Needing Anxiety

[dwonie]

I have a question about anxiety, wondering if anyone has felt the same way. I just switched from 20mg citalopram to 10 mg Lexapro yesterday. I had been on citalopram for at least 3 years. Right now I feel like I don't have anxiety but I feel like I need it. I feel like anxiety was a part of me like I lost or hurt a good friend. My analyzing, and worrying I think protected me and was a good friend. Can anyone relate to that. I don't feel anxiety but I feel sad because of that, but it has only been one day.

[Indigojoe]

I completely understand exactly what you wrote about.

PLEASE distract yourself and break the cycle of an old habit.

Anxiety for many of us becomes a habit like any other.

IF you get up and turn left to go to the shower for 20 years, and you move into a new apartment and the shower is to the RIGHT, you will day after day after day try to turn left in the morning.

Just laugh and go do something else.

Not another thought about it.

* exhale *

[laylaj141]

Sometimes i feel like my anxiety and being overly worried is what made me so sharp, i noticed things that i wouldnt have otherwise, i was really quick on my toes. That being said, the levels of stress i had on a daily basis made life difficult to live without feeling like i was going to implode.

I knew a nurse who said her anxiety is what made her so good at her job, it made her very thorough in what she was doing, if she had a hunch about something she wouldnt let it slip. She feared everyone in her care was going to die. Ultimately she couldn't live like that forever, it was too difficult.

I guess what I'm saying is that there is good and bad in both, you just need to think about what's best for you. Personally, I'd rather learn to put more trust in those around me and possibly suffer the consequences of that, than live in an isolated world with a pending sense of doom. Helps me savour the good parts of life; when i'm not so highly strung.

I hope this helps, hugs - layla xo

[hippieebbbz09]

Oddly enough that’s how I felt once I weaned off my meds. I was so attached to the constant anxiety. I still have the disorder but I manage it way better. But , the constant anxiety I had while on Valium was like a safety net for me . It’s weird but I feel like that’s another mind trick . I don’t want to constantly be on edge, I’m too chill . But , when you get used to the anxiety it’s like it’s a part of you. I get it but it’s not healthy in the long run to always be tense or on edge , in my opinion.

[Sabio77]

Hi dwonie. It is normal to experience things as you go from one medication to another, then a decrease in dosage. From my own experience with the medicine changes, my doctor has told me It takes at least 4-6 weeks for a persons mind and body to fully feel the affect of the new medicine. You can talk to the local pharmacy or your doctor who prescribed your meds regarding what sides affects may occur.

Now the anxiety, it can be more controllable thru drinking water, getting fresh air, exercising, chewing gum, playing an instrument and many other natural ways. I have discovered on my own and some from my therapist. if you would like to learn more, I am here for you and anyone else with anxiety. I speak from experience.

Remember to believe in yourself, that you are never alone, you are worth the effort to help yourself to become an overcomer. Look forward to hearing from you .