Giving In To The Anxiety.

[_Reba_]

I'm having panic attacks daily and really struggling. I'm using Rescue Remedy and lavender oils to try and relax me but it doesn't seem to be helping that much.

I cannot relax, I feel tense 24/7 and it won't go away. I spoke to my mum about medication but I am really worried about side effects and the possibility of trying different dosages or different types. My mum ordered some lavender capsules that are suppose to help with stress and sleeping. I have no hope that they will work. I'm really just wanting to give up.

I'm constantly within my own thoughts but cannot seem to do anything to stop thinking about it. I've never been so down and fed up.

[NotToday]

Try reading the book: DARE by Barry McDonagh. When I was at my worst at few months ago, I read this book and my panic attacks lessened over time. I went from daily attacks to none for 3 weeks now. It may not be a cure-all, but if you can stop the panic attacks, you can focus on the anxiety with a clearer mind. Order it on Amazon.

[_Reba_ in reply to NotToday]

Thanks for the advice 💕

[Jeff1943]

_Reba_, what side effects of medications are you worried about, you haven't taken any medications yet? Every day there are dozens of people posting on this forum scared to take the very medications that will bring the relief they crave because they're worried about side effects or getting addicted. Most medications that help with anxiety have no side effects and the few minor ones that do usually resolve quite quickly. When the time comes to come off them you work out a gradual withdrawal plan with your doctor, no question of addiction.

So I say, go see your doctor and ask for an anti-anxiety medication, but do give it a chance to work, many take up to 3 weeks before they're effective.

Then take NotToday's advice and order that DARE book from Amazon and do what it says. You can recover and you will, but you have to take control of your recovery yourself.

[_Reba_ in reply to Jeff1943]

I always have this worry with any new medication I take. My mum has taken medication for the same thing and she has been putting me off them for a while, she had a few side effects.

I am a really anxious person and worry about the future or the 'what if' of situations. This is also putting me off from going to the doctors.

[Jeff1943]

Reba, when I was in a bad way with anxiety 20 years ago I went to the doctor and was prescribed a medication which made all the difference to my functioning or not. O.k. so it made my mouth dry but a small price to pay. I recommend you talk to your doctor, if he prescribes something that has bad side effects for you, you don't have to keep taking it. There are many alternatives to every medication so if one doesn't agree with you then there are others to try.

[_Reba_ in reply to Jeff1943]

Thank you I will be talking to my doctor before I do take the next step. They originally didn't want me on medication because of my age.

[Meeasy]

I've had some positive Results managing my anxiety as I'm applying the concept of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Here are 4 videos (short) that shed light on ACT.

Feel free to share and explore. There are several other videos, books and websites. Google it.

The struggle switch

youtu.be/_1YEtxs6TdI(Not working as expected?)

Example of taking ACTion

youtu.be/GBzG7lMo2kI(Not working as expected?)

The 6 key tennants of ACT

youtu.be/RMWgrGUSlUQ(Not working as expected?)

A visual excercise

youtu.be/jrmKtaMqOh4(Not working as expected?)

[_Reba_ in reply to Meeasy]

Thank you I'll check it out

[Nicki1984]

Have you tried some counselling? You need to work out what's caused your anxiety and what your triggers are to really deal with anxiety. The self help book mentioned is good I'd also recommend Anxiety Panicking about Panic by Justin Fletcher. Also lots of relaxation/meditation stuff to try on YouTube. Have you got any meditation classes nearby would also recommend breathing techniques have a look on YouTube x

[_Reba_ in reply to Nicki1984]

I've been in therapy in which I've discussed my anxiety and the triggers. I've been referred somewhere new and I'm learning to deal with my emotions.

I've never really looked into books but I'll be giving it a go since a few people have been recommending it

[Nicki1984 in reply to _Reba_]

Great good luck x

[munrapz]

Hi, I was just as scared as you of taking medication, but I went to see a good psychiatrist and that made all the difference. He talked to me about medication and that I would be far better taking such medication! I was on medication for aprox 1 1/2 years and now I will be trying nutrition to tapper off the meds. Medication does not cure anxiety, but it does take away the symptoms (at least for me). Meds gave me the push I needed to continue my life.

[_Reba_ in reply to munrapz]

I'm always scared of trying new medication because I've seen people have side effects. My mum took medication for a few months and she had awful side effects. Other family members are basically filling my head that I will 100% feel like rubbish and get the worst side effects. I know that my doctor would know what to start me on and the dosage but I'm just nervous. Thanks for the advice though, I have a lot to think about

[Agora1 in reply to _Reba_]

_Reba_ you are not your mother or any other person in the family. You are you and your doctor knows what is best to start you on as well as the dosage. It's okay to be nervous but don't let it take over your thoughts. This may be a turn around for you but not as long as it sits in the bottle. We have to reach out and help the doctor help ourselves. Good Luck keep us updated. x

[_Reba_ in reply to Agora1]

Thank you 💕 I think I just need to take the leap and not overthink it so much.

[Agora1 in reply to _Reba_]

Reba, we all our the same. I think if we didn't take that leap of faith we would stay stuck and life would pass us by. You're not alone. x