Anxiety made worse by pain medication and fear of broken reality

In this week's podcast we're responding to a listener question on anxiety made worse by pain medication and fear of broken reality:

"I love your podcast, I listen to it a lot and it has really helped me with my anxiety. A few months ago I had a bad experience which triggered the start of my anxiety. I had a bad experience with pm pain medication that caused me to wake in a strange state between waking and dreaming. That experience scared me to my core and has me questioning my reality. How can I get over this kind of fear? It has me questioning everything."

Download this episode (right click and save)

Key Points from the Anxiety Slayer podcast:

Many painkillers are opiate (narcotic) based and that can cause some unusual side effects

Speak to your doctor about any concerns

Look at support groups, or forums, for other people's experience with that particular medication

Try Grounding practices

Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong - follow some directions online or join a class
Walking in nature, get plenty of fresh air and keep hydrated

Talk to Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor about your concerns and get informed about the medication
Get grounded - pain and pain medications can both cause dissociation, grounding practices can help you feel more calm and connected again.