Anxiety treatment?

My wife has been suffering with severe anxiety for some time now. She battled it a couple of years ago, but it sort of passed. This Winter it has come roaring back.

Our Doctor has prescribed Zoloft. My wife has never resorted to medication to treat her anxiety, and she's very apprehensive to start now.

She's having anxiety issues about the side effects to the medication, particularly weight gain. She has recently lost about 25lbs, and looks much better, and has no desire to gain the weight back, which would depress her.

She is contemplating cognitive therapy. Does anyone have any experience with this type of counselling as a method of treatment for anxiety issues?

If she decides on using medication, is there anything that won't cause weight gain?

Hi 73M,

I had an amazing recovery with a combination of CBT and self-help techniques...as well as the incredible support of this community here.

It was slow go at first...and I did have my doubts as to whether I was getting anywhere with the therapy and coping skills...but after a few weeks, things really started to pick up.

Encourage her to use all of the tools available to her. If she feels that she wants to hold off on the Rx...she may find therapy sufficient as I did.

This however is a highly individual factor...and many people do so much better with a combination for Rx and therapy...it really has a lot to do with chemistry and how we are each wired up.:)

If she does find undesirable s/e's with any med she chooses to start...she can talk about alternatives with her prescribing doctor, until the right fit is found for her.

Wishing her well. Encourage her to talk with us anytime!

Scaredy Cat

Hi

Sorry to hear your wife is having anxiety issues anxiety can be really tough to deal with and if not addressed can really take over your life.

Unfortunately most antidepressants can cause weight gain but this varies from person to person so until you try a medication you won't know how it is going to affect you so it really is a personal choice to take them. In my experience medication has been an essential part of controlling my symptoms.

Talking therapy such as CBT is the best way to get control over your anxiety so I would definitely recommend that and also look into Mindfulness Meditation as that also gets good results.

I hope your wife starts to feel better soon.

hibee

Depression/anxiety is more common in the winter, yes. A light therapy screen might help her, I've never used one but I know people that do and they swear they help.

I get more anxious/depressed in the winter. Just the lack of sun does it, I think.