Stress Center Peer Support

After a year of being off Paxil, my health related anxiety really started to take control of me. Im only on the 4th tape, have learned alot and understand anxiety more, but dont feel recovered...yet (esp during my period). After 3 visits to my phychiatrist, she has determined the root cause of my anxiety is from OCD - I cant turn off thoughts in my head that I have a heart problem (and yes I've had a stress test and everything is fine - but what worries me are these little random aches i get in each side of my chest and my back - which I think are muscular - but the bad thoughts keep coming).
So anyway, the OCD gives me anxiety and the anxiety gives me depression. She really thinks prozac will help - so i filled the script and started taking it yesterday. i did my research and the side effects are not nearly as bad as the SSNRI's and the withdrawls aren't bad either.

So did I give up to quickly or just got smart by deciding that I can't do it alone????

I think you gave up too quickly. Psychiatrists IMO far too often take the easy way by prescribing meds because they work faster in many cases but never give you the skills you need to truly get better. CBT which is what Lucinda's program is based on is the best treatment for OCD. I didn't go through Lucinda's program but did have CBT and can tell you all the hard work has been well worth it and I am no longer on any meds at all.

Hey Ct,

Yeah I agree with chrissy that med doc prescribe that stuff way to quickly. Why wouldnt they they get paid to do that. But it does help. BUt as chrissy put it it doesnt do anything longterm. Especially if you are suffering from OCD. You need to get to the root of your obsessions and thought patterns. this can be overcome. I go to an OCD clinic here in UCLA and I have seen people recover from bad OCD. Instead of just seeing a psych you should try looking for a psychologist/therapist. Someone who is going to specialize in OCD. There are plenty out their. Theirs great self help books and ofcourse this program. I could tell you one important tool that our therapist has taught us is no reassuring. How hard that is I know but it is a must to heal from OCD. So lets say you get one of those ahes you talk about. No looking it up on the internet, no going to the doctors and constantly gettting tests. One normal physical a year is what she tells us we could do. BEcause if you keep going and going searching and searching. Your giving these little aches and thoughts power. Instead of just dealing with the ache or sensation and just labeliing as that. I know their are thoughts on know what if... but you have to just deal with it and tell yourself just thoughts. Its my OCD.. etc hope this helps.

I think that if the medication gives you space to breathe and a chance to learn the skills in this program with a clear mind, then there is no harm in that. Some doctors prescribe medication too early; but if it's something you feel needs to be done for now then go for it.

Not all situations with medication are negative. I learned the wonderful skills from this program and put them to great use ~ my anxiety is firmly under control. However, my depression did not cease to consume me before, during, or after the program. As soon as I started Prozac I noticed a night & day difference in myself. Close family & my fiance also noticed a wonderful change in my wellbeing as well.

Keep on keepin' on with the program & after you've learned the skills & are comfortable, there is always a chance that you will feel secure enough to put your skills to use without medication. Medication doesn't have to be a permanent thing.

Take care of yourself.

Hi CT Mom. I think your psychiatrist is correct. Sounds like OCD. Now that you have a correct diagnosis I agree with Eddie you should seek a therapist or psychologist to work with you using CBT and exposure to work on your OCD. Make sure they specialize in OCD. Also, don't be so hard on yourself. Using medication is not at all giving up! Many people need medication to help them get going with their therapy especially if you also have depression. If you are going to use medication the key is to use therapy as well and eventually you may not need the medication. I also have OCD and I agree OCD is stressful and depressing! But with hard work things do get better. I attend an OCD clinic and also use this program. I too have seen many many people recover just as Eddie said he has. Good luck to you! I'm sure you will do great.

Thank you all for your postings! I have been seeing PHD for nearly a year and we also just realized the OCD part - I would have never guessed it - but they are right. I plan on continuing my therapy and Lucinda's program.

I'm no dr. but I'm not sure sure on that OCD diagnosis. What you are going through just sounds like normal ole anxiety to me. I don't know of one of us who hasn't had constant thoughts about one ailment or another...myself included and I'm not OCD. It also isn't uncommon for us to get fixated on one issue...then when that gets better, find another one to fixate on.

At any rate, as long as you are still going to go through the program and see your dr, I see no reason why going on a pill to tide you over until you really incorporate the skills in your life should be considered a failure. Although I do think you may have jumped the gun a bit...you are only on week 4...you have to do what works best for YOU. If this includes prozac or anything else, then so be it. There is no shame in that at all. I think it would be more of a failure if you just gave up completely and did nothing to help yourself.

Hi CTmom
I am on medication too. I don't want to be on it but I had to accept that at least for the moment I need it. You are not a quitter for taking medication. You can work this program while on medication and then eventually you may decide to get off of meds or not. That's your choice and nothing to be ashamed of. Every drug you take, even over the counter drugs, have side effects. That doesn't mean you are going to get those side effects. What ever helps you get better you need to do.
Hang in there and take care.

Great post Eddie. Just to clarify, if you need meds in the short run that's fine. Lord knows I was on them but you can't just settle on meds alone if you want a true recovery and that's why I am encouraging you to stick with the program or another form of CBT in addition to any meds you may be taking.