Recently diagnosed with anxiety, looking for information, support

[Football1962]

Hi all recently prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg towards the end of June but have to admit haven't taken it yet, just about managing to cope, some days I'm really quite good then others are almost intolerable when the fear kicks in, particularly my underlying fear of dying. Instead I went straight into hypnotherapy as this had worked really well for a friend of mine and he managed to avoid medication completely. Had 3 sessions with some effect but too soon to judge it fully. Had to take 3 weeks off work, back on reduced hours but it's a struggle. My dilemma is do I take the meds anyway and wait for them to take effect as I know it can take several weeks, I really don't want to but had a particularly bad couple of days and I'm considering it, the question is should I?

[Icanbeathis2016]

I definitely understand the crossroad of "should I take the medication or try to deal without it." I will atleast share my story with this. I had totally become afraid to take meds. About 2 years ago I gave the meds a try for 45 days and quit and never taken any since. In those 45 days, for me I was still so full of anxiety and fear that I probably didn't give the medication a chance to work. I still felt as if it wasn't doing anything but what was happening is that I was having anxiety symptoms but I was thinking it was all something worse happening so I quit. I still continued having those symptoms off and on til this day. So long story short, I decided I'd rather defeat this naturally because if I was able to have some good days which I do, then I can continue to without the meds. But I will say, I often ponder on if I should give it another try and will it help me. Or am I making my journey worse by not taking the meds.

You will not be wrong either way you decide.

[Football1962 in reply to Icanbeathis2016]

Hi it's good of you to take the time to respond, I've decided to take the meds, basically because I don't feel I have a choice, I just need some respite from these feelings, whatever it takes. Plus they take a while to kick in and I don't feel I can delay any longer.

I'm hoping that a combination of meds and therapy will get me to a point where I can at least cope more easily.

In an ideal world I'd continue as you have down the natural route, but my bad days so far outweigh my good ones I don't think that's an option for me right now.

I wish you well and hope that whichever route you take works for you, that's all that really matters..

[Steelers86]

I manage my anxiety naturally. I was in meds for 10 plus years constantly adding meds to find what works going through withdrawal of meds I’m in and combating the side effects that meds can have. I too have now turned to natural remedies. I take something called mood which is completely natural and change the gut bacteria. Do your research. Most of the serotonin that creates our anxiety is created in your belly not brain..which is why we have gut feelings. Try changing your diet and see where that leads you. Best of luck it’s a tough battle but you can get through it.

[Football1962 in reply to Steelers86]

Thanks for that, I'm obviously only just setting off in trying to combat this problem compared to you so your views are much more valid.

First question is as I have just started to take Fluoxetine, (Prozac I believe), how effective is it? Also really interested in the diet approach, that's something I had no idea about I'll look into that.

I wish you all the best, I'll post again when I'm a bit further down the line.

[Steelers86 in reply to Football1962]

Fluoxetine works and takes a few weeks to settle in. Watch your busy for side effects and after 2weeks you should experience less anxiety and depression if not then you could need a higher dose.

Our bodies are affected by what we eat. If we are giving ourselves carbs processed food and sugar then the serotonin is feeding off bad food thus making us feel miserable. Try a 3 day clean eat. Just cut out sugar carbs processed food for 3 days. Focus on fruits, veggies, no dairy or caffeine just got 3 days. You’ll be surprised how different you feel. Increase water too! It’s just 3 days.

[Jeanfahy]

Take it asap. Those SSRIs take 4ish weeks to work.

Good luck.

[Football1962 in reply to Jeanfahy]

Thanks for that, it's appreciated I really have no choice, started Fluoxetine this morning, had a shocking day today, thinking about taking one of my "emergency" diazepams, I try not to though if possible.