Hi...

Hi everybody...

I'm usually over on the Chronic Pain board... but my anxiety has been flaring up, and I've been doing some reading here so thought I'd post. You all seem like a really support group, too

I guess the thing that I'm trying to figure out the most is how to deal w/ my anxiety issues from a non-medicine perspective. I have a standing prescription for Ativan (and have used many other things in the past - including xanax, etc). The problem is that the Ativan mixes w/ some of other meds I'm on... and produces some pretty awful... and scary side effects. Most of all is memory loss. I'll go for several days taking it, and have no clue what I've done for the past two, three, four days. Not a way to function when you have children, especially. So, I made the commitment (earlier in the year) to only use the Ativan when I'm hospitalized (which...with all my health issues...has been pretty frequently lately). Using the Ativan in the hospital at least keeps me there, and in bed, without feeling like I'm crawling the walls OR crying constantly, missing the kids.

So, I guess that's where I'm at - trying to deal w/ managing these feelings of anxiety w/out medication. It would be so much easier to just take a pill and for it go away. But, again, that brings up all of the issues I've previously mentioned.

My husband is a pretty good support system, as well as my family... but he doesn't deal w/ anxiety and doesn't understand how bad it can get at times. My "depression" is pretty under control w/ Effexor and stuff. But these anxiety attacks throughout the day are really getting to me...

So, that's my vent for the day! Not really sure what I'm asking... or needing, even... just wanted to say hi to people who I hope understand.

Thanks for reading... --Tina

Hi! I am glad you decided to come to the anxiety forum for some advice. :)

Well first of all I would say to look into therapy for your anxiety, and do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I am someone who HATES taking medications especially for anxiety.(because of all the really bad side effects)

I just got a book called "When Panic Attacks" by David Burns.

I have only been reading this a few days and have seem improvement!

I would suggest looking into some therapy, selfhelp books, groups, etc., and CBT.

I hope things turn out well for you. Just remember anxiety doesn't necessarily HAVE to be treated with medication. Although, it does greatly help people. Different approaches work for different people.

:)

Good luck and God Bless.

Post Edited By Moderator (Admin) : 8/23/2010 4:16:51 PM (GMT-6)

Keep on talking with us as we do care and we are here to support you.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Post Edited By Moderator (Admin) : 8/23/2010 4:16:29 PM (GMT-6)