Successful stories out there without meds?

[Laurese87]

I've wanted to get off meds and just try to start cbt on its own for my panic disorder, does anyone have any success just doing that without meds?

[Agora1]

Oh sure Laurese87, there are many of us who can do w/o medications. Meds are just meant to be a helping aid for a short time while having therapy. Once you get to accept anxiety as a harmless manifestation of your negative thoughts, you can move forward and start using other methods such as CBT, Meditation, Deep Breathing, Self Hypnosis, Affirmations, Visualization and on and on.

These other cognitive methods as well as changing your behavior in the way you react to anxiety can make all the difference. Practicing these methods daily are the key. You can't just use them when stress gets out of hand. Wish you well in doing what is best for you. If you need to stay on medication, then you need to. There is no shame in taking meds. xx

[Laurese87 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks I'm just having too many side effects and me having fear of body sensations isn't really helping me trying overcome this and I've tried explaining this but it seems like they say give it more time but I've now been on them 4 weeks and they still haven't gone away

[Agora1 in reply to Laurese87]

4 weeks isn't enough time if it's an antidepressant. It takes every bit of 4-6 even 8 weeks sometimes before it reaches full efficacy levels. Sometimes a little longer if the doctor increases the dose during that time. But you should know soon if it is going to work for you. While waiting for the med to kick in, please look into other methods besides the CBT so you are prepared to one day get off your medication and deal with this on your own. The time will come that will be the right time. x

[Laurese87 in reply to Agora1]

Any suggestions on methods to look into?

[Agora1 in reply to Laurese87]

I use YouTube. I seem to get more out of having someone guide me through SelfHypnosis, Meditation & DeepBreathing. I also prefer the Audio and not just music to listen to.

Some of my favorite are: Sinking & Slowing Breathing Meditation by the Quiet Mind Cafe

Very soothing voice and works well in calming mind and body.

Anything by the Honest Guys or Michael Stephensen are also relaxing.

If time is of the essence there are 5-10 minutes Meditation/DeepBreathing that can do wonders in that short time. Hope this helps some. xx

[Laurese87 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks!

[Hidden]

I know you are looking for success stories, but I am just going to share I have tried this and felt ok for a little bit and slowly went downhill to the point I was back to an absolute mess that I never thought I would be again. This is actually where I am at currently, waiting to get back on meds (where I live there is always a wait to get back on meds or on meds for the first time). I was eating healthy, exercising, and had no source of chaos or extreme stress outside of normal life stuff. If you want to try it, I don’t blame you, as I did so against my doctor’s advice. I don’t regret it because now I know. But I wanted to share my negative experience .. not to discourage you, but just so you are aware this COULD be an outcome and maybe watch for signs that you could be needing meds again before you slip all of the way backwards like me. I hope if you go off meds that is a more successful journey than I had

[Laurese87 in reply to Hidden]

Well the side effects are just a prob for me and we're also trying to have a baby so I just wanna find something that won't harm my pregnancy and that I have no side effects and then maybe I'll feel more better about it

[MyMeanMind]

I had the same bad back-sliding experience as Sara (thanks for sharing, Sara!), but also think Agora1 offers excellent guidance and totally understand that you want to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. I have had good experience with mindfulness teachers on YouTube, especially Eckhart Tolle (and that's drug-free!). 😊 I hope you find what works best for you, Laurese87. You are not alone!

[Laurese87 in reply to MyMeanMind]

Thanks!

[Meeasy]

I wanted to avoid meds also sso I made some changes that gave myself the best chance to recover naturally. I avoided sugar and caffeine as much as possible. Thats fuel for anxiety. I made better choices in my diet too. I excercicised regularly. FYI it doesn't need to be extreme. Bikeing or brisk walking will do, just enough to get the blood and oxygen to the brain and detox it. I also began to practice mindfullness and acceptance via meditations and self hypnosis I found on YouTube and on podcasts. I looked inward and inventoried my issues around fear, anger, shame, secrets etc and faced my fears. I also made gratitude lists, helped others in. need and focused on the positives. I did it myself but it's was inspired by a cognitive behavioral therapy called ACT- Acceptanceptance and commitment therapy. Lots of free videos on ACT for anxiety on YouTube It worked for me and I avoided meds and doctor billis. As a bonus, I lost weight and got healthier. . Just a suggestion. Good luck. ✌️

[Laurese87 in reply to Meeasy]

Nice!