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[Spangles]

Morning ladies
Well I don't know where to start....
I've got myself in a bit of a pickle. My anxiety has returned big time, (it never really goes away, but is mostly ok). I think it's a combination of things, my sone is moving back home in two weeks after being away at uni for 4 yrs. I am running late with a course for work and stupidly I have volunteered to organise and project manage a show garden at the NEC next year!
All of a sudden last Monday I was feeling very overwhelmed and the anxiety came on. I've not been able to shake it off and got no sleep last night, feeling very anxious and panicky.
When I feel like this I always think I'm going to have a breakdown as I have had 2 in the past. The other thing I'd I am due a bleed any day so thought that hormones could be playing a part!
Feeling quite low and fed up, I have even thought of just stopping all my mess 30mg citalopram, evorel 50 and utrogestan 200.
Any advice out there please.
Thank you
Shellb
xXx

[SallyG]

Honey! Big hug to you. Do not stop your meds - certainly not without your GP's /specialist say so. I do understand how you feel but don't let yourself forget this is the menopause causing extra anxiety. You need to take it a day at a time. Don't project into tomorrow and beyond. If you can do that for now……….do work know about your anxieties? If so, then talk to someone about asking for support and don't take anything else on.

Love and hugs
Sally G

[Spangles]

Hi Sally
Thanks for your reply. After even more thought, there is no way I can stop doing the show garden there are too many people involved, including a national charity organisation. However I will be delegating some responsibilities to others. Usually I'm ok with this sort of thing as I need things to get my teeth into and I don't understand why I'm in a state over it. Maybe because I've not managed anything like this big before, I just don't know. As for the course I just need to get my finger out and get on with it. I'm very good at procrastinating and then stressing! Of course the hormones don't help and it's difficult to know what is my real anxiety and what is caused by the menopause. Just wish it would all go away, I've been on various HRT's over the last 3yrs and some times wish I had never started it, I'm afraid to come off it really in case it makes things worse.
Thanks
Shellb
xXx

[GeordieGirl]

All of a sudden last Monday I was feeling very overwhelmed and the anxiety came on. I've not been able to shake it off and got no sleep last night, feeling very anxious and panicky.

A dreadful feeling and unfortunately the best way to stop it is often the hardest way - off load. Simplify, get rid of as much of the load as you can. It often is alien for us to do so but it's important for your sanity. Getting the hormones in balance will help of course, but they won't tackle the huge list of things you're facing.

I started simplifying my life earlier this year, and if I can't move something, I'm managing expectations around it so no miracles are expected. It's a big job but it's liberating...and so, so necessary.  A friend recently crashed and burned and so much of it was down to overload, and ironically we often know when it's happening but just don't know how to manage our way out of it - now's not a time to be "too nice" but rather it's time to think about yourself and what is / isn't feasible.

If you're project managing the garden is it possible for you to get everyone else to do the work and you oversee it? Managing should mean just that (though rarely does!).

GG x

[Ellie1]

Hi, I know exactly how you feel, its a horrible feeling.  I have been enduring such feelings and hiding them for around 9 weeks.  I started Femoston in May and went back to my GP in August with the feelings of anxiety and she said to persevere with the Femoston.  Which I have done; its now mid September and I am worse that ever.  Panicking, feeling paranoid that folk are avoiding me and there is something going on at work and I think its about me.

On Friday I thoughts I would have to get signed off.  I have a GP appointment on Friday and get to get antidepressants because I can't go on like this.  It feels like I am going mad.

While the suggestion of off-loading may be beneficial.  I did this with my partner this weekend, he suggests I speak with my line manager which I am going too.

But the feeling of fear, panic and doom is there all the time.  Its not fine … so be empathetic.

[CLKD]

It is AWFUL and the more important an event is for me, the more likely anxiety will take over 

I find that regular medication helps as well as an emergency anti-anxiety medication as necessary.  Otherwise 

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies

You all have my sympathy as I know how awful this kind of anxiety can be.  My trusty meno book talks about feeling easily overwhelmed and that things that we used to be able to handle can now leave us in total disarray. The fact that it's a common symptom of the menopause doesn't make it any easier to handle though does it ladies!

Spangles - I'm certain your hormones are playing a part if your bleed is due shortly. I remember experiencing a sense of relief and calm when my period started. I also recognise your frustration and I have infact stopped my HRT to see how I am without it.  However I don't work and am nine years post meno so our situations are different and, as I'm not feeling any better, there is nothing to recommend it at the moment! The only practical thing I can suggest is ask your GP for an anti anxiety treatment like diazepam which would at least provide  some respite .

I'm sorry I can't be of more help  ladies.  This can be a very trying time in our lives but we are not alone.

Wishing you all well and sending hugs.

K.

[pants46]

Kathleen,
I saw from a post a day or so ago, that you are taking Venlaxafine. Can I ask ... how are you getting on with it ? Did you have bad start up side effects ?
I took my first pill today ... 
Thanks, xx.

[Kathleen]

Hello pants46.

 I don't remember any problems with Venlafaxine at all. It was a few years ago mind and I was originally given it to reduce night sweats. I definitely had a more disturbed night when I forgot to take it, only realising my mistake in the morning, so I know it helped in that regard.

I understand how nerve racking it is to start a new treatment, we just want to feel better instantly, but I've seen Venlafaxine recommended many times for the menopause so I'm sure you'll be fine.

Wishing you well.

K.

[pants46]

Thanks Kathleen. That is reassuring. I've read some bad stories (some on here) and it's got me freaked out.
I just want to feel better.