Medication Not Working for High Anxiety

[IslandGuy]

I am new to this forum and hoping there may be people out there who have experienced similar situations and found solutions. My mother, who is 80 years old, has suffered from depression and GAD the past 20 years. The past 5 years have been mostly anxiety. Sadly, some days, the anxiety can last literally all day. She has tried most of the medication although would be appreciative to hear from those who have suffered a similar situation and what has worked for them. My mom takes Ativan (0.5 mg) up to 4 per day and I truly believe it provides minimal if any relief at all. My wife and I understand that there may be no magic pill and make sure that we work with her on the cognitive part (positive thoughts, affirmations, replacing worries etc...), exercise, good diet, activities etc.....which does help on some days. It is a terrible feeling to watch your mother, or anyone for that matter, suffer from the devastating effects of high anxiety from morning to night. Any help, ideas, suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

[Serenity2010]

Hello IslandGuy. I’m so sorry that your mom is suffering like this.

Has anyone considered if the Ativan is causing the symptoms she is having?

[Hidden]

Boy oh boy what a challenge you are in.. does your mom see a dr. to help her.. if so I would reach out to her dr. ~ In the meantime have your mom practise slow deep breathing ...in through her nose counting to 5 and then out through her mouth counting to 5...it really does help to ease the anxiety...also force as many positive thoughts into her mind that you can... take her mind to happy places...

I wish you nothing but the best with this you are dealing with..Let me know how things are going for you...

Sparkles & dump trucks of groovy love, epace,light, joy & hugs IslandGuy!

[LadyZen]

When my doctor prescribed me my meds, he always checked to make sure I was seeing a therapist to deal with any underlying issues. Has that been something that was explored?

[Kelly_xoxo]

Hi Island Guy,

I live a similar life as you are describing, with the same extreme level of anxiety from morning until evening. Its also then there waiting for me in the morning as soon as I wake.

I have medications to take the anxiety down a few levels, but after years of taking it, it barely relaxes my mind and thoughts.

May I ask if she lives alone, or with you? She may be anxious if she is feeling lonely. Maybe replace the cognitive for a bit. Sometimes a planned special night together, like dinner, or a movie at home, can comfort racing thoughts. even physical touch, such as hugs, hand over hand, and just some quality time spent talking, or reminiscing of good times. The feeling may be that she feels disconnected, and needs a night thats about connection. There is a lot of power in physical touch for those suffering with debilitating anxiety. These things seem to make me feel better. The trouble is that I don't have any family that cares to understand what I'am crying out for. I don't know if you already practice this, but in my own experience, time spent together can cause more relief than medication, and provide some relief and give hope. Having that special day planned can be very uplifting, knowing there is something to look forward to, and feel some relief from that time. Human contact can heal many pains of the psyche.

I hope she has had some relief since your post. Please let me know what you feel about this. Its just my own experience. I Hope all is well.

[Beevee]

Hi

For lasting peace of mind and body, practice the teachings of Dr Claire Weekes. Nowadays there is lots of her material on YouTube but I bought her book called Essential Help For Your Nerves which helped me enormously in my recovery from chronic and debilitating anxiety.

In simple terms, instead of doing anything to try and resist the thoughts and feelings of anxiety, I learned to accept them, to be ok about not feeling ok and the symptoms I had been fighting to get rid of gradually faded away and fully got my life back.