Meds!

by Elizabeth

Does anyone take meds to help with their anxiety?

reply from Sound-Mind.org

Hi Elizabeth!
Many people take meds to help with their anxiety. In fact, it's more common today than any other time in history - Probably because years ago they did not have the options available. Although meds are not the answer to recovery, they certainly help many people cope with their anxiety/panic while they are in therapy. An example of the different type of meds being used can be found here: Anti-Anxiety Medications

Just like meds, there are alternative methods to overcoming anxiety, such as using therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and even using natural remedies to help with the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic. Many have found that using them both in conjunction with one another has been extremely helpful to long term recovery.

Hope this information was helpful to you! Whatever path you decide to take towards your recovery, be patient with yourself and remember that with baby steps you can learn to get yourself back on track. Hang in there!

~ Susan

Comments for Meds!

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Feb 03, 2012
 Other Alternatives
by: Marci

To add to my last post yesterday, I looked over your list of alternatives and remembered I had/have also tried GABA, amino acids, 5HTP, selenium [lots of the brain type supplements]. Looked into meditation [Bible based, of course], EFT and even 'Christian hypnosis' [sounds like a contradiction and probably is one!]. None of these helped.

Yesterday I've decided I need xanax, low doses, throughout the day in addition to my atenolol. I got the xanax for sleep, but sometime take half doses during the day when I feel tense and panicky.

I may have to see my doc and get a referral to a shrink to get on anti depressants. I'm sick and tired of living like this and I can't keep doing it with just supplements and will power! That decision alone actually made me feel BETTER!
Feb 01, 2012
 Alternatives
by: Marci

Susan ... I've tried so many things over the years and I cannot recall dosages, probably the standard therapeutic dosages, but I will try to recall some of what I've tried. I always tried to take supplements for a minimum of three months to give it a fair trial.

Fish oil ... 1-2 caps a day, it has many good health benefits besides mental health so I will take it always.

St. John's Wort and SamE ... didn't notice anything.

CALM ... 1-2 teaspoons dissolved in hot water. Also contains Vitamin C, Potassium, Vit. D3 and boron. I also use topical magnesium oil. I also take 5,000IU vitamin D3 daily.

I try to get 15-30 minutes of treadmill time 3-4 times a week, but most times I have to push myself to do that because I'm always so fatigued. I use the xanax for sleep.

I eat healthy fresh whole foods, try to keep sugar & processed foods to a minimum, healthy fats, cultured foods ... MOST of the time, plenty of water, sunshine, fresh air, etc., just one cup of coffee in the mornings.

That's all I can think of offhand.
Feb 01, 2012
 to Marci
by: Susan

Hi Marci,
Would love to hear of your natural remedy experience (what you used, for how long & what you thought about each). Would also love to hear what methods you are using now since you are not using meds at this point. Do you take time to exercise each day? One thing I found out most recently was that a Vitamin D deficiency has a profound effect on mood and can cause symptoms of depression, among many other things. Have you had blood work done to check for any deficiencies? If not, it may be a good idea.
Feb 01, 2012
 links
by: Susan

Try refeshing the page, the links should work now. Sorry, a little error in the coding! Thanks for letting me know! =)
Feb 01, 2012
 Agree
by: Marci

Natural therapies have not worked for me either, although magnesium does help a bit. Anxiety and panic and depression are getting worse daily, but I don't want to go with meds. I do have xanax but it only puts me to sleep.

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