Generalized Anxiety Questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Generalized Anxiety Questions
5
Mon, 07-17-2006 - 11:06am

Anyone else out there suffer from generalized anxiety disorder? If so, is it possible to deal with without medication. I don't seem to be able to fight the anxiety without medication. I've been on paxil for almost 5 weeks and while I'm doing alot better, I still wake up with anxiety and take an ativan. After that, i feel fine the rest of the day. I thought the paxil would take away the anxiety completely. Other meds I've been on in the past did, but they eventually stopped working. I'm feel discouraged and feel like I'm going to live this way forever. I don't want to suffer everyday (even if its mild anxiety) for the rest of my life. I did try therapy and it helped a bit. Right now I feel lost. Please help me.

Candace

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 07-17-2006 - 11:48am

I think you are doing well, Candace. I am unsure what you are looking for as goals in your recovery. Many folks would be happy with your paxil results & one ativan a day. What are your expectations? I would make a list of where you think you should be or where you want to be & discuss it with your dr. or *T.*


Meds are only a tool. They won't take the anxiety totally away. Learning new ways to cope with the anxiety when it hits, is pretty much what ppl on the board report helps them. I meditate & use the belly breathing & positive thinking. I will tell you in all honesty, that I recall being anxious as a child. @ the age of 53, though I am coping much better & am able to live life fairly comfortably, I will always be an anxious person. I am a born worrier. That is part of my personality & I don't think it will ever change.


HTH in some way. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan




 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2006
Mon, 07-17-2006 - 1:23pm
Read the "medication" link at mc2method.com/Anxiety - your concerns are shared by many people that suffer from anxiety. And of course there are alternatives to medication. The mc2 method was one that worked well for me, but there are many others. As you, I also tried "in person" counseling, but that runs the risk of creating a dependence on the counseling. For me, the key to feeling better was to find a way relieve anxiety on my own. And I'm happy to say that I've made a lot of progress, to the point that anxiety doesn't bother me any more. So it is possible to overcome anxiety without meds :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 07-17-2006 - 6:19pm

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Tue, 07-18-2006 - 9:54am
My goal is to be anxiety free while on medication. I have been that way on prozac and lexapro before. Unfortunately, they stopped working. I have no problem taking meds for the rest of my life if it prevents the daily anxiety. Maybe I should talk to the doctor about an increase. I've been on the paxil for 5 weeks 25mg. I just don't know.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 07-18-2006 - 10:54am

That is my goal, also.

Sheri Ann