I'm absolutely exhausted with worrying, thinking about medication for anxiety?

[Ctb567]

My anxiety has been awful at the moment due to thinks going on in my life out of my control and I feel like I just can't cope anymore. I can't stop these intrusive thoughts and obsessions in my head and I'm absolutely exhausted with it. I just want to take something to feel numb and be able to get on with things without feeling anything. Is there anything I can take just to get me through this bad time? The difficulty is I'm already physically very tired and I have a full time job and exams to do so I don't know if I could take stuff that just knocks you out.

[Janieliza]

It's hard isn't it?. I've said this alot but there really isn't a quick fix...if only!!. It's absolutely exhausting...i agree with you. Meds have pros and cons and if this helps...ask the doctor...they know. Explain exactly as you have done here...many do make you lethargic but once in your system...you shouldn't suffer with any tiredness. I went thro so many until one was found that suited me. I know you feel low, please try breathing techniques...they worked a treat for me. Exercising also can help. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. This all sounds mad doesn't it? Exercise when our bodies and emotions are already shook up?. Yes really. If you don't fancy it...do you like writing? Get a notebook and write daily..or everytime you have a really low point or when you feel better. I saw a pattern emerge and triggers that set it off. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. What I do want you to know is this...anxiety and depression is a lonely place to be...please write on here...we can support you, this is just what worked for me yet there are so many wonderful ppl on here that they will also offer what works and worked for them. Take care. Janie.

[11asia1]

Try your best and listen to music especially one that makes you feel good

[Jeff1943]

Carly, when anxiety becomes overwhelming and you've important stuff to do then it's time to talk to your doctor about a course of anti anxiety medication. It won't bring about your recovery but it will bring you respite and that's what you need right now.

Most anti anxiety meds take several weeks to kick in but then they do the job. I have experience of amitriptyline which is very effective and also the much demonised and falsely maligned Valium/diazepam which has the advantage of giving immediate relief.

But you don't want to be taking meds for ever (diazepam can only be taken for a number of weeks or months or as an occasional one-off) so if you take this route I suggest you use the period of respite to seek recovery either by talking therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) or by self-help study for which I always recommend the first book written by Doctor Claire Weekes advocating the Acceptance method titles 'Self help for your nerves' in the U.K. and titled 'Hope and help for your nerves' in the U.S. both available new or used from Amazon for a few £$. You will soon recognise yourself in its pages, it has sold around half a million copies since it was published many years ago and has been translated into 14 languages. There are over 600 reader reviews for the book on Amazon and 90% rate it Very Good or Excellent and the phrase 'saved my life' crops up regularly in the reviews.

I suggest that you have a heart-to-heart with your doctor about how you feel s.a.p. Be assured you will not always feel like this, your problems will be resolved some way or the other as problems always do, and you will regain your quiet mind again. But you must take control of your progress along the road to recovery and doing nothing is not an option.

[blackcat64013]

Hi CarlyT567,

You have some excellent advice already.

Besides what you can do while you are awake, it's really important to think about your sleep. You can easily get into a sleep deficit where the amount of sleep and the quality of the shut eye no longer restores and refreshes you for the next day leading to physical exhaustion. Research sleep hygiene in any of the myriad of websites to see if there is any useful information for you.

Medication (prescription or over the counter) taken at night for insomnia is usually short acting and only requires adjustment to the time it is taken to avoid waking up feeling hung over.