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13 years ago 0 653 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hey Leland,
 
Some excellent advice in this thread. What have you tried? What have you found helpful? Keep posting, keep doing the activities in the program. Please try to focus on the positive steps you are taking and making. That will help more than you know. Think positive is an old cliche, but it works!
 
Tiana, Health Educator
13 years ago 0 356 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Leland,
 
Welcome!

I have been sporadic in my contirbutions here this last month but I wanted to welcome you to the site. Davit and others have a lot of knowledge and wisdom to share with you. Ask questions! That is my best advice.
 
I have been working with myself, working with my mind. that is how i see it these days. my mind is not an enemy , and not something to think of as my adversary. i am learning to work with myself on every level. that is a new belief, and changing beliefs using the 12 weeks worth of exercises is very helpful to address anxiety. 
 
 
i cannot say enough abouot learning to breathe deeply throughout the day. that has helped as much as everything else (diet, exercise, knowing relaxation techniques, counselling and CBT)
 
 


13 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Leland

If you are asking what causes anxiety disorders it is a very long answer. Some of the things are traumas in our life that stress mind and body more than normal. As we age our tolerance level drops, and if it has been a hectic life it doesn't take much. Another thing and it will seem just the opposite of the first is slowing down and having time to think about things, especially the past and past mistakes. More on this another time.
Then there are core beliefs that we build from childhood. Some can be very negative and if things that happen during life reinforce them they can get to the point where believing them can be more than you can take. Did you do something wrong? No more like some one did something wrong to you and you built a negative core belief on it and you are believing it even though you don't want to. Or worse you want to. (causing low esteem)
Certain medications have anxiety as a side effect.
The medication you are prescribed, there are no blood tests to determine exactly what you need and how much. It is mostly trial and error with SSRI's as first resort with some times an anti-anxiety to help with the side effects. Some times an SSRI is not the answer some times it has to be a mood stabilizer or an antipsychotic that works as an anti-anxiety if you can't take the usual medications. For most people one of the SSRI's is the answer. With them the first two weeks can be hard. I am one of the few I know of that can't take SSRI's. I take a mood stabilizer.
Medication will not cure you, it will only allow you to function. CBT is the best way to get a cure but some times you need the meds to be able to absorb it. It also helps you to do exposure easier.
Sunny has covered the other points and since we are considered cured and are proof CBT works it would be good if you did the program. It does work as all here can attest.

Here for you
Your friend
Davit
13 years ago 0 1665 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Leland:  No you haven't done anything wrong.  Anxiety can come from different sources, a trauma, an accident, illness, divorce, changes in your life, that sort of thing.  I don't know what meds. they are changing for you, but I do know that doctors sometimes tweak the med. to suit you.  That is, sometimes they start with low doses then up them as your body adjusts to them.  Better to ask your dr. about this.
 
I know my heart felt like it was jumping out of my chest once upon a time.  I had chest pains, racing heart, choking feeling and lots of fear.  These are some of the symptoms of the anxiety disorder which present themselves on and off, sometimes just before a panic attack.  How far along are you on the CBT program?  Have you filled out the forms to bring to your doctor?  They can be very helpful for both of you.  Are you practicing the relaxation exercises?  The breathing and muscle relation?  When I first started I did them faithfully every day, morning and night.  Only takes a few minutes for the breathing ex., longer for the relaxation and visualization ones.  I would do the breathing first, then the muscle one next.  I did it for at least 3 months before I felt I knew I was doing it correctly, or before I felt the effects.  I thought it wasn't working, it just took practice, practice, practice. Don't give up.  My suggestion would be to find a comfortable place in your house where you won't get disturbed and do it every day around the same time, same place.
Have you tried distraction?  A tall glass of cool water to sip slowly, a hot bath to relax the muscles, a cup of chamomile tea or a cup of hot milk.  Posting here can be helpful too, anytime.  What about caffeine?  limiting your coffee to the morning, going to bed early enough, eating well, nutritiously?  Things to think about. 
Cherring you on,
 
Your friend, Sunny
13 years ago 0 2 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
What caused this condition - is it something that I did wrong?  how do i deal with anxiety when i gets so strong that I feel like my chest is going to take off like a rocket ship.  This is very scary for me.  Why do they keep changing my medication
 

13 years ago 0 221 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Leland,
 
Welcome to the forums. We're glad you're here!
 
It can feel like you're the only one goign through this, so the forums are a great place to read posts from others and see that you're not the only going through this.
 
You mention that your here looking for answers. What are some questions you would like to ask?
 
Helena, Health Educator
13 years ago 0 1665 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Leland:  Welcome to the site and to the forums.  Hope to hear from you again. 
 
Sunny
13 years ago 0 72 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Leland,  I've only been coming to this site a couple of weeks+.  Between my medications finally working out and doing the assignments and posting in the forum, I have actually seen changes already.  I'm amazed, 'cause I thought my life was doomed to be hell on earth.  I'm actually having glimpses of feeling happy. That's amazing to me.  And since my husband sees changes in me - he's happier, too. Stay with it and with all of us - everyone is great and positive about recovery!
A
13 years ago 0 286 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Leland,
 
Welcome! You will definitely find people here that have had similar experiences to you. Don't worry about "taking up space", this space is all about helping one another and we're interested in hearing from you at any time about any topic. In addition to working through the sessions on this site, the forums have been a big component in my process towards recovery. You can always post any questions or comments here, or just come to vent if you're having a tough time!
 
Take care,
Teebs

13 years ago 0 653 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Welcome, Leland!
 
I echo Davit. Do start the program- the readings and activities are designed to help. The forums are excellent for support and sharing, and you will quickly learn that you are not alone.
 
Medication can take a few weeks to show results. Be gentle with yourself and take small steps at first. Setting some goals is an excellent start and you can do it in the program.
 
Keep us posted!
 
 
 
Tiana, Health Educator

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