Posted by Lao Tzu on January 15, 2011, at 12:10:13
In reply to Re: Online Support Group for Anxiety?, posted by mrtook on January 14, 2011, at 21:22:55
I know EXACTLY what you are saying about the benzos. I was a benzo junkie for years. I loved Ativan, I mean loved how it made me feel so calm and in a way, more confident. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of using it everyday for two years, and then it started to lose effectiveness and my anxiety returned. It was a learning experience for me, and though I still have the odd feeling that I'd like an Ativan, I realize I don't need that drug anymore because actually it started making the depression worse after a year or so. But you're right, you do become psychologically dependent on it and I don't really like that feeling. You tend to use the benzos as a crutch and that is not a healthy coping mechanism. It was a remarkable drug for awhile, but now I realize it's not as remarkable as I thought it was.
Bibliotherapy sounds like a good idea. I have read books that helped change the way I viewed my anxiety, but if it is biochemical, then you need to address your nutrition. My coping skills are basically, to run away from a situation if it is too anxiety-provoking. I learned that was the way to do it instead of facing it. The fact is, facing it will actually help you cope with the anxiety. So I can't say I do it right all the time either. All it is is fear and we have the ability to inflate it or diminish it. Some people fight it with everything they've got. Other people run away from it because it is a basic instinct. If it involves neurotransmission in the brain, it could be a deficit of neurotransmitters or possibly too much dopamine and norepinephrine. Serotonin is very important in regulating anxiety, but I discovered that it wasn't just a matter of increasing serotonin, but stablizing my dopamine which is why I take the Risperdal in addition to the Zoloft. So if it is a dopamine problem, then medication is the way to go. There could also be problems with GABA and glutamate. Who knows for sure? Scientists are still working on the pathology of anxiety disorders. In years to come we will understand it better.
I do recommend any of Daniel Amen's books. They are easy to read and they get to the point of the matter. I caution not to self-diagnose with the books. A psychiatrist should do that, but the books will give you a nice overview of what causes anxiety in most people. I have one of his books, 'Change your brain, Change your life,' but I think he has written some updated books on the subject. I like his books because he is an actual medical doctor not just a psychologist.
Lao
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:976661
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20101202/msgs/976859.html