I realise there's basically a thread for every occasion on the page already but I thought I'd start this discussion in my own way, if that's alright :P
I've had a severe dry eye condition since I finished a course of Accutane six and a half years ago. I've gone through the works and most recently ended my use of Restasis early this year after that seemed to make things worse rather than better. My main concern with the whole ordeal is my lack of productivity whether it be at University or maintaining friendships. This has recently taken an even more exciting turn for the horrible as my secondary anxiety has reached new heights.
I've had some degree of anxiety for years but basically palmed it off into the unknown because I felt I just had enough to deal with let alone another medical angle to follow up. I tended to ignore it completely, never acknowledging it and it forever getting worse. This year I've hit a new low whereby I get physically sick from this subconscious anxiety I can't seem to control. The first occasion was when I was due to visit my relatives, on an air-conditioned train seven hours out into the country. I didn't make the booking, losing a few bucks and re-booking for the next day. This happened on the way home as well. I've since found I get riddled with anxiety and get ill whenever I have to be somewhere that isn't my relatively cosy, still-air room. It's now grown into its own beast because I don't even need to 'fear' eye related outings, just the sheer pressure of being somewhere or having a commitment with someone to do something is enough to make me freak out.
Since the latest developments I finally concluded a psych is in order, lol. I've since been, sporadically, showing up to her appointments with, I'd like to at least say, mixed results. Really though, it's been worse. Apart from having more on my mind as a result of drudging up all these great feelings and looking apprehensively forward to my next appointment with her, I've found I can't really express the eyes to her just as I find with anyone else. I often say, it's not like I'm missing a leg. It isn't easy to express my experiences to others. The same has applied to the psych. With regard to my anxiety she's talked about increasing "exposure", etc. She wants me to do this and that, go out more. It makes sense, but I find it physically hard to do this. Similarly, I find it hard to tell her this without getting shifty looks. She tries to empathise, as you'd expect any good psych to do, but I feel she just doesn't get it. It makes me wonder, is anxiety something I just have to live with in tandem? My eyes have made me a much more isolated, hermit of a person. To me, this has come out of necessity as a natural evolution and adaption of my circumstances. Ah, I could go on but if you get what I mean.. you get what I mean.
I'd love to hear any thoughts on my little rant, haha. Equally, if anyone can tell me of their similar experience with this eyes -> anxiety mix that'd be great. If you support a more cognitive behavioural therapy approach or medication that too would be interesting to hear about, with your reasoning.
edit: I just realised I kinda deviated from the original subject line :P I'm actually happy to hear about how anyone avoided going down this path as well. Overall, I'd just like to hear experiences.
I've had a severe dry eye condition since I finished a course of Accutane six and a half years ago. I've gone through the works and most recently ended my use of Restasis early this year after that seemed to make things worse rather than better. My main concern with the whole ordeal is my lack of productivity whether it be at University or maintaining friendships. This has recently taken an even more exciting turn for the horrible as my secondary anxiety has reached new heights.
I've had some degree of anxiety for years but basically palmed it off into the unknown because I felt I just had enough to deal with let alone another medical angle to follow up. I tended to ignore it completely, never acknowledging it and it forever getting worse. This year I've hit a new low whereby I get physically sick from this subconscious anxiety I can't seem to control. The first occasion was when I was due to visit my relatives, on an air-conditioned train seven hours out into the country. I didn't make the booking, losing a few bucks and re-booking for the next day. This happened on the way home as well. I've since found I get riddled with anxiety and get ill whenever I have to be somewhere that isn't my relatively cosy, still-air room. It's now grown into its own beast because I don't even need to 'fear' eye related outings, just the sheer pressure of being somewhere or having a commitment with someone to do something is enough to make me freak out.
Since the latest developments I finally concluded a psych is in order, lol. I've since been, sporadically, showing up to her appointments with, I'd like to at least say, mixed results. Really though, it's been worse. Apart from having more on my mind as a result of drudging up all these great feelings and looking apprehensively forward to my next appointment with her, I've found I can't really express the eyes to her just as I find with anyone else. I often say, it's not like I'm missing a leg. It isn't easy to express my experiences to others. The same has applied to the psych. With regard to my anxiety she's talked about increasing "exposure", etc. She wants me to do this and that, go out more. It makes sense, but I find it physically hard to do this. Similarly, I find it hard to tell her this without getting shifty looks. She tries to empathise, as you'd expect any good psych to do, but I feel she just doesn't get it. It makes me wonder, is anxiety something I just have to live with in tandem? My eyes have made me a much more isolated, hermit of a person. To me, this has come out of necessity as a natural evolution and adaption of my circumstances. Ah, I could go on but if you get what I mean.. you get what I mean.
I'd love to hear any thoughts on my little rant, haha. Equally, if anyone can tell me of their similar experience with this eyes -> anxiety mix that'd be great. If you support a more cognitive behavioural therapy approach or medication that too would be interesting to hear about, with your reasoning.
edit: I just realised I kinda deviated from the original subject line :P I'm actually happy to hear about how anyone avoided going down this path as well. Overall, I'd just like to hear experiences.
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