I'm new to this forum

By Shoregirl35 Monday, June 27, 2011

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Hi,

I am new to this, but I thought it would help me by sharing what I am going through in my life. To be able to vent, write down thoughts, ideas, feelings, etc makes me feel better. One thing I do notice that I have been doing lately is clenching my teeth and not just while I'm sleeping. I feel so tense all of the time and now I subconcsiously clench. I try to relax, but I can't. I just feel so on edge all the time. What kind of shape am I in if I can't relax? I have racing thoughts in my head constantly. I have tried meditation, yoga, deep breathing, tai chi, etc but my mind always wonders and I am unable to focus for too long. I just started attending group therapy and I am waiting to meet with a doctor to discuss my medication options because what I am taking now is no longer working.

Perhaps I just need a vacation?? Wish I could afford to take one!

Comments (4) | Add comment

Barb

6/27/11 6:51pm

Glad you are here. Welcome, here you will find experts, contributors and community members very supportive. Most of us are going through these things as well, so we can give each other appropriate advice and support. Keep talking and writing, as often as you need, it helps. Glad to here you have an appointment to see someone, but while you are waiting for that, get aquainted wiht the site, there is a lot of information here. Take care, Barb.

Kyle

6/27/11 7:28pm

Hello, welcome to the site. I was new here once and I guess I still kind of am.

In my experience, venting and writing down thoughts here has helped me quite a lot. I am glad you came here and I hope we can be of help to you.

Racing thoughts were a major problem for me as well. Mostly before the breakdowns and other such bad things. Feeling tense is still an ongoing problem for me, I find it hard to relax and just take a breather sometimes. I usually only experienced clenching teeth as a result of frustration, though.

This effects everyone differently, though. Our own unique symptoms.

I am also experiencing a new found tolerance to my medication. Did it happen gradually or just all at once?

I'm not sure I feel like mine just happened suddenly.

Merely Me, Health Guide

6/27/11 8:41pm

Hi there

I am very glad you are here. I believe in the power of writing and sharing with others in a community. It can be very healing...just to know there are so many others who are also finding ways to manage their depression.

Clenching teeth...this is a common symptom for many and there is help for this...you may want to discuss this with your dentist who may recommend a night-time mouth guard so you don't grind your teeth down. I have had this issue at times as a reaction to some medication...you might want to check on this too.

It sounds like you are being very pro-active in talking to your doctor and exploring group therapy. You will have to tell us how this goes.

Please do keep writing and sharing. We would love to hear more about you and how you are coping. We are listening!

aml0017

6/28/11 10:02am

Being able to come here and write about your daily experiences is very therapeutic. It is much like journaling but with feedback from people who understand. Glad you are here.

You definitely have the symptoms of anxiety. Are you worried or stressed about anything in particular or just nothing at all? Anxiety is often irrational that is why it's so frustrating.

I definitely have a problem with tension and clenching my jaw too. I do it at night and grind my teeth, but there is not too much I can do about that. The problem is it makes you wake up in an already anxious state. During the day, you may find yourself unconsciously clenching your jaw, furrowing your brow, tensing your neck and shoulders, and even holding your breath. When you notice yourself doing it, take a few deep breaths, relax your jaw and shoulders, sit up straight. Get up and take a walk around the room if need.

The racing, repetitive thoughts are also characteristic of anxiety. I find it helps to write down my worries in as much detail as possible. You can do it here or in a journal. I write down what I'm worried about, what do I think is going to happen in the worst case scenario. Then I write down whether or not it is an irrational worry and whether or not the outcome is in my control or not. If so, write down what you can do today or tomorrow to alleviate this worry. If not, choose to let it go. Easier said than done I know, but it does help. The negative thoughts can have a tendency to stick in your head like a song you heard on the radio. Sometimes listening to the song a few times is what it takes to get it out.

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