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hypervigilance and anxiety


12 years ago 0 11215 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Just ducky,
 
I am sorry to hear you are having a tough week. I can really hear how hard this is on you. It sounds like there is a lot of pressure you feel on you and what make it worse is I think there is some guilt in there too. Does that sound right?
 
I want to highlight a few things.  First of all, this cycle of feeling well and then the anxiety coming back is normal.  It occurs often in the healing process. It is getting through these times that are difficult and may require help (like this support group, program or other coping mechanism) We are hear to listen when you are feeling this way.
 
Secondly, how can you take the pressure off yourself? You don't have to decide if you want to work or go to school right now. Right now you need to focus on getting well. Remember that an anxiety disorder is a health concern.  If someone was sick with another physical disorder would you expect them to trudge along and achieve all their goals in the exact time line they expected? A Masters program is an incredible achievement which takes a lot of work even when completely healthy.  I am not saying that you cannot or should not still go for this goal; I am just saying don't expect it of yourself. If you do decide to do it (whenever that may be) it will be an incredible achievement. Also, keep in mind that focusing on yourself, and your health is never a waste of time.
 
Having a lack of feeling can be a symptom of depression. You may want to check out the Depression Center www.depressioncenter.net.
 
JustDucky, I am curious, you say that you love reading other people's comments.  If you were to read your messages as if they were someone else's; what would you reply?
 

 

Ashley, Health Educator
12 years ago 0 66 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Thanks hugs, i hope you get those blinds! Do it!!
 
I'm just really frustrated.  I feel like a year has gone by and I've done nothing.  And now if I don't end up going to do my masters in the fall, I've failed and I feel my anxiety may get worse.  I'm calm now but just so indifferent to everything.  If someone asked me right now if I want to go back to school, I'd say i don't know.  If someone asked me if I want to go to work tomorrow, I'd say, I don't know.  I have a real lack of feeling right now.  Anytime I even laugh at something, I think to myself if I actually thought that was funny, or is it just me trying to feel good.  I know this sounds crazy, but I don't know what my true feelings are because they are either nonexistant or totally out of whack.
 
Help??
 
Ildi
12 years ago 0 4027 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
 

Hypervigilance is excessive awareness in the presence to me, as opposed to worrying, which is about the future. This was great for my job in the past, since I there were few mistakes made, but I was robbed of being relaxed, and ever having energy for anything else. The opposite would be not caring about things, and becoming grounded through RELAXATION is the best thing, but meds are needed if you have obligations and restorative sleep isn’t forthcoming.

I’m noting that I can’t shut out the bright light of summer, so may need a wider blind, since sleep is interrupted in my bedroom. I keep stalling, though, as other things compete for my popcorn brain, so I’ve never bought that blind, which I could have used for many years, and lsot many productive summers as a result.

Good sleep hygiene is important, so I’m seeing a sleep specialist after a sleepover test, and will ask ofr ongoing support. Then I’ll return to my family physician for a more general approach to helping balance my already stressful life, supported weekly by a CBT practioner as I struggle with my daily homework.
 
This might be a great question for the "ask the expert" Dr. Farvoldan!
12 years ago 0 66 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Just ducky here again,
 
This has been a tough week.  I woke up at 3am this morning again and it just triggers my anxiety because I know I have to work in the morning.  I took clonazepam, it helped.  I fell asleep, but I don't want to be addicted to another drug. 
 
I'm wondering if anyone else knows what I'm talking about when I say that I'm hypervigilant and hyperaroused alot of the time.  I just feel "weird" most of the time.  Another word for weird is uncomfortable I guess.  I describe it as being so aware of your thoughts and senses that its hard to focus on the external environment.  If anyone deals with this or has some tips/strategies to share, that would be much appreciated.  It seems like I'm doing okay for a few weeks and then something tips me into this hypervigilant/anxious state.  I think this time it was my brother going away, me having decide if I should move to do school in the fall, and no sleep.
 
Thanks everyone, I luv reading your comments!
 
ducky

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