Help please! Extreme panic/anxiety/ocd

Hi

I am in a desperate place.

- suicidal impulses (last few weeks)
- a state of panic and extreme anxiety that can go on for ten days or more (with maybe a day or two between these ‘episodes’) (last 8-10 months)
- extreme self-loathing (last few months)
- ocd that can occupy most of a day (8–10 months)
- confusion/perception alterations when stressed. Lasts a couple of hours then I collapse in exhuastion and usually fall asleep (last few months)
- struggle to think clearly and know what is real when anxious

I am in the UK and waiting for counselling.

My GP prescribed fluoxetine this week but I am concerned about side effects.

About me
- female
- mid 30s
- moderately ‘successful’
- full-time employed in a job I like which is not too stressful
- single
- been following a low carb diet for about 6 months
- don’t eat gluten and feel better without it
- get fresh air/sunlight/some mild exercise
- healthy weight
- always been a worrier
- experience ocd flare ups when stressed but nothing like this
- always cold but GP said thyroid is fine
- 24 hour adrenal test came back with high cortisol through the day but not first thing

Can you recommend any alternatives to fluoxetine or things I should do to get out of this place I’m in? I will try anything at this point. Tweet