Anxiety

[Christi1986]

Is there a way to handle anxiety and stress and depression without medication?

[rickycam]

I suffer from bipolar depression and I don't take medicine for it, but I don't know if it's right for me because I do well, but my mood changes get to me and I overthink into things

[Christi1986 in reply to rickycam]

Bipolar depression is very serious and should be managed by a doctor. I had a friend who has it and it's nothing to mess around with. I suggest you see a doctor.

[chatnoirmd in reply to Christi1986]

My ex best friend had bipolar and did not treat it. She did things to me that no friend should ever do. It is very serious and should be treated. I agree with the previous comment.

[Dealdeb in reply to rickycam]

Wow your awsome! How u do it? That's huge load

[Hidden]

Hi well there is counselling which can help too. Are you having any? Meds are just a tool which can help you get to a better place in order to tackle your issues. If you feel you can do that without meds then good for you. It doesn't mean you will be on them for life as for most people they are only short term.

You might also want to look up mindfullness, meditation, and yoga as they can all help too.

[Christi1986 in reply to Hidden]

I've had counseling in the past several times and it didn't seem to help much. I can always give it another try though. Thank you for your response!

[Hidden in reply to Christi1986]

Counselling isn't a short term option nor an easy one as it can be painful to remember difficult memories. It's worth remembering that there are lots of different types so if one doesn't suit you try another. It can also take time for find a counsellor you gel with.

The medical route is only meds and counselling. If you prefer the self help route try my previous suggestions. Good luck.

[Dealdeb in reply to Christi1986]

Maybe you didn't have the right councillor... I been to see a few... and u know when u click with them

[Palmer2475 in reply to Dealdeb]

Totally agree they always say you have to find the right counsellor you click with

[Dealdeb in reply to Hidden]

Great reply... I know I hate meds and recently started taking them again after 10yrs.. my anxiety has seemed to be gone with meds.. however now I'm so depressed, can't eat, no thrive, cry cry cry... no energy.. want to just stay in bed... dam! Idk what's worse...

[Hidden in reply to Dealdeb]

Thanks. I take meds and I feel a lot better for them. But like I said use your feeling better to start sorting your issues out. In time you will be able to get off them again hopefully.

You might not realise how much you have changed since your counselling though. I always thought like you when I came away from mine but each time I learned a little bit more about myself and when I add up the whole I am much better than I was when young. I can deal with it a lot better than I used to and some of that does come with age.

You come across as a lovely person and you deserve a better life than you have now so I wish you all the best.

We are always here to listen to you and try and help if we can. x

[chatnoirmd]

I've PTSD for years. I always handled my panic attacks and sleepless nights alone. I found a wonderful therapist that really helped me For years I did great and lived a relatively 'normal' life and then something stirred it up again bad.

I had moved, so I went and saw a new therapist, psychiatrist, and GP. I told them I didn't want meds, that I was fine meditating and deep breathing. All of them said if this can help you, let it. It took awhile but I relented when my endometriosis was so painful that painkillers were not effective. My GP said try taking Valium, it's helped several of my patients with female issues.

It worked!!! for years I had the worse pain and Valium worked. Not a strong narcotic. A low dose of Valium. So then I thought maybe I would try xanax for my panic attacks and intense mood swings with it. It works, it's a very low dose, and my hubby doesn't want to maim me lol.

I'd get cranky and nasty for years and it drove him up the wall. So I started using them as needed. I've been so much better since!

My point is that maybe it's worth considering. But if you are determined to have no medication, I recommend mindfulness techniques and acupuncture. I discovered community acupuncture and it affordable Also, if you have a trusted massage therapist I would get a massage occasionally because they do help with stress relief and overall body flow.