In need of help

aj85 · Post by **aj85** » Mon May 25, 2009 7:29 am

I have had anxiety and agraphobia for the last 4 years. This disorder has inturn stopped me or runined many events for me. Like going out of town or events in my life. I become afraid from my thoughts and also am scared to go into oder peoples cars or planes. I have a preety big fear of getting sick, or not being able to handel certain situations. But many of the times I do muster up the courage and go through the events, but with great difficulty and a huge amount of anticipatory anxiety. Just this wekeend for the first time in my life I had a break down. Im feeling depressed for some reason for the last three days. I am extremely sensitive to when it comes to taking medications or therapy advice. I ahve never done either. I have been working on the program though (2nd time around). I was wondering if medications actually work, or am I just usuing them to 'cover up' the situations. I'm really scared to become addicted to them and also my biggest fear would probally be that I'd have to always take them for the rest of my life and with out them I wouldnt function. Im scared to seek therapy because I dont want them to put new issues or problems into my head. But my thoughs are a continuos thing, that Is extremely hard for em to break. SO to the point..lol...Do you think medication will be benificial to me or therapy. And please please be very sensitive to the issue, because I dont want to hera you really need it and if I dont get it ..Im going to feel its because I dont have medications.. Im at a preety fragile point right now..Your help is greatly appriciated. Im a 23 year old male, if that plays any part into it..Thank you

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 26, 2009 3:06 pm

The use of medication is a personal choice. It can be helpful (from personal experience). An anti-depressant (AD) can help level off your emotions which is taken daily. Then a sedative type medication can be taken as needed to help with the really bad days. What medication works is sometimes trial and error, but I've had good results from Remeron and Lexapro (ADs), and then I use Lorazepam (sedative) for the really bad days. The medications allow you to re-introduce your anxieties, and confront and overcome them with better coping mechanisms.
Most with anxiety do not want to take drugs like you, but my Doctor said to me, "Try not to only think about the negative side effects of the drug, but also consider the negative side effects of the anxiety stress." I know you may not what to hear that, but I want to strongly encourage you to make a decision to get help (with or without the meds).

The important thing is also to consider therapy, StressCenter program is a Cognitive Behavior Therapy. You change the way you think, and the way you act/respond. It can work with or without medication.

Feel free to ask more questions.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 26, 2009 3:17 pm

I feel for you as I know what it's like. I'm going through the 'blues' right now and it's a first with depression. Have battled anxiety for 2 decades. Better to work on it now and get help...why ruin more years, TRUST ME. I wish I hadn't. I've tried Klonopin and it's worked very very well. I sleep well and wake refreshed. No other side effect but sleepy, so take at night. Xanax is strong. Some things for anxiety can make you a little depressed, but not usually. I'm with you, I dno't like the drugs but sometimes you have to be open to options. I've not had help with talking to doctors, perhaps if one had actually lived with it and walked in my shoes it would have helped, like people here and the program here. It helps to hear people's experiences and know you aren't alone. Hang in there. I know I pray, not sure if you are open to that. There is a higher power and He listens. Try the relaxation tape or just focus on your breathing. You aren't alone. Maybe have a chat with your family doc? Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 27, 2009 4:26 am

Hi aj85,

I too can sympathize with your fear of meds. I have two children older than you are and I spent most of their lives suffering because of fear, anxiety and depression. I would take the meds until I felt better, then quit. Not realizing that each time I was making my situation worst then before.
I am not going to say you should be medicated. taking meds for anxiety is a very personal decision; however, like the other comments, I do feel you need some type of help or support to get better.
I would suggest you look at your diet if you haven't already done so. Lucinda makes a pretty good point about diet and exercise helping limit or control our anxieties.
You sound like you should never eat anything with sugar or caffeine. Have you cut down or eliminated these from your daily diet?