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Posted 8/24/2011 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I am a new member, and I was wondering what everyone's experience has been with anxiety, medical assistance (counseling) and medication. I have suffered from anxiety for my whole life. It has been very bad at certain stages of my life, but now is more mild in comparison (I have never had medical treatment for this). My anxiety is mainly caused by work, being embarrassed in any way, and being away from my boyfriend for extended periods of time. My work anxiety is caused by some emotional abuse that I endured in my first full time job. That was several years ago (when I was 22, now I am 30) but I never got over it. I am not quite sure where the rest of my anxiety comes from, but I remember feeling this way even in my youth. Over the last 3 years, I have been without medical insurance, so I never had the money to seek help. Now I am finally starting a full time job with medical coverage and I would love to talk to someone/professional about it, but without the pressure of taking some form of medication. So I guess my question is, how much relief have you experienced without taking medication? Can you adequately cope with anxiety without medication? If you need to use medication, how severe is your anxiety? (Mine is sporadic. I have episodes a few times a week, but I don't get full blown panic attacks.)

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Posted 8/24/2011 9:12 AM (GMT 0)
Yoshibear,

"Hello, & Welcome to the Healingwell Site. This is an amazing forum & community w/wonderful members. It is very nice to meet you.

I am 46-yrs young...Lol Married 23-yrs & we have 7-kids, 3-grand kids. My kids ages are 12-25. I have suffered from
major-depression, anxiety & now panic attacks. Ever since I can remember (little girl) I felt depressed & anxiety, but didn't know what that meant at the time. My parents never had me see any professional as they don't believe in you telling someone your personal stuff. Looking back I wish they would have gotten me help. I became an alcoholic trying to cover up how I was feeling everyday. Last September 2010, I attempted to end my life, police took me at gunpoint & put me on a Lockdown at the Hospital on the Psych/Suicide Ward. Was there for a couple weeks (first time ever seeing a Psychiatrist in my life). With the help of them I detoxed in their care & help of meds. Sept. 3, 2011 will be a year sober.

Anywaz, regarding your anxiety questions...I'm sure a lot of people can work thru their anxiety on their own. However, in my case, I have been on medication since last Sept. & have seen my Psychiatrist weekly/biweekly since then. I have now been diagnosed with Bipolar 2, Borderline, Anxiety-Panic Disorder, Ptsd. I've tried not taking my meds & I am just not a healthy person, however with medications it has helped my life be more breathable.

But what works for one person may not work for another. If your someone that wants to talk about any of your personal stuff there are Counselors, Therapists & Psychiatrists. Sometimes it may take a few to find the one you work well with.
I wish you all the best & keep us posted on how your doing.

Your Healingwell Friend,
Serenitee

Bipolar 2, BPD, Anxiety-Panic Disorder, Ptsd
Loop ileostomy, Pelvic & bladder Trauma & Dysfunction
Posted 8/24/2011 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Yoshibear,

I am glad you found us and I hope we are able to meet your needs.  You will find the members here warm and caring, wise and wonderful.  Please make yourself at home.

I was first dx with anxiety and depression in 1982 when my oldest left home........ I know I was always what people refer to as a "high strong" person which I always hated being labeled with as it just made me feel anxious.  redface   Accepting that I am a person with anxiety and working through my issues through therapy, medications and refusing to ever give up on myself is the route I chose.


For long-lasting anxiety relief, IMHO,  it is best to incorporate non-pharmacological treatments into your overall anxiety treatment plan. People with severe anxiety can still benefit a great deal from medication as part of their treatment, but the best long-term outcomes usually are a result of psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is generally considered to be the gold-star treatment for anxiety disorders, and there are other types of therapy available as well. These therapies will provide you with the tools you need to control your anxiety: they teach you how to change the way you think, learn to relax, and cope effectively in different situations.

Lifestyle changes are also an important part of treating anxiety. Healthy lifestyle habits, like staying physically active, eating  a well-balanced diet, and avoiding drugs and stimulants, can all help lessen anxiety symptoms. Taking steps to reduce stress in your life and reaching out to friends and family for help can also help you get your anxiety under control.

Again a warm welcome to you.

With kindest personal regards,
Kitt

 

Posted 8/24/2011 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello YB,

I am 47 and have had anxiety issues for more than 13 years. I used to panic daily. I did therapy for short period of time...then the Midwest center program and CBT on my own. I haven't had a panic attack in more than two years....I still have some anxiety issues, but it's usually short lived. It is very tolerable now and I still make progress.

 

I never took any medication. I thought about it, but the more I read and understood, the more I realized the root of my problem was in my negative thinking on a regular basis and worrying all the time.

 Over time I kind of reprogrammed how I thought about things and certainly quit asking all the "what if" questions...got active, kept my mind busy and got my life back for the most part.

 My best wishes to you for a recovery......Benny

Posted 8/24/2011 9:46 PM (GMT 0)

yoshibear said...
So I guess my question is, how much relief have you experienced without taking medication? Can you adequately cope with anxiety without medication? If you need to use medication, how severe is your anxiety? (Mine is sporadic. I have episodes a few times a week, but I don't get full blown panic attacks.)

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm really interested to hear some more responses about the best type of medication to take. i've heard of maoi and ssris. whats the difference between the two? and also is there any kind of over the counter thing you can take instead of prescription meds? i feel funny going to a psychiatrist just to get meds
Posted 8/24/2011 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hello NewBF,
You're kind of asking a question that doesn't have a good answer...each and every med reacts differently for each person. This is what you should understand....Meds are necessary for some people as long as you realize it doesn't cure anxiety. I hope you are looking at the big picture. We all have many options in dealing with this, but ultimately you need a plan on how to fix the root of the problem...which is being able to reprogram how you think.

Lots of literature out there to learn from, therapy is common....techniques of how to breath and relax are needed. If possible you may want to see your physician and get a referral to a therapist and asses the best plan to deal with your anxiety....that is if you haven't done that already. Lots of good advice and support on this site....hopefully you can find something that works well for you. Meds will only make it tolerable at best, but the real issue will still be there if you don't apply the other methods.....good luck and best wishes..... Benny
Posted 8/25/2011 8:21 AM (GMT 0)
Yoshibear,

I know that if you can learn how to work thru your anxiety/panic attacks, it obviously would be better off to use the copings skills, breathing, relaxation & to know what your triggers are, ect. instead of medications is healthier. But of course everyone is different. Some people can do it on their own & others may need a little support from a Therapist, Psychiatrist, & Counselor.

For me I did Inpatient for a few weeks & then Outpatient Treatment for 6-months of "CBT-Program"...Currently, I will be starting "DBT-Program, for 6-12 months"...I didn't get help for my Anxiety for 45-years & I was a basket case on a roller-coaster. Since last year I have tried different combinations of meds to try & help me out while "Re-learning how to deal with daily life." I read a lot about what my struggles are. I tried stopping my meds & it was definitely not healthy for me to be off them. But it did show me how much I do need them & for me I can't do it on my own as of yet.

For me going to a weekly Treatment Program & continuing to see my Psych Dr. regularly has truly saved my life. My panic/anxiety attacks are too frequent right now (like a daily basis or 4-5 days out of a week).

I wish you all the best and hope you can find what is safest & works the best for you.
Your Healingwell Friend,
Serenitee

Bipolar 2, Borderline, Anxiety-Panic Disorder, Ptsd
Loop ileostomy, Pelvic & Bladder Trauma & Dysfunction + too many surgeries to list.
Posted 8/25/2011 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Yoshibear

Nice to meet you and glad you have found this forum you will get the support you are looking for. My view is that it is a personal choice weather to take medication or not I have been taking medication since 2006 and have been on various different medications. My mistake was that I had the view that I would pop some pills and all my problems would be sorted which was not the case. All the medication will do is help with the symptoms of anxiety/depression etc etc it took me a while to understand that you have to face your issues and get to the root cause of your anxiety/depression to find out what the cause is.

Medication is a good platform to help you work towards recovery and works well with talking therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or cognitive analytical therapy (CAT). These therapies teach you techniques and ways of dealing with and managing your anxiety/depression so it does not have such an impact on your life. My anxiety was really bad so I choice medication to help I would chat with your doctor and get some advice from them. Medication does come with side effects and withdrawal effects so you do need to make that personal choice. We are all here for you soo let us know how you are getting on. Take care of you.

Hibee
Posted 8/25/2011 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I just wanted to say that everybody has given really great and valid input here. You are all wise and wonderful people and I admire each of you for finding the path to wellness for yourself!

Also, to Serenitee, I am humbled and inspired by your honesty and courage in sharing your story. You have overcome so much, and should be very proud of yourself. Congratulations for a year (almost!) of sobriety. That is an icredible accomplishment, and I am cheering you on for many, many more years to come!:)

Hugs to all,
S.C.
Posted 8/27/2011 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Yoshi!

It is hard dealing with anxiety and when it comes on, it is hard to get rid of it. Dealing with it yourself is honestly the most scariest and mind altering things a human may ever deal with, you feel scared, alone, and helpless. Even talking to someone, can make you feel so much better knowing that someone cares and is willing to listen.

You are a strong person, of course you can overcome this, but you may need help, medication does not alter your personality, it alters the anxious feelings. Don't look at the medication as a bad thing, it is something that will help you.

You will be able to find something that will make you feel better, whether it be yoga, breathing excersises, fishing, walking, jogging, there is so many things to take your mind off of it. Get a good hobby and have some fun!

I also HIGHLY recommend getting a journal for yourself. A journal is a great way to vent and express feelings, but once you write on that page, never look back on it as it can bring back the same feeling as when you wrote it at a negative moment. Everyone needs that release and you just need to find the release that helps you. You will be okay remember that and just remember, its only anxiety, if you need help, do it for yourself, there is always someone who will help you!
Posted 8/27/2011 9:28 PM (GMT 0)

wingman said...
Hello NewBF,
You're kind of asking a question that doesn't have a good answer...each and every med reacts differently for each person. This is what you should understand....Meds are necessary for some people as long as you realize it doesn't cure anxiety. I hope you are looking at the big picture. We all have many options in dealing with this, but ultimately you need a plan on how to fix the root of the problem...which is being able to reprogram how you think.

Lots of literature out there to learn from, therapy is common....techniques of how to breath and relax are needed. If possible you may want to see your physician and get a referral to a therapist and asses the best plan to deal with your anxiety....that is if you haven't done that already. Lots of good advice and support on this site....hopefully you can find something that works well for you. Meds will only make it tolerable at best, but the real issue will still be there if you don't apply the other methods.....good luck and best wishes..... Benny

Thanks for the support. I have the same issue. Maybe I will try a therapist. My friend has been telling me to just get over it and go and see one.
Posted 8/28/2011 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Different approaches work for different people. No one has the right to force meds on you if you do not want them. Lots of us manage very nicely without them. Go talk to a counselor and maybe just getting some old burdens off your chest may make you feel well enough to deal. If not I would recommend start low and slow with meds. Developing an exercise routine, good eating habits and remembering to take time to relax each and every day goes a long way. I have been studying Herbalism and herbal teas in the evening are great for relieveing tension and inducing sleep.

Good luck, I hope you find what works for you soon.

Gem
Posted 8/29/2011 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in my mid 30s and have experienced anxiety since around when I was 23. Mostly it has just been excessive worrying, though there was a period where I was having anxiety attacks every few weeks. I went through a long search to try to get better, and I'm still working on it.

First I thought it would go away if I waited it out. But that didn't pan out. After waiting for a year, I just started getting more anxiety attacks. So I tried going on buspar (an ssri). This kept my anxiety lower but it messed with my stomach and... well... my libido. The guy I was with then seemed to have so many reasons to be frustrated with me! Which made me more anxious when I thought about it...

Eventually I decided to get off meds and try a life overhaul instead. I started eating better, a lot fewer processed foods. And I started doing hot yoga, which worked wonders! Recently I started taking natural supplements too. I really like this one called Tranquilene that has in it stuff like GABA, Theanine, Tryptophan, B Complex and Passion Flower.

So here I am, not perfect, but not in total distress either. My panic attacks are far fewer and I feel much more balanced. Probably I'll never be anxiety free, but its better than being a slave to some pharmaceutical cocktail.
Posted 8/30/2011 9:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi yoshi, I have suffered from anxiety my whole life but have suffered from severe health anxiety off and on for the past 6 years....the only medication I take is Valium which I use only when I'm having a panic attack..the only other meds I take are herbal ones duet a heart condition I have...

I also do cbt with my therapist and relaxation and guided meditation tapes...I'm also trying to do more exercise and eating better...either way natural medication or traditional I say whatever works for you is good...

Best wishes to you ....shannon
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