When Something Ridiculous Sends Your Anxiety Into Overdrive

Lexica
Lexica Member Posts: 259
edited October 2019 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I've been trying to manage my anxiety and have learned to just 'put things in a box' when that 'thing' triggers my anxiety. For example - when my four year old says 'mommy, will you be alive when I'm older - I hope so so I can always snuggle you' (which she says almost on a weekly basis), I am good and boxing that right up and packing it away and not letting the anxiety overwhelm me. (I lost my mom when I was 17, so I think my kids have this hyper-awareness of my mortality, even though they don't really know about or get the cancer thing).

However, I am in complete meltdown over my halloween costume. Ridiculous, right? We always do a theme as a family for halloween - last year was Wizard of Oz, this year it's Avengers. I am going to be Black Widow and *SPOILER ALERT* I haven't seen Endgame and just found out when I was ordering the costume that she dies in Endgame. COMPLETE MELTDOWN. I sat in the bathroom at work trying not to cry and am fight the strong urge to return everything and change my costume. This is so ridiculous! Honest question - would anxiety medicine help? I know it sounds silly - I don't want to add another med, side effects and all, but truly, I don't want to spiral into these anxiety meltdowns for something so silly.

Really ironic part...I was the wicked witch last year. A character who also dies. Just realized that now...

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Comments

  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited October 2019

    Not silly to feel that way. Cancer treatments mess with emotions too. Don't minimize how you are feeling. Would medicine help? Possibly. I know a lot of MO prescribe them routinely because of the effects described. If you are open to taking something to help call your Primary doc and/or MO and get in and be honest with them when you schedule. Mine allow emails as well to them and they may prescribe without you going in if you tell them what is going on and your feelings.

    Best of luck to you.

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  • Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Member Posts: 609
    edited October 2019

    Google Bach Flowers, buy the Rescue Remedy, take it everywhere with you and put 4 drops under your tongue when you're anxious ... You'll see the difference! It also does not interfere with any medication, does not produce accustoming or all the undesirable side effects of anxiolytics. Good Luck!

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  • hapa
    hapa Member Posts: 920
    edited October 2019

    Lexica, is it possible that you have never processed your emotions from diagnosis and treatment? A lot of people bottle that stuff up during treatment as kind of a coping mechanism, but it needs to be dealt with sooner or later. You may benefit from talking to a therapist.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited October 2019

    Aww...I know this isn't the point of what you wrote, but I have seen Endgame, and I think you should totally be Black Widow for Halloween if you want to!!! But definitely watch it the movie when you get a chance, it's really good!!!

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  • Lexica
    Lexica Member Posts: 259
    edited October 2019

    lol gb2115, thanks - I will do it once I can get my hubby on board. he says he's burned out with all the Marvel movies. and thank you all for the replies - I do think hapa might have hit the nail on the head and seeing a therapist is the way I need to go.

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  • Jack-Bear
    Jack-Bear Member Posts: 188
    edited October 2019

    I agree about Rescue Remedy!🐾 We used it for rescue dogs that were frightened. I was doubtful. Then I read that it was made for people!!😳 I discovered that 4 drops is also the amount for a dog. We always checked online to see which HealthFood store had the cheapest price, because it can vary little bit. It is a small bottle that is almost the size of a tube of lipstick.

    NancyB ♥️
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  • Cubbie2015
    Cubbie2015 Member Posts: 875
    edited October 2019

    Oh Lexica, I know exactly how you feel.  Stuff like that sets me off, too.  The worst part is that what you're doing is a hobby, something that you do to take your mind off the world and have a little fun, and here comes this intruding into it.  Sometimes I get so disgusted, thinking, can't we have a little peace some place? And don't get me started on Focktober.  Can't even watch a football game.

    I wish I had some answers.  I have not been able to take any antidepressants or anti anxiety medications because they all conflict with Lupron.  I've heard good things about Lexapro, though, it's what my doctor wanted me to take before we checked interactions.   I haven't had any luck with talk therapy, either.  Either they are nice folks with no clue what to do with cancer patients, or they are just not very good in general, I've had both kinds.  Be prepared to interview a few people to see if you can find someone you click with.  

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