for some people medication is useful.

It sounds to me like things have piled up a bit and you are struggling to see how you can get back on top of them. I agree with Harry - you need to work out what you need to do and break it into small manageable steps - by talking to people involved you'll get a feeling that you are taking control of your life again and your self confidence will come back. Life is hard and if your confidence goes it's a lot harder.

nielsamd

I would start by forcing myself to do one thing pattern-wise: get up as early as you can and get a good blast of a.m. daylight on your retinas, and do as much as you can (as said: broken into small, even tiny, managable chunks) by lunchtime. You should then feel exhausted/accomplished enough by nightfall, so even if you do squat all in the afternoon (but try cycling if you don't do that in the a.m.)... to get some therapeutic `proper' sleep.
If you still can't start to shake the black dog, then yeah, get pro help. Just talking to someone will feel good/better as will knowing you are fighting it. Listen to upbeat music too. No Morrisey/EMO wallowing type stuff! Help other people whenever you can too. That will help with the self-worth. Fight the good fight!

CHRISNOIR

As someone currently at home after deciding a couple of weeks ago there was just no way I could face going in to the office I can honestly say the best thing is to tackle it head on and get a bit of help. As David says Universities have really good systems and procedures in place for this kind of thing and, as a member of staff at the Uni, I was hugely heartened to see just how quickly they were set in motion. My supervisors supported me as soon as the problem was flagged up with them – if no-one’s aware there’s a problem no-one can help.

I’d sat on the issue for months and months until eventually I was working twelve hour days, missing lunch, missing dinner and generally feeling like crap – which made matters worse. I wasn’t sleeping, I’d snap awake at 2am and start fretting over what needed to be done at work. Eventually, during another 11pm ‘answering my emails from home session’ I realized I just couldn’t carry on that way and emailed my supervisor. Once you’re actually dealing with the problem(s) the weight lifts so much – especially when you realize it’s something that many, many people are dealing with.

Good luck, and remember you do not have to suffer in silence! It might be worth giving the support team a shout and they'll certainly be able to point you in the right direction.

http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/counselling/

simple_salmon

+1 for what chrisnoir said.

I've also flagged up issues e.g. stuck answering work emails at home at inappropriate times and getting terribly worked up by it. My line manager was very understanding and supportive and I feel that a university is probably one of the best places for getting help.

Please don't wait, starting the process of getting help will make you feel better. Best wishes S_S

Anonymous

You have a PM

StuKop

As pneumatic said, at least 1 in 4 of us will suffer these kind of emotions at one time.

Probably the most important thing is letting the feelings out, either by talking to a good friend, writing down your feelings in a private journal, even this format is good for you - you are releasing some of your feelings by posting them in this forum.

I am terrible for being up and down, it doesnt help that I have bad OCD and tend to over anlyse everything, right now I am going through quite a dark period, it is hard to open up and express how you feel, but when you do, you realise you are not alone.

As many of the posters have said, the act of getting out on your bile and riding every day is a great release, although I do understand how even that can seem like the last thing you want to do at times.

I wish you well and hope you feel better

Monty Dog

I agree with a lot of the above, having been in a similar predicament a few years ago with work - classic, stress-induced depression. Seek counselling and help, medical opinion is worthwhile as anti-depressants can help to stabilise your moods - even if it's just a temporary measure until you feel you're back in control. Fresh air and exercise are great, gives you time and space to clear your head as well as boosting your endorphin levels - but as with all things, keep it in moderation - manic behaviour can be a side effect of some drugs and depression. Suggest you share your problems with friends and family and I'm sure your university will be sympathetic. In my own case, I'd thought my career was down the toilet, but in fact 5 years later, I have a far better perspective on my life and my career. It might feel grim at the moment, but your situation is your body's natural response to a difficult predicament and things generally work out - just giving yourself a sense of priority and time in a lot of things will work wonders. All the best.

Headhuunter

No one has mentioned diet. Although eating the right food is not necessarily going to have an immediate, life changing effect like anti depressants or other medication, if you're feeling this way, you may feel you can't be bothered to eat properly or take the time to cook something healthy.

You should make sure you get enough of that modern marvel, omega 3. Fish oil is high in both EPA and DHA and I have heard that EPA is quite effective in improving brain function and mood. There's a supplement called "Morepa", it's quite expensive relative to the cheap fish oils you can get from Holland and Barrett etc, but it has a much higher percentage of the good stuff in it and has also been filtered for heavy metal pollutants that are often present in fish oil due to high oceanic pollution levels.

You should also make sure you increase you vitamin B levels. People with either low blood levels of the B-vitamin folic acid, or high blood levels of the protein homocysteine, (a sign that you are not getting enough B6, B12 or folic acid) are both more likely to be depressed and less likely to get a positive result from anti-depressant drugs. Take a supplement or eat a lot of fruit, veg, seeds and nuts.

Boost your serotonin levels. Serotonin is made in the body and brain from an amino acid 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn in made from another amino acid called tryptophan. To get this, up your consumption of protein rich foods like meat, fish, beans/pulses and eggs. The African Griffonia bean is one of the richest sources of 5-HTP. Brazil nuts and other "oily" nuts are also good for this.

Something you shouldn't do is consume products high in refined sugar. They will cause peaks and troughs in energy and mood levels. Much better to consume slow burn, low GI foods such as whole grains etc. Bin all those sweets along with the coffee and tea.

You could also try taking a chromium supplement which is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin, which clears glucose from the blood, can't work properly without it.

Obviously you can get a lot of these things from supplements, but nothing can replace a good, decent diet. Your body's like a bike, if you don't give it a clean down and lubrication every now and then, it'll start to let you down, both physically and mentally.

Headhuunter

Oh and I should say, make sure you eat regular meals, in fact small, frequent amounts are better than large meals 3 times per day. Also, if you take supplements, take them following your evening meal, taking supplements following a meal increases uptake of vits and minerals and taking them in the evening ups the intake even more. Something to do with your body producing growth hormone in the evening...

softlad

wiffachip wrote:

softlad wrote:

get a grip, man - pull yourself together..

(hope that helps.. )

it helps us understand that you are a tit

with insight like that, you are obviously a psychologist - but I don't see you offering any help - light-hearted or otherwise...???

dennisn

Had the same symptoms as you some time ago. Doctor put me on an anti depressant
(prozac)and I have felt great since. Things just don't bother me like they used to. My
sarcasm seems to have increased by leaps and bounds but I don't take it seriously(if
that makes any sense). Life is much better. Just ask my wife. I've even consented to take dancing lessons( at 60 no less). You must do what you must to enjoy this life and if that
means popping a pill every other day I'm going to do it(if it works). It sort of bothers me in
the respect that sometimes I feel I should be able to be good with life's adversities without
drugs but it's not a perfect world.

Dennis Noward

Headhuunter

Doesn't Prozac just make you feel a bit um... comfortably numb? I had a friend who took Prozac I think and although she wasn't so unhappy, she seemed to lose enthusiasm for things too. Still I suppose Prozac's probably better than lithium which helps your mood but poisons your body....

tuxpoo

I would try and avoid the medication route unless it becomes truly necessary!
Medication is a slippery slope.

A good GP should refer you your local mental health team. You should then get counciling help with stress management etc. They should act really quickly.

You may find just going and talking to your GP will help loads anyway.

So many people have no idea how to manage stress.

As I said GO TO YOUR GP! Anxiety and depression is seriously bad combination that needs nipping in the bud as quick as possible.

tux

pneumatic

I was thinking about you today (when I was out on my bike!) and I realised that it is exactly five years to the day since I woke up one morning (after about 20 minutes sleep) and realised that I just couldn't go to work. Felt like my world had fallen in on me.

Had to go to the GP for a sick line and he was actually very enlightened. He said he couldn't do anything for me unless I tackled the root of the problem (what it was that was bringing me down in the first place) but he could alleviate the symptoms. Then he said he could prescribe pills or exercise and asked me which I would prefer. I told him I enjoyed cycling and he said "fine, do as much of it as you can." Two months later, I got on my bike and rode 1500 miles to Spain

I got through it and life has been all the better for finally having addressing the problem. Looking back, it had been coming for years, I just didn't acknowledge it.

Courage! We're all on your side (even Softlad, in his own jolly way!)

dennisn

Headhuunter wrote:

Doesn't Prozac just make you feel a bit um... comfortably numb?

I suppose, to some extent. If you're talking sex. But nothing that I can't WORK through. :roll: :roll:

Dennis Noward

DavidBelcher

pneumatic wrote:

Courage! We're all on your side (even Softlad, in his own jolly way!)

Careful about advising people to 'take courage' - you'll have the ASA on to us!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/ap ... -poster-ad

David

Stewie Griffin

NapoleonD wrote:

You have a PM

and another.