New on here, wondering about my anxiety

petunia123 said:
I've always had depression and anxiety off and on, but lately it has become non-stop and impacts all I do. I read about volunteering and meeting other people, but the anxiety gets even worse if I think about leaving my house. I wonder if anyone here has ideas about controlling this constant worrying and anxiety.
I am taking an anti-depressant which doesn't seem to do anything
Click to expand...
I've only had one bout of serious depression years ago and was in bed for days with it. The doctor said I likely had a chemical imbalance in my brain and she prescribed SINEQUAN which restores the natural balance of natural chemicals in your brain. It got me up and out and made me feel much better. You can read about it here on the WebMD website. It is an old anti-depressant and has been used for years.
Sinequan Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD
 

Well, I'm not a big fan of medication when it can be avoided, so bear that in mind, but here are my thoughts. Humans, like all animals have evolved to have fears as a means of protection, and they are a natural response to life situations. However, it's important to realize which ones are healthy and conducive to your safety, and which ones are overblown.

Everything you do in life involves some degree of risk, and you simply can't hide from it. Even the food you eat and just walking around the house involves risk, as well as driving or riding in a car, or flying in a plane. The point is, trying to hide from all risk breeds more anxiety, and it's a never ending circle. I know it's hard to step out of your comfort zone, but living life in fear means always retreating from life until your world shrinks to nothing.

Please understand that I only wish the best for you, and for you to gain control over this. Baby steps is the key, and it takes courage, but little by little you will gain confidence by just facing down your fear rather than letting it rule your life. Emotions always follow thoughts, and your thoughts can be changed with practice.

This is just my opinion, so please regard it as such, but either way, welcome to a wonderful forum with lots of great people to communicate with. Enjoy.
 
dilettante said:
Brand new here, my first post. Hard to know where to begin, but I'll chime in and admit to panic attack issues. My first serious bout ended with me in the hospital being weighed, measured, and slapped around to determine whether I was having heart attacks. Nope.

Now it's just a struggle as they come and go. Thankfully there are periods of months where they do not reoccur. I have some Xanax which I use quite sparingly, using literally just 1/16 to 1/8 of a pill and then gutting through until it passes. Placebo? Who cares! As long as something seems to help. I dread trying to pry another prescription out of a doctor if I ever run out. I try to trick myself using "mindfulness" videos and other voodoo. ;)
Click to expand...
@dilettante Welcome to Senior Forums from Pennsylvania! Be sure to stop by the Introduction Section and introduce yourself to all. Thanks.
 

petunia123 said:
I've always had depression and anxiety off and on, but lately it has become non-stop and impacts all I do. I read about volunteering and meeting other people, but the anxiety gets even worse if I think about leaving my house. I wonder if anyone here has ideas about controlling this constant worrying and anxiety.
I am taking an anti-depressant which doesn't seem to do anything and I see my doctor as needed. I used to take Xanax when I was younger, but now it is hard to get a prescription for it due to everyone who misused it. It seems unfair since I only took it as needed but my doctor is so concerned about addiction. I'm just hoping for some feedback from others who may be feeling the same.
Thanks --
Click to expand...
I am totally lost why the USA still prescribes Xanax on the basis that it is very short acting 4-6 hours and small in size. This is very important as they soon wear off and a person then wants another which soon increases their daily dose. This makes them one hell of a job to get of as reducing the quantity is nearly impossible and going cold turkey neither pleasant or necessary. In the UK we use Diazepine which has a 24hr action making it easy to step down in withdrawal.
Resist all temptation to take what is the pill from hell, adding I have been on diazepam (Valium) for 50 years and refuse totally to increase the dose as it leads to disaster. Better if possible just to have an odd one when really needed.
You could search Benzo Org Uk, getting on now but a good source for sensible information.

What is Xanax?​

Xanax is a powerful tranquilliser that is widely used in the US for treating anxiety and insomnia. It is a class C drug in the UK, and it cannot be obtained through the NHS. Private prescription is the only way Xanax is available in the UK.
Xanax belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. While several kinds exist, alprazolam — better known as Xanax — is the most well-known and commonly abused.
In the UK, the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine is diazepam, which is largely known by its trade name, Valium. Compared to Valium, Xanax is a faster-acting drug that is 10 times stronger. As a result, Xanax causes more intense feelings of sedation in a shorter space of time.
While Xanax is effective in treating the medical problems for which it is prescribed, its highly addictive properties make it a risky medication to prescribe. In cases where Xanax is prescribed, it is usually intended to be a short-term remedy.
Xanax’s high dependence liability is the reason why many countries have rigorous prescription requirements before it can be obtained.
 
Pepper said:
Not your doc worried about addiction. It's government pressure and threatening. I know this as doctors have told me when I ask. Too many breathing down their necks and watching what they prescribe. Be persistent if Xanax, etc. is what you need. Find another doc if you must. This is my personal experience.
Click to expand...
Sorry Pepper, but your advice is bordering on criminal. NOBODY should advise a person to seek Zanex which is ten times harder to get off than Heroin. I am lost as why the USA after all these years is so behind the rest of the world, other than filling the pockets of the pharmaceutical companies.
 
You don't have the slightest, my dear.........never think you know what I am expert in, and I don't mean talented amateur. That's ok, don't have time to read story now, but have you read mine?
 
petunia123 said:
I've always had depression and anxiety off and on, but lately it has become non-stop and impacts all I do. I read about volunteering and meeting other people, but the anxiety gets even worse if I think about leaving my house. I wonder if anyone here has ideas about controlling this constant worrying and anxiety.
I am taking an anti-depressant which doesn't seem to do anything and I see my doctor as needed. I used to take Xanax when I was younger, but now it is hard to get a prescription for it due to everyone who misused it. It seems unfair since I only took it as needed but my doctor is so concerned about addiction. I'm just hoping for some feedback from others who may be feeling the same.
Thanks --
Click to expand...
There are exercises you can do like breathing exercises and meditation, amongst a whole host of other things.
 
dilettante said:
Brand new here, my first post. Hard to know where to begin, but I'll chime in and admit to panic attack issues. My first serious bout ended with me in the hospital being weighed, measured, and slapped around to determine whether I was having heart attacks. Nope.

Now it's just a struggle as they come and go. Thankfully there are periods of months where they do not reoccur. I have some Xanax which I use quite sparingly, using literally just 1/16 to 1/8 of a pill and then gutting through until it passes. Placebo? Who cares! As long as something seems to help. I dread trying to pry another prescription out of a doctor if I ever run out. I try to trick myself using "mindfulness" videos and other voodoo. ;)
Click to expand...
:) Welcome, dilettante, from Alaska
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top