The first major effect of GAD on my life is anxiety, often leading to panic attacks. I've learned what several of my "triggers" are and I can avoid those situations when possible, but that's not always the case.
For example, I had to attend a memorial service for an extended family member last week. Being around groups of family members is one of those triggers (even very small groups freak me out). I had to resort to anti-anxiety medication which gives me horrible side effects, so much so that I would almost rather have a full out panic attack that results in another visit to the ER.
My first signal of a panic attack is the feeling of anxiety or dread, followed by the numbing of my left arm. I get very shaky and clench my fists repeatedly. My breathing increases and I feel faint. I have heart palpitations so bad that it feels like a heart attack.
Other triggers are having to go to the local Air Force base, doing anything with anyone from the school district where I used to work, and sometimes there are just the unknown triggers that randomly appear. Fun times, my friends.
The second major effect that GAD has had on me is I am now very easily overwhelmed, to the point where I cannot function. I used to be able to organize and multitask like a champion, but now it just bogs me down.
Take today, for instance. I have so much on my plate today that I literally am just in tears. I want to crawl back in to bed and throw the covers over my head and hide. I know everyone gets overwhelmed, but for me it makes me crater into a black hole. There's nothing to do about it, either.
It sucks, this GAD.
For more information on GAD: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/index.shtml
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