Posted by Garnet71 on April 2, 2009, at 20:52:31
In reply to Is there any hope?, posted by Cseagraves on April 2, 2009, at 18:03:23
Hi,
I really feel your pain, really. I've been in that fight or flight like you describe 24/7 for weeks--months-at a time without treatment. It sux. It uses up all your body's energy to maintain that state-it's exhausting.You mentioned you eat very healthy-do you exercise? I'm sure you understand how that helps anxiety, but just wanted to know whether or not you do. Not the the easiest thing to do when you are in panic mode-especially if you have to venture outdoors. I actually took my Xanax with me on the trail today to walk.
You know when I was at my worst w/anxiety-not sure if this was a coincidence or not-I had been taking a multivitamin w/green tea extract for several months. Like I said, not sure if that affected me, but be careful with your supplments. Have you gone to a psychiatric nutritionist? That might be your best bet. I can't afford one or I would. I don't trust takng supplments I choose for myself--there are nutritions who specialize in the psychology realm...
Yeah, I remember not being allowed to take Xanax (which I don't like to take long term either) and was told to do slow breathing and meditation--yes it is a joke when you are in panic mode.
I'd stay on the Zoloft a little while longer. It's real strange how SSRIs take away my anxiety. My problem, and you didn't mention if you had this or not, was that they also take away my motivation, dopamine. Since you didn't mention this effect, you really should stay in it a bit longer w/the Xanax, then hopefully quit the benzo. Even the Prozac took away anxiety that severe in 2 days. Don't give up on those yet. IF they work for anxiety, you can augment w/something for any subsequent effects if they are not too bad.
You didn't mention if you went for blood tests. That really is a must.
Like you, I've also gone med free for some time, then it comes back. I don't know what the answers are. I do remember though when I was going to psychotherapy with a very experienced PhD - I was med free for a while w/o anxiety. Don't know if this was a coincidence either-but I think psychotherapy is a lot better for severe anxiety suffers than CBT. One therapist tried to help me CBT with panic attacks. It turned out I could no longer see her, because just her trying to help me - focusing on my anxiety - would trigger a huge episode. lol We'd then move outside and walk through the neighborhood, but that didn't help.
Well, for temporary help, I can recommend one thing - take a hot bath in epsom salts. I used to dump 1/2 a carton (the 1/2 gal size) into the water. It's the only thing that put a dent in my anxiety when it was that bad.
I really hope the Zoloft works for you. Please hang in there. :))
poster:Garnet71
thread:888275
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090330/msgs/888351.html