Dealing with anxiety

[glacier_glider]

I've read hundreds of topics on this forum but haven't come across anything related to anti-anxiety medications.

Most of us go through enormous non-stop anxiety attacks.

I went to see a doctor and got something prescribed.

It took several weeks before it started to work, but it does work!

It will not stop the thoughts that originally cause anxiety but it will stop the horrible burning reaction to these thoughts.

By no means this is a permanent solution.

But when anxiety becomes unbearable and in these situations it does, medication helps.

It has to be taken on a regular basis under doctor's supervision.

[free and happy]

I had been on and off meds prior to making a decision to move out and file for divorce. So I prepared myself for the upcoming anxiety attacks that I was sure to encounter by getting back on the meds. I have to tell you they evened me out. I have not had any anxiety attacks at all. I also told my Psych what I was planning to do, move out and divorce, in advance so she could monitor my progress. So far so good. Dont think I could focus and stay as calm as I have been in the last month without them.

[glacier_glider]

Same here, Bro! They've been saving me.

At some point I was going to do what you did - prepare for the upcoming crisis in advance and get them prescribed because I am prone to anxiety (especially during break-ups). But I didn't.

So I suffered through about 4 weeks while they were building up in my system.

[mango_flower]

Oh I so hear you!  I got to the point where I was pacing constantly, couldn't eat... .  my friends at work had to take me out to walk round the building at lunchtime.  I lost about 14lbs in weight.

It's been 3.5 months now and I feel less anxious (thank goodness!) so keep taking it day at a time.

What are your triggers for the anxiety? Is it ongoing, or just when you deal with her? (mine is now just when I deal with her).

I found that over the counter sleeping pills worked nicely for me to at least sleep, not that I'd recommend relying on meds.  I did wake up every hour though! But better than no sleep.

xxx

[glacier_glider]

Right after the first break-up in September I lost 18 lbs in two weeks, about 10% of my weight.

Every phone conversation, text message, e-mail, almost every thought of her triggered a horrible anxiety attack.

I smoked two packs of American Spirit every day.

During those anxiety attacks my face turned so red that my co-workers kept asking me whether I was getting sick.

Many people actually asked me if I was on a diet because they could see how I was dropping pounds. 

At that point I went and got two things prescribed:

1) Helped to reduce anxiety, get some sleep, get appetite (started working immediately)

2) Long-term med for CAD (anxiety)

[jp77]

Another vote in favor of medication. I was suffering horrible anxiety and panic attacks, and also lost tons of weight, probably due to the combination of overwhelming stress as well as health issues with my stomach. I took a while to decide to start taking medication, since I was anxious about trying it, but overall it's been a great help. It helped me to sleep more soundly, and my moods have gotten more even and less panicked.