A Feeling of Dread

yes, it can be overwhelming! Since exercise is out....try walking to relieve the stress.... Hope this helps....Peace.

You can go to the county hospital emergency room and let them know what's going on with you and you have no insurance or money to pay. They will help you. I also am a firm believer in the power of prayer and meditation. Take a nice bath and get comfortable and call on the Lord. He can make a way out of of no way and give you peace and comfort beyond all understanding.

I also think you need to let your husband no how you are feeling.

Blessings....

I tend to be an anxious person as well.
I've been a single mom for 15 years. I have overwhelming pressure to care for my family and incredible hard core responsibilities at work.
Some days, I just feel sprung.
I take a very low dose medication for anxiety and only when I'm especially feeling nervous.
I avoid caffeine and I walk my head off.
Listen, I know you have a broken arm, but I'm assuming your legs still work. You can still get exercise. You can walk. It's just about the best thing I do for myself. Honey, I had a broken leg and went through a terrible time, but I crutched my rump all over town because I could feel the anxiety welling up in me if I didn't.
Keep in mind that 99% of the things we worry over never happen.
Laugh.
Laugh every day.
It sounds trite, but I'm not kidding.
If you can't find humor, rent Jim Gaffigan's "Beyond the Pale".
He's a comedian, not dirty, and he's super funny.
Try to stop telling yourself all the things you CAN'T do and try to turn your mind around.
Get a notebook and journal, that's always good, but also get yourself moving.
If you don't have health insurance, visit your public health department. They charge on a sliding scale.
Don't suffer in silence. Don't let your mind play tricks on you telling you all the reasons you can't do something.
If you need help, get it.
You'll be glad you did.

Best wishes.

Boy, I can really identify with you--the worst year ever! Cancer, surgery, multiple car accidents, house flooded, and a dear friend died tragically. So for me, I think it is situational.
Things that have helped me are exercise, massage, a stress supplement, movies and books about people who have overcome adversity, prayer and Bible study.
I can recommend good supplements if you are interested.
It is probably wise not to share too much at work, but it also sounds like you really need a support group. You should be able to find a free group if you can't do group therapy.

I'm not a big fan of meds when there are emotional issues like this. It sounds like maybe counseling would be a good idea. Something to help you figure out where these feelings are coming from and how to help them resolve and go away...or how to deal with them however is appropriate. I have felt that feeling at times, not too often, but there was always some sort of reason for it.

I used to suffer from panic attacks, and seeing a therapist helped a lot.
She recommended a book to read, which also helped, but I don't remember the name of the book or author any more :(

Here is one that got a lot of good reviews though:

http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Your-Nerves-Signet/dp/045...

Some vitamins may be helpful too:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/444499-what-are-the-bes...

I also used to listen to an audio tape that had 2 different relaxation exercises on it- sorry, again I don't remember the name, but if I find it, I'll let you know. You may be able to find something like that on your own.

Anyway, as a result of all the above, I haven't had a panic attack since I was 23 or 24 and now I'm 40 (and I was having a hard time even leaving my house!) So, you CAN beat this =o)

If you are able to see a therapist, look for one who specializes in anxiety disorders.

Yes, I have experienced this. I have been through therapy and on meds for it, but I have also found some ways that help me get through that I can do on my own. It helps me to write down what I am stressing over, and ask what's the worst that could happen and what's the best that could happen with each situation. Then ask what I can do to influence the outcome. If it is really something I cannot do anything about, then I pray and turn it over to God, asking him to please take the worry from me and replace it with hope. Of course, if there is something I can do, I do it. My ongoing stressors are having an almost 19 year old son with Aspergers who is gifted and socially challenged at the same time, a husband who is an utlra-marathon bicyclist and is usually either on the bike or at work and has a crazy eating scheudle as a result. I have diabetes and am due to have surgery for my gallbladder and a hysterectomy as soon as the surgeons can coordinate a date - two surgeons, but one time in the operating room for me. Extended family is estranged or having their own issues. So writing it down and doing what I can really helps! I hope you will find relief from the anxiety soon.

It sounds like you're having a panic/anxiety attack. I really can't tell you enough how much frequent talk therapy combined with depression and anxiety medication has improved my quality of life. I have clinical depression, OCD, and an anxiety disorder so I have to be under proper treatment which includes natural (but not homeopathic because none of it did squat) treatment (such as exercise and sunshine, etc) along with everything else.

It couldn't hurt for you to apply for your state insurance program. Especially if you have children. It's worth it if it means you can get proper treatment. If you don't qualify, at least get to a counselor such as someone licensed to be a counselor but offers it for free or at very reduced costs through your church/synagogue.

Yes, I have. I went to the doctor who prescribed medication. I take Ativan until I get my equilibrium back. It's an old time med and very inexpensive. Ask your doctor about it.

Over the long haul, I've found therapy to help the most because it helps me understand my stress and how to deal with it without medication. I've learned how to think differently so that some things no longer stress me. I've also been helped to make better decisions.

In spite of the counseling and on going anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medications I still have to take Ativan from time to time. It is habit forming and so I don't want to take it for very long or very often but it does give me some respite so that I can figure out a better way of living.

Yes, I've had that. Not too often, thank god. For me, it's almost always exercise. But a broken arm sucks.

Nothing bad is going to happen, T.. It's just chemicals swirling around in your brain. Will good music help? A glass of wine?

Do you think you could be having panic attacts? I wake in the night and my heart is racing and I am anxious, scared, fretfull over whatever, and have learned to calm down, breathe deep and slow and just think of nice stuff. I have a lot of stress too and am a worrier, so I make things worse with my imagination working overtime. Having a broken arm is not easy to do big exercises but can you still walk? Can you get out and walk fast up and down your street or in the mall or where ever you can just to let off steam and get some exercise? It will make you feel a lot better. Youre missing your husband but look at it this way. While he is gone, you dont have to cook for him, clean up as much, and share the remote. You get to watch what you want on tv, and come and go as you want without telling him and can sleep sideways in the bed if you like. Rent a chic flick and cry over it. Youll feel better. I dont know many women who do that when hubby is home. It will pass soon and youll be using that arm and snuggling with your guy, and youll be better. Youve got a lot on your plate right now and less help at home, so you just have to keep your chin up and get thru it. And we are all here to listen,,so scream away!!!

Does your employer have an Employee Assistance Program? They often have free phone counseling.

Before bed I think of 2 or 3 things that I enjoyed or was thankful for during the day. In the morning I try to think about positive things to do during the day. The more you look for the good, the more of it you will see.

I find yoga and meditation help me to focus on the positive and find balance in the tough times.

Get a good vitamin B complex supplement. I have been through years of stress, and it was impacting my sleep. Vitamin B has helped sooooo much. It supports your nervous system, so you can see why it would help.

I have had the feeling of dread you are talking about. For me it happened after the birth of my second child and it was debilitating. My ob/gyn put me on generic Wellbutrin and the feelings went away within a week. I know you don't want to do medication, but there are several anti-depressants/anti-anxiety meds that are really cheap now that might help (less than $20/month and cheaper). You do have a LOT of stressors right now so getting help through counseling, a support group and/or medical intervention are probably your best bets for a quick turnaround. And if your feelings of dread were anything like mine were, a quick turnaround was all I was hoping for at the time, and frankly, no amount of meditation was going to cut it. Good luck!

Blessings,
N. :-)

Hi T.
Sending you lots of positive energy.
I am not going to give advise as you have a very clear insight into the causes of your anxieties etc.Usually anxiety stems from one not being honest with the reality of their life and anxiety comes as a warning sign that some things need to change. You are intune and honest with yourself.
Just wishing future happiness,good mental health and the knowledge that we all go through anxiety at certain stages in life and it does pass.
Do something nice for yourself,give yourself the love you deserve.
All the best
B. k