Hangover after anxiety exposure

[amonrae04]

Hey All 

I'm on my recovery journey from depression and anxiety was off work for a couple of months and have started to get back into it. Of course with that comes anxiety and I am really trying to follow the process of exposure to my triggers which unfortunately was basically everything related to work but have slowly been adjusting. 

I did a big exposure last week which was a presentation to a preety big audience let's say 30-40 people over zoom.

I had the huge adrenaline rush and come down afterwards which I was expecting. However in the week following I have had increased generalized anxiety and had a really rough day yesterday in terms of spiraling thoughts. Today doing a bit better have been really trying to keep doing despite how im feeling.

Just wanted to see if anyone had similar experiences in there recovery journey 

[Justhere]

hello @amonrae04 

After a few good, better than average weeks, i had a few days of spiralling backwards, i sought some help over the phone and from my local pharmacist, who herself had "been in my shoes" she stated this is part of the recovery process and to continue moving forwards. The validation was what i needed to help push through, just as you are now. Im sure you did a great presentation and need to move yourself through this phase. 

[tyme]

Congrats for smashing the presso @amonrae04 !

I can see that with presentations and other things in life, anxiety can rear its head. 

How are you feeling this evening?

[amonrae04]

@tyme feeling preety good thanks for asking how are you? . My fight or flight has been activated since the presentation but I'm really trying to tolerate the anxiety and that it can come with me and it will turn off when it's ready. The podcast disordered has been really helping explain some of these concepts. 

[SillySausage]

Hey @amonrae04 !

There is a particular class of non-addictive medication called beta-blockers. The way they work is by essentially blocking the adrenaline rush you may experience before public speaking for instance.

I heard a story that they give beta-blockers to special forces snipers to keep them composed and steady. 

They help me with anxiety, talk to your GP about it.

God bless.

[amonrae04]

Thanks @SillySausage they are indeed a god send have been using them for situational anxiety! Don't find them super helpful for hangover symptoms though unfortunately like general anxiety

[SillySausage]

Hey @amonrae04 ,

Bugga! Thought that might have been a new approach for you. I don't generally like to recommend medication first or on it's own without some sort of face to face therapy, but if you find it difficult to shake the black dog and or gitters for an extended period, usually around three months, or if you have experienced on and off anxiety since say adolescence, then perhaps you could discuss SSRI's and cognitive behavioral therapy with your health professional?

Again I could be preaching to the choir, but that generalised stuff that just hangs around can be so tiring, so I'll pitch you anything I can think of!

God bless.  

[amonrae04]

Preaching to the choir in this case @SillySausage 🙂 long term user, switched to an SNRI in March which for the most part has given me good results just a bump in the road I guess. Have been really trying to follow the guidelines in this book called the anxious truth and disordered podcast (same person)

[SillySausage]

Hey @amonrae04 ,

Well im plum outa ideas! God bless you @amonrae04 you're not alone by any means!

[tyme]

Hey @SillySausage @amonrae04 , glad to see you exchanging experiences and ideas. How you feeling after the preso with the flight/fight response @amonrae04 ?