re: Recurring severe anxiety

I had this in my 40's, I'd be driving down a highway, and I'd have to pull over, the anxiety was overwhelming. It could happen in a meeting at work, in a restaurant, anytime, anyplace.

Gradually, the severe symptoms faded away, still had a general feeling of anxiety, which was uncomfortable, but not panicky. My doctor explained to me that this was a release of adrenalin, the cause could by psychological, but he found that several studies showed it happened across a wide spectrum of patients. This is not to downplay the benefits of talk therapy, relaxation techniques, spiritual well being, that seems to benefit many people.

About 10 years ago, I was having a lot of pain due to muscle spasms, arthritis, getting old, my doc prescribed Cymbalta (duloxetine) 60 mg. Within days it had a calming effect, the background anxiety I felt for years just went away. My next visit , I asked about it, he said that is one of the beneficial side effects and the primary reason some doctors prescribe it.

It does have some other side effects, so you might want to read up about it, and if you ever quit taking it, it is important to taper off.

I hope this helps, peace be with you.

I think those meds mess with your anxiety levels for many months after you get off of them. This makes people get back on the meds, rather than pushing through and waiting for your brain normalize.

My experience was that anxiety and depression did not subside until 8-9 months after lexapro cessation.

Those thoughts are not of God. The devil loves to bring up your past. Usually I find it’s when real growth is on the other side of the shame/reminder of past, trying to hold you back. Know that God has thrown your sins as far as the East is from the West if you repented. He keeps no record. That thought of the past isn’t from God. Pray for a clear mind and tell those demonic thoughts they aren’t welcome. I think many people have these thoughts. Especially good men, I’ve had them and I talk to my friends and they too have them some times. Like Paul said “we struggle not with flesh but with principalities of evil.” Somewhere in Ephesians. Don’t be afraid to seek help too. God gave us tools to help us as well like doctors, therapist, etc. Don’t neglect your mental health. I’ll pray for you too man. Don’t give up.

Sorry for being a day late, yesterday was May 11th, the 39th anniversary of the all time best wrestling promo ever recorded.