Hi I am new here

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2007
Hi I am new here
22
Wed, 04-04-2007 - 6:28pm
Hi! I am just looking for a place to get support for anxiety. I have been dealing with it for about 12 years on and off.....I was doing really well for about 3 years until 2006 when I had a huge set back because of a very stressful year and a very stressful move. It came back with a vengeance and I am having trouble getting out of it with just cognitive therapy and a therapist.....which is what worked before but doesn't seem to be working this time around. I am 44 and I've heard the older you get the harder it is to work through it. I am debating about going on meds. So I just was looking for a place to come and talk and share and just feel like I am not alone. Thank you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 10:22am
Kimberly I started out on Lexapro and for over a year it worked real well for me. However I also suffer from SAD and this winter the depression took over so they changed my med. My DD is doing real well on cymbalta. Try reading some of the posts on the antidepressant medician board they can give alot of information on how differant meds affect differant people. Everyone is differant to side effects and how long the med takes to work.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 9:43pm

Hi Kimberly!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 9:45pm

I've never heard that it decreases with age.

Sheri Ann

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 9:49pm

My friend was on Klonopin alone first, for 3 months. Then she did 6 months of Lexapro, and Klonopin only as needed. She actually got off the meds by accident - was on a business trip, got sick and forgot to take them and just never got back on them. Not the recommended way to do it, but it worked out okay for her.

I've been on Lexapro since Nov. My doctor said I should plan on being on them for 12-18 mos. Once I have felt "better" or "normal" for a good 6-month period I can wean off them. I was on Prozac once for depression so I've been through the meds thing before.

I understand your hesitation - I really didn't want to go on them. For me it was because I hated the fact that I had to be medicated to feel "normal." But now that I'm on them (and feel normal again) I am glad I did it. It can take a while to get used to them - I had some bad side effects the first couple of weeks, but they went away pretty quickly.

In any case you are right not to take the decision to go on meds lightly. It's not a quick fix, and it's only part of the solution. They can't fix everything, but they are a huge help.

I have also changed other parts of my life too - no more caffeine, or alcohol (because of the meds, and also it makes anxiety worse). I started meditating regularly and practicing yoga once or twice a week. I use belly breathing a lot. I drink lots of decaf tea - that helps to relax me. I have always exercised regularly and eaten a pretty balanced diet, so I've continued that. My church has been a great source of support and comfort to me. I've become involved in their prayer circle after Sunday services. It's been a nice way to connect with people.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2007
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 10:07pm
Hi! My doctor and therapist are differing on what they think I should take which has me a bit confused. Yes I have had a physical and all is ok there. The doctor has suggested Zoloft and my therapist has suggested the one you are taking. I'm not quite sure what to do so I am just asking advice and acquiring knowledge about both and trying to decide. Thank you for sharing your experience. :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2007
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 10:23pm

Just the fact that you understand what I am going through is helping me so much. Going on meds is a very serious decision and most people do not understand my hesitation or fears. But I am weighing all of the choices.

I have been off of caffeine for years and I try to eat a balanced diet and was pretty successful with it which is why I feel I was almost anxiety free for 3 years. But after the stressful year and move we had I fell away from it and wasn't taking care of myself and then depression starting settling in and when the depression gets bad I then want to eat sugar and treats and then I do and then I feel worse...it's a vicious cycle. So I've weaned myself off of sugar again and am starting to feel calmer again. It just seems this time around I have exhaustion with it so it's taking a little longer to feel better. I started doing yoga again which is helping a lot and I am working on my belly breathing.....I'm finding it hard to concentrate but I am determined to master it.

Because i have been in the process of trying to heal from dealing with dysfunctional and abusive family issues...I stayed away from church because religious dysfunction was part of the problem. But I am finding my way back to God and relearning my religion and looking at it and God in a more healthy manner. My husband and I are in the process of looking for a church that feels comfortable to me and us. I hope I find one like you have. I know it would help a lot. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 10:42pm

Both meds are commonly used.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2007
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 10:49pm
I will definitely let you know what my decision is. Thank you!
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 11:07pm

You know I was pretty ticked when I came down with anxiety because I was eating well, exercising, not drinking much, doing all the stuff I should be doing! LOL It just doesn't seem fair does it? Anyway, it sounds like you have made some good choices so far. Don't get discouraged if the first med you try doesn't work - that happens a lot and you may have to try one or two before you find the right one.

I attend a United Church of Christ. We are non-denominational, very inclusive. A lot of lapsed Lutherans and Catholics attend (I was raised Catholic) - it feels so familiar in some ways. If you want to learn more about UCC you can go to www.ucc.org.

One of my sisters attends a Unitarian church and she really likes that. They include all religious backgrounds. I think of it as an intellectual pursuit of religion.

Have you read anything by the Dalai Lama? There is also a wonderful book by Thomas More called "Care of the Soul" that I found very comforting as well.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2007
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 8:24am

Ticked off is a good way to put it! That's exactly how I feel. Though what I've been learning from my therapist is that lifestyle is only part of it. My personality and life events are the biggest part of the puzzle and the triggers. So put that all together and wa-lah....lol....so the diet is falling into place and so if I could just get my physical body itself calmer and my stinking thinking about myself calmer....I know I would feel so much better. That's why I feel the need to find a church to help with that.

I will definitely get that book. I find myself to not only find my religion Christianity interesting...but I am also drawn to other religions....mostly Buddhism....I find their beliefs about life more calm and peaceful. We do have a Unitarian church near us but I've always been afraid to try it....you know...wooooooooooo it doesn't fit "the norm" of what is considered Christian so be afraid...be very afraid....lol....but I've always wondered what it is like so maybe this is the great opportunity to find out right?! I just know I want to find a church that energizes me and encourages me and helps me with life...I do not want one that is judgmental, staunch, controlling and draining.....(my past experience)