it really sucks that coder and me still see relatively no improvement after like seven months. Still full blown panic mode. I don't get this I never had anxiety before this and I dont see why im not getting better. I feel like im different from the rest of everyone around here because everyone is on an upward slope however slight. I am not. I need some comforting guys I've been so strong for so long and I don't get why its not helping me. if it was just dp and depression I think I could fix this but I don't get what to do with the anxiety. I've followed everyone's advice and all. It's not like I've given in I've been fighting. I'm so scared this'll last
I sincerely apologize if I asked you already, as I have a horrible short term memory, however, have you seen a psychiatrist about the anxiety? (S)he could prescribe you something. I'm 99% sure that with the right dosage of the right medication, your anxiety would be significantly relieved, if not gone completely.
I suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks due mainly to some rather traumatic difficulties while growing up. This serious issue was exponentially increased in severity once I got sick with the so-called LTC for ~19 months.
No matter what I tried to do, I could not lower my anxiety levels, and I tried just about everything, including:
- lots and lots of cardio-based exercise
- avoiding stressful situations and stress triggers (there were many)
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- meditation and mindfullness
- counselling/psychology/guidance
- breathing exercises
- staying away from alcoholic beverages, tobacco/nicotine products, anything which contains caffeine
- zero uses of any other Rx and clandestinely manufactured drugs, whether it was therapeutic or recreational in nature
- avoiding foods/drinks high in saturated fats, processed and/or starchy carbohydrates, MSG and other preservatives, artificial sweeteners, gluten, etc.
- not avoiding foods/drinks high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
- keeping away from bad influences, which in my case came from many different things
- maintaining a balanced sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm (or at least trying to)
- experimentation with certain herbs/supplements such as chamomile, passionflower, hops, barley, valerian, and melatonin (Edit - also tried magnesium)
- trying to remain optimistic and to not obsess over my health issues as it just makes it worse IMO
Long story short, I eventually gave up and saw my family physician, who referred me to a psychiatrist and Rx'd me a 30 day supply of Xanax (Alprazolam) 0.5mg TID.
I went and got the prescription filled, but was too scared to take any at first because I was concerned that it would further damage whatever damage I did by recklessly eating a nasty ecstasy pill without testing it.
About a week later, I eventually gave in due to sheer frustration. I was at work at the time and was very close to having a panic attack and losing it at the same time due to workplace stress.
Approximately 45 minutes after taking one of the pills, I felt so relaxed, and I'll never forget that day because it was the first time I was anxiety-free in several years. And that night I ended up sleeping like a baby.
I should note that about 3 years after I started using the Xanax, my doctor tried to switch me over to Klonopin (Clonazepam) because he was concerned about the therapeutic effect of the Xanax wearing off. Well, perhaps it's just me, but Clonazepam is extremely weak. Even though it was an equivalent dosage, I went into benzo withdrawal 3 days after switching, so he quickly switched me back, and within an hour of switching back I was fine. Weird huh?
I dunno - I find Klonopin (Clonazepam) to be very, very weak. I had to use 2mg to temporarily stave off benzo withdrawal symptoms from 0.5mg of Xanax (Alprazolam).
That's my story anyways. That's what worked for me. The catch is that my body is dependent on the shit, but I feel the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Eventually, I do wanna get off, but it will have to wait until I do some more CBT/meditation/mindfullness sessions, which will help me to control my anxiety/panic without having to resort to a drug.