– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, Thanks for your inputs. Philip, yes my therapist is good and is always open to new ideas. By the way I just got angry with someone and my anxiety levels shot up. Any idea why? Thanks a million! Sunil Hi, Sunil, You have to love yourself first, most importantly.  I was always petite and since being on ADs over the years have gained weight.  For a long time I dreaded running into people I hadn’t seen in years.  I was so ashamed of my weight gain.  This went on for years.  Finally, I decided that I’m the same person I was way back when but with extra pounds…  I tortured myself over this for years. Finally, I made the decision that I needed to stay mentally on track with my anxiety.  I decided I was far better off having the anxiety in check than worrying about my weight issues. I walk 5 days a week for 2 miles.  The pounds are still there.  I know I’m doing the best I can. It’s not important what other people think, they have their own issues also. Know that you are a good and caring person.  You don’t need to torture yourself over this.  Hold your head high, remind yourself that you are a good and caring person and in time you may come to discover that the depigmentation isn’t your biggest concern in this world. ((((((Sunil)))))) smiles, Elise Hi, My panic strikes me in crowded places where there are a lot of unknown people. This is due to the fact that I am very self conscious of my skin depigmentation. If people look at me I get very angry and this anger manifests itself as anxiety I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Sunil Sunil, I can tell you what helped me. I have struggled with my self image for a very long time. Sometimes I think I have a long way to go, but sometimes I look back on where I was.. and compare it with now, and there is a world of difference.

A lot of very good self image/self acceptance suggestions Sally. Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used affirmations. I don’t mean unbelievable, Pollyanna affirmations.. or ones I could not accept. I had to start very low.. because my self esteem was almost nil. I really thought I was monstrous.. hideous.. it’s terrible to think of what kind of junk I had put in my head, and it made it very hard for me to go anywhere and do about anything. I finally decided …uh.. I had never actually SEEN anyone before that looked as BAD as I was sure that I looked… so it had to be some kind of lie. I started with the affirmation, "I am human." – something I could not dispute at all. It was very difficult to push that belief into my head, but I finally did. The next step was in dealing with being out and about in public. I merely told myself, "I have as much right to be here as anyone else.".. again.. something I couldn’t disprove. That set me free of TONS of stuff.. and it’s not something I have to convince myself of anymore, it’s the truth, so .. I’m glad I did that. We put lies and junk in our heads. We are the ones that have to take that crap out. Now, honestly, I have not gotten to "I am wonderful, I love myself.".. but I have gotten to the point that I can give myself some positive input when I do something that I like – I used to negate every positive thing there was about me.. and that is partially also CBT. The anger — Sunil.. you probably get very defensive if criticized too. I have been there, and I still am there at times. I work against it, but it is there..that comes from the fact that YOU have put yourself down for so long, that if anyone else dares to criticize you, or look at you funny..  well, it’s the last straw.. if your self esteem is a bit higher, you won’t be quite as defensive. I know this from personal experience. I’ve even had the experience of being terribly criticized unfairly and then came to the conclusion.. uh.. they were full of shit. The criticism worked in my favor, and who the hell are *THEY* anyway? They don’t have a robe or a gavel. They’re not my judge at ALL.. and may need more work than I do on themselves… and AFAIK, this world is not some sort of beauty pageant anyway. Sunil.. work on this and just make some dents in it. Once you get one level up, move on to the next one. It helped me also.. I was reading a web site, and someone made a comment about Jessica Simpson. I think she’s really pretty – but a few men in the forum said how ugly she was – and I thought, "Well hell. If even SHE has people who think she’s ugly, then nobody is going to be accepted by everyone.".. anyone who does not accept you.. .they are not worthy of your consideration AT ALL. Don’t dis em.. don’t hate em.. IGNORE and don’t even waste a minute of your life caring what they think. Only your opinion matters. Only yours. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunil, I can tell you what helped me. I have struggled with my self image for a very long time. Sometimes I think I have a long way to go, but sometimes I look back on where I was.. and compare it with now, and there is a world of difference. I used affirmations. I don’t mean unbelievable, Pollyanna affirmations.. or ones I could not accept. I had to start very low.. because my self esteem was almost nil. been there. I still am struggling with my self-esteem. And I’m 63 years old. I really thought I was monstrous.. hideous.. it’s terrible to think of what kind of junk I had put in my head, maybe you had some help from your parents? at a very young age?  and it made it very hard for me to go anywhere and do about anything. I finally decided …uh.. I had never actually SEEN anyone before that looked as BAD as I was sure that I looked… so it had to be some kind of lie. I started with the affirmation, "I am human." – something I could not dispute at all. It was very difficult to push that belief into my head, but I finally did. The next step was in dealing with being out and about in public. I merely told myself, "I have as much right to be here as anyone else.".. again.. something I couldn’t disprove. That set me free of TONS of stuff.. and it’s not something I have to convince myself of anymore, it’s the truth, so .. I’m glad I did that. We put lies and junk in our heads. We are the ones that have to take that crap out. Now, honestly, I have not gotten to "I am wonderful, I love myself.". Good for you, Sally.  . but I have gotten to the point that I can give myself some positive input when I do something that I like – I used to negate every positive thing there was about me.. and that is partially also CBT. The anger — Sunil.. you probably get very defensive if criticized too. I have been there, and I still am there at times. I work against it, but it is there..that comes from the fact that YOU have put yourself down for so long, that if anyone else dares to criticize you, or look at you funny..  well, it’s the last straw.. if your self esteem is a bit higher, you won’t be quite as defensive. I know this from personal experience. I’ve even had the experience of being terribly criticized unfairly and then came to the conclusion.. uh.. they were full of shit. The criticism worked in my favor, and who the hell are *THEY* anyway? They don’t have a robe or a gavel. They’re not my judge at ALL.. and may need more work than I do on themselves… and AFAIK, this world is not some sort of beauty pageant anyway. Sunil.. work on this and just make some dents in it. Once you get one level up, move on to the next one. It helped me also.. I was reading a web site, and someone made a comment about Jessica Simpson. I think she’s really pretty – but a few men in the forum said how ugly she was – and I thought, "Well hell. If even SHE has people who think she’s ugly, then nobody is going to be accepted by everyone.".. anyone who does not accept you.. .they are not worthy of your consideration AT ALL. Don’t dis em.. don’t hate em.. IGNORE and don’t even waste a minute of your life caring what they think. Only your opinion matters. Only yours. If one has a bad self-image of themself, that started in early childhood (maybe age 1 to 3 years), it’s very hard to change that image. It seems like a constant struggle. Chip

Chip, I believe my self esteem problems came from events that happened a bit later in life. My early and mid childhood was happy. I was an only child, and had lots of praise early .. but I don’t discount that this stuff may be part of a personality disorder.. and over 25 years of systematic abuse didn’t help much either. I think it’s a combination of the two.. To me, really, it does not matter. Fact is.. I have struggled with this and still do – but I am nowhere near where I was a couple of years ago. I am not that person anymore. Part of negative self talk is just habit, I think, and those habits can be changed if you make them change and practice telling yourself the truth … but you cannot go from self hatred to instant self love.. you have to go at the pace you can accept to be true about you… that’s the thing.. the freedom lies in the truth that you are worthwhile just because you are. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::By the way I just got angry with someone and my anxiety levels shot ::up. ::Any idea why? Some people find being angry very uncomfortable. Anger can produce similar physical symptoms as anxiety. Maybe your anger reminds you too much of being anxious? Jackie ~*~I’m not trying to change the world. I’m trying to stop the world from changing me~*~    ~ Ammon Hennacy ~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sunil, I can tell you what helped me. I have struggled with my self image for a very long time. Sometimes I think I have a long way to go, but sometimes I look back on where I was.. and compare it with now, and there is a world of difference. I used affirmations. I don’t mean unbelievable, Pollyanna affirmations.. or ones I could not accept. I had to start very low.. because my self esteem was almost nil.

been there. I still am struggling with my self-esteem. And I’m 63 years old. I really thought I was monstrous.. hideous.. it’s terrible to think of what kind of junk I had put in my head,

maybe you had some help from your parents? at a very young age?  and it made it very hard for me to go anywhere and do about anything. I finally decided …uh.. I had never actually SEEN anyone before that looked as BAD as I was sure that I looked… so it had to be some kind of lie. I started with the affirmation, "I am human." – something I could not dispute at all. It was very difficult to push that belief into my head, but I finally did. The next step was in dealing with being out and about in public. I merely told myself, "I have as much right to be here as anyone else.".. again.. something I couldn’t disprove. That set me free of TONS of stuff.. and it’s not something I have to convince myself of anymore, it’s the truth, so .. I’m glad I did that. We put lies and junk in our heads. We are the ones that have to take that crap out. Now, honestly, I have not gotten to "I am wonderful, I love myself.".

Good for you, Sally.  . – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – but I have gotten to the point that I can give myself some positive input when I do something that I like – I used to negate every positive thing there was about me.. and that is partially also CBT. The anger — Sunil.. you probably get very defensive if criticized too. I have been there, and I still am there at times. I work against it, but it is there..that comes from the fact that YOU have put yourself down for so long, that if anyone else dares to criticize you, or look at you funny..  well, it’s the last straw.. if your self esteem is a bit higher, you won’t be quite as defensive. I know this from personal experience. I’ve even had the experience of being terribly criticized unfairly and then came to the conclusion.. uh.. they were full of shit. The criticism worked in my favor, and who the hell are *THEY* anyway? They don’t have a robe or a gavel. They’re not my judge at ALL.. and may need more work than I do on themselves… and AFAIK, this world is not some sort of beauty pageant anyway. Sunil.. work on this and just make some dents in it. Once you get one level up, move on to the next one. It helped me also.. I was reading a web site, and someone made a comment about Jessica Simpson. I think she’s really pretty – but a few men in the forum said how ugly she was – and I thought, "Well hell. If even SHE has people who think she’s ugly, then nobody is going to be accepted by everyone.".. anyone who does not accept you.. .they are not worthy of your consideration AT ALL. Don’t dis em.. don’t hate em.. IGNORE and don’t even waste a minute of your life caring what they think. Only your opinion matters. Only yours.

If one has a bad self-image of themself, that started in early childhood (maybe age 1 to 3 years), it’s very hard to change that image. It seems like a constant struggle. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Sunil, You have to love yourself first, most importantly.  I was always petite and since being on ADs over the years have gained weight.  For a long time I dreaded running into people I hadn’t seen in years.  I was so ashamed of my weight gain.  This went on for years.  Finally, I decided that I’m the same person I was way back when but with extra pounds…  I tortured myself over this for years. Finally, I made the decision that I needed to stay mentally on track with my anxiety.  I decided I was far better off having the anxiety in check than worrying about my weight issues. I walk 5 days a week for 2 miles.  The pounds are still there.  I know I’m doing the best I can. It’s not important what other people think, they have their own issues also. Know that you are a good and caring person.  You don’t need to torture yourself over this.  Hold your head high, remind yourself that you are a good and caring person and in time you may come to discover that the depigmentation isn’t your biggest concern in this world. ((((((Sunil)))))) smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, My panic strikes me in crowded places where there are a lot of unknown people. This is due to the fact that I am very self conscious of my skin depigmentation. If people look at me I get very angry and this anger manifests itself as anxiety I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Sunil — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, Thanks for your inputs. Philip, yes my therapist is good and is always open to new ideas. By the way I just got angry with someone and my anxiety levels shot up. Any idea why? Thanks a million! Sunil Hi, Sunil, You have to love yourself first, most importantly.  I was always petite and since being on ADs over the years have gained weight.  For a long time I dreaded running into people I hadn’t seen in years.  I was so ashamed of my weight gain.  This went on for years.  Finally, I decided that I’m the same person I was way back when but with extra pounds…  I tortured myself over this for years. Finally, I made the decision that I needed to stay mentally on track with my anxiety.  I decided I was far better off having the anxiety in check than worrying about my weight issues. I walk 5 days a week for 2 miles.  The pounds are still there.  I know I’m doing the best I can. It’s not important what other people think, they have their own issues also. Know that you are a good and caring person.  You don’t need to torture yourself over this.  Hold your head high, remind yourself that you are a good and caring person and in time you may come to discover that the depigmentation isn’t your biggest concern in this world. ((((((Sunil)))))) smiles, Elise Hi, My panic strikes me in crowded places where there are a lot of unknown people. This is due to the fact that I am very self conscious of my skin depigmentation. If people look at me I get very angry and this anger manifests itself as anxiety I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Sunil

Sunil, I can tell you what helped me. I have struggled with my self image for a very long time. Sometimes I think I have a long way to go, but sometimes I look back on where I was.. and compare it with now, and there is a world of difference. I used affirmations. I don’t mean unbelievable, Pollyanna affirmations.. or ones I could not accept. I had to start very low.. because my self esteem was almost nil. I really thought I was monstrous.. hideous.. it’s terrible to think of what kind of junk I had put in my head, and it made it very hard for me to go anywhere and do about anything. I finally decided …uh.. I had never actually SEEN anyone before that looked as BAD as I was sure that I looked… so it had to be some kind of lie. I started with the affirmation, "I am human." – something I could not dispute at all. It was very difficult to push that belief into my head, but I finally did. The next step was in dealing with being out and about in public. I merely told myself, "I have as much right to be here as anyone else.".. again.. something I couldn’t disprove. That set me free of TONS of stuff.. and it’s not something I have to convince myself of anymore, it’s the truth, so .. I’m glad I did that. We put lies and junk in our heads. We are the ones that have to take that crap out. Now, honestly, I have not gotten to "I am wonderful, I love myself.".. but I have gotten to the point that I can give myself some positive input when I do something that I like – I used to negate every positive thing there was about me.. and that is partially also CBT. The anger — Sunil.. you probably get very defensive if criticized too. I have been there, and I still am there at times. I work against it, but it is there..that comes from the fact that YOU have put yourself down for so long, that if anyone else dares to criticize you, or look at you funny..  well, it’s the last straw.. if your self esteem is a bit higher, you won’t be quite as defensive. I know this from personal experience. I’ve even had the experience of being terribly criticized unfairly and then came to the conclusion.. uh.. they were full of shit. The criticism worked in my favor, and who the hell are *THEY* anyway? They don’t have a robe or a gavel. They’re not my judge at ALL.. and may need more work than I do on themselves… and AFAIK, this world is not some sort of beauty pageant anyway. Sunil.. work on this and just make some dents in it. Once you get one level up, move on to the next one. It helped me also.. I was reading a web site, and someone made a comment about Jessica Simpson. I think she’s really pretty – but a few men in the forum said how ugly she was – and I thought, "Well hell. If even SHE has people who think she’s ugly, then nobody is going to be accepted by everyone.".. anyone who does not accept you.. .they are not worthy of your consideration AT ALL. Don’t dis em.. don’t hate em.. IGNORE and don’t even waste a minute of your life caring what they think. Only your opinion matters. Only yours. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello all, Thanks for your inputs. Philip, yes my therapist is good and is always open to new ideas. By the way I just got angry with someone and my anxiety levels shot up. Any idea why? Thanks a million! Sunil – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Sunil, You have to love yourself first, most importantly.  I was always petite and since being on ADs over the years have gained weight.  For a long time I dreaded running into people I hadn’t seen in years.  I was so ashamed of my weight gain.  This went on for years.  Finally, I decided that I’m the same person I was way back when but with extra pounds…  I tortured myself over this for years. Finally, I made the decision that I needed to stay mentally on track with my anxiety.  I decided I was far better off having the anxiety in check than worrying about my weight issues. I walk 5 days a week for 2 miles.  The pounds are still there.  I know I’m doing the best I can. It’s not important what other people think, they have their own issues also. Know that you are a good and caring person.  You don’t need to torture yourself over this.  Hold your head high, remind yourself that you are a good and caring person and in time you may come to discover that the depigmentation isn’t your biggest concern in this world. ((((((Sunil)))))) smiles, Elise Hi, My panic strikes me in crowded places where there are a lot of unknown people. This is due to the fact that I am very self conscious of my skin depigmentation. If people look at me I get very angry and this anger manifests itself as anxiety I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Sunil

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no ::avail. ::Any ideas? Dear Sunlil, Right or wrong, it’s a natural reaction for people to look at someone who *looks* different. You cannot change this, you can only change your reaction looking at you Most people are decent, they are not judging you by your looks. I bet many are sympathetic. When I see someone that has disfigurement or disability, I feel nothing but compassion for them. I also admire them for getting on with their lives.  Maybe the people that look at you think the same way I do. If someone is judging you, then they aren’t worth your time. Stick your tongue out at those people You are fine the way you are (((((Sunlil))))) Jackie ~*~I’m not trying to change the world. I’m trying to stop the world from changing me~*~    ~ Ammon Hennacy ~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

sunnyindy schreef: Hi, My panic strikes me in crowded places where there are a lot of unknown people. This is due to the fact that I am very self conscious of my skin depigmentation. If people look at me I get very angry and this anger manifests itself as anxiety I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Sunil

What does your therpaist say? She any good? Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I have a weight issue, and get really uncomfortable in public sometimes.  I was told a good quote in a 12 step meeting.  "Those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter."  That has helped me.  I have agoraphobia, and it is quite difficult at times to manage my anxiety and internal voices when in public or crowded places.  When I get over-stimulated, things become very stressful, and I physically go into panic attacks, fear, anxiety and really want to leave immediately and go straight home.  I try to "stay" in the situation because I have been told that is helpful and positive in working with my disorder. Hugs, Kris

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, My panic strikes me in crowded places where there are a lot of unknown people. This is due to the fact that I am very self conscious of my skin depigmentation. If people look at me I get very angry and this anger manifests itself as anxiety I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Sunil

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, My panic strikes me in crowded places where there are a lot of unknown people. This is due to the fact that I am very self conscious of my skin depigmentation. If people look at me I get very angry and this anger manifests itself as anxiety I have been trying to accept myself, warts and all for years but to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Sunil — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I am suffering from vitiligo ,too. and so far as I am concered, the more worried you are ,the faster the white patch spreads. and the best cure for yourself is your mood. And as for others, don’t you ever think that you’re teased. You can talk to them.And they will appreciate your problem and show their care ,when they know the fact. And there are suggestion for you.  It’s been nearly 3 years since I got Vitiligo. And I find if you eat something which is rich in vitamine C ,the white patch spreads. And less sleep can also result in spreading. And you should place yourself in a nice mood. Get enough exerises. The key is that you are happy and optimistic. You should never give up the hope that you’re cured. Try to make friends as possible as you can. As for me , I even seek many net – friends through internet. I joined a QQ group(QQ is a communication tool in China like MSN,Yahoo Messenger,which indicates I am a Chinese) I shared my story and commnuicate with them and benefit a lot. At least, I don’t feel isolated or aone.I am college student. I have my life and future. If possible ,give me a reply. I am happy to your friend,even a pen-pal. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thank you all for your inputs. I have *never* experienced spontaneous ("out of the blue") panic attacks. It’s only with new people around. I agree I msut be more self accepting but it is tough. Also all  the above social anxiety diganostic criteria fit me to a T. Once again thanks for sorting this out. Sunil – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I get panicky *only* with new people. This is probably because I suffer from vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and was teased a lot about it in my teenage when I first got it. I don’t get panicky the 2nd or 3rd time a person sees me. I get anxious in *daylight* and *crowded* places. I feel more than panic disorder I suffer from socail anxiety. Any comments? Thanks in advance. Sunil It doesn’t sound to me like you have any kind of a social or panic disorder. You just have vitiligo.  You are concerned about what people think of you and how they will react when they see you.  This would be normal regardless of what kind of condition a person has that others can see.  A scar.  A burn.  Lots of things. In my opinion, and from my experience with other people who have physical disorders, just try to forget about it and others will, too.  When you try to hide it or are shy about it you draw attention to it.  If you just walk up to people like there is nothing wrong, your calm voice and personality will soon cut through the vitiligo. Look at Seal.  He became a famous singer despite his scars, and married a gorgeous supermodel to boot. I was in the locker room with a guy who had an artificial leg.  The adults kept their mouths shut, but all the little kids were fascinated by the thing, and were not afraid to ask questions.  Soon, he was twisting it all around, the kids were having a ball, and he had bonded with everyone in the room just by not trying to hide it. And, anyone who would avoid you because of this is extremely shallow and you wouldn’t want to know them.

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello all, I get panicky *only* with new people. This is probably because I suffer from vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and was teased a lot about it in my teenage when I first got it. I don’t get panicky the 2nd or 3rd time a person sees me. I get anxious in *daylight* and *crowded* places. I feel more than panic disorder I suffer from socail anxiety. Any comments? Thanks in advance. Sunil

It doesn’t sound to me like you have any kind of a social or panic disorder. You just have vitiligo.  You are concerned about what people think of you and how they will react when they see you.  This would be normal regardless of what kind of condition a person has that others can see.  A scar.  A burn.  Lots of things. In my opinion, and from my experience with other people who have physical disorders, just try to forget about it and others will, too.  When you try to hide it or are shy about it you draw attention to it.  If you just walk up to people like there is nothing wrong, your calm voice and personality will soon cut through the vitiligo. Look at Seal.  He became a famous singer despite his scars, and married a gorgeous supermodel to boot. I was in the locker room with a guy who had an artificial leg.  The adults kept their mouths shut, but all the little kids were fascinated by the thing, and were not afraid to ask questions.  Soon, he was twisting it all around, the kids were having a ball, and he had bonded with everyone in the room just by not trying to hide it. And, anyone who would avoid you because of this is extremely shallow and you wouldn’t want to know them. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello all, I get panicky *only* with new people. This is probably because I suffer from vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and was teased a lot about it in my teenage when I first got it. I don’t get panicky the 2nd or 3rd time a person sees me. I get anxious in *daylight* and *crowded* places. I feel more than panic disorder I suffer from socail anxiety. Any comments? Thanks in advance. Sunil

Sunil, It sounds to me like something I am well acquainted with myself – low self esteem. I assume others are thinking bad things when they lay eyes on me – it does get better after meeting them again. I think I sort of obsess about the thought "first impressions do count". Sound familiar? you may have a different disorder, but that sounds a lot like my low self esteem and being preoccupied with what people may be thinking. Take care, Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Sunil, Maybe your sensitivity to vitiligo due to how you perceive yourself causes you to have panicky/anxiety feelings when you initially meet people.  Have you tried reading books on self-image, self worth? Being teased in school is a big factor for many people and goes on long after the school years are over. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I get panicky *only* with new people. This is probably because I suffer from vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and was teased a lot about it in my teenage when I first got it. I don’t get panicky the 2nd or 3rd time a person sees me. I get anxious in *daylight* and *crowded* places. I feel more than panic disorder I suffer from socail anxiety. Any comments? Thanks in advance. Sunil — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello all, I get panicky *only* with new people. This is probably because I suffer from vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and was teased a lot about it in my teenage when I first got it. I don’t get panicky the 2nd or 3rd time a person sees me. I get anxious in *daylight* and *crowded* places. I feel more than panic disorder I suffer from socail anxiety. Any comments?

Hi Sunil People with panic disorder (by definition)  have experienced spontaneous ("out of the blue") panic attacks. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I get panicky *only* with new people. This is probably because I ::suffer from vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and was teased a lot ::about it in my teenage when I first got it. ::I don’t get panicky the 2nd or 3rd time a person sees me. ::I get anxious in *daylight* and *crowded* places. ::I feel more than panic disorder I suffer from socail anxiety. ::Any comments? Do you relate to any of this? If so, talk to your pdoc or therapist about it. What is Social Anxiety Disorder ? From Cathleen Henning,

Your Guide to Panic / Anxiety Disorders. An introduction to social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia For people with social anxiety disorder or social phobia, everyday social situations involve overwhelming anxiety and self-consciousness. The intensity of these feelings varies from person to person, and not every person with social anxiety disorder fears the same types of situations. People with social anxiety disorder may have some or all of the following feelings in social situations: Fear that everyone’s attention is focused on them Fear that they will make mistakes and everyone will notice Feeling that everyone else is more capable in the same situation Fear that they are being judged by others Fear that they will embarrass or humiliate themselves in front of others In feared situations, people with social anxiety disorder will feel intense anxiety. The anxiety may lead to nausea, trembling, pounding heart, blushing, sweating and stammering. For some, the anxiety will intensify into a panic attack. These symptoms of anxiety often lead to further embarrassment for the person with social anxiety. Some people with social anxiety disorder are comfortable only with close friends and family. Others only fear specific social situations. Some become anxious when dealing with people in authoritative positions (such as bosses). Public speaking is a common social fear. Other specific social fears include using public restrooms, eating in restaurants, using a telephone, and writing in front of people. People with social anxiety disorder often worry for days or even weeks before a feared social situation. The disorder may become severe enough to interfere with school or work, and may cause difficulty with close relationships. Who Has Social Anxiety Disorder According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the following statistics show who has social anxiety disorder in the United States: 5.3 million adult Americans (3.7% of the population) have social anxiety disorder. Women are twice as likely as men to have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder usually begins in childhood or early adolescence and rarely after age 25. Social Anxiety vs. Shyness Shy people do not experience the same intense anxiety as people with social anxiety disorder. In addition, shy people don’t avoid social situations to the extreme that people with social anxiety disorder do. Shyness is not a criteria for social anxiety disorder. People with social anxiety disorder may be quite comfortable with certain people or many people, but still avoid or feel intense anxiety in specific social situations. In addition, social anxiety disorder may come to be debilitating for some people whereas shyness does not. Social anxiety disorder may begin to overtake every aspect of a person’s life. Social Anxiety and Other Conditions Social anxiety disorder may co-occur with other anxiety disorders as well as depression. Additionally, people with social anxiety may develop problems with substance abuse or dependence when they use drinking or drugs to "self-medicate" their symptoms. Treating Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is usually treated with therapy or medication or a combination of both. As with other anxiety disorders, social anxiety disorder will become worse without treatment. Therefore, it is crucial for people with suspected symptoms to seek proper treatment as soon as possible. The therapy used most often in treating social anxiety disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy helps those with social anxiety disorder learn how to cope with and change irrational, repetitive thoughts which may precede and intensify anxiety in feared situations. The therapy may also focus on self-esteem, anger, assertiveness and other issues. Behavioral therapy involves the actual practice of social skills. It may involve desensitization in feared situations. Behavioral therapy is often done in groups where participants may practice skills with people who have the same fears. However, not all people with social anxiety will feel comfortable in groups, so this therapy may be practiced one-on-one. Medication may be an important part of recovery for many. Medication may be temporary, allowing the person to feel well enough to practice cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or medication use may be used long-term. The medications most commonly used for social phobia are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOI’s), and benzodiazepines. Beta blockers are sometimes used with performance anxiety, a specific kind of social anxiety. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/socialbasics/a/socialanxiety.htm Jackie ~*~I got in touch with my inner child and now my imaginary friend is jealous~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello all, I get panicky *only* with new people. This is probably because I suffer from vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and was teased a lot about it in my teenage when I first got it. I don’t get panicky the 2nd or 3rd time a person sees me. I get anxious in *daylight* and *crowded* places. I feel more than panic disorder I suffer from socail anxiety. Any comments? Thanks in advance. Sunil — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Well, I’ve finally given up on doxepin/sinequan. While it’s helped somewhat, it never really stopped any of my PA’s. Will lexapro be any better for AD? Does it do anything for depression? My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet. She did let me go to 60mg on the inderal/proranolol. Too bad I won’t ever get to test it under the conditions it was supposed to improve… I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me nervous… — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Doug, Lexapro works for my depression. So did Effexor. I find Lexapro a gentler AD. Meryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I’ve finally given up on doxepin/sinequan. While it’s helped somewhat, it never really stopped any of my PA’s. Will lexapro be any better for AD? Does it do anything for depression? My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet. She did let me go to 60mg on the inderal/proranolol. Too bad I won’t ever get to test it under the conditions it was supposed to improve… I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me nervous… — Doug

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I think I mixed up my acronyms. By AD I meant Anxiety Disorder not Anti-Depressant. Has anyone found Lexapro good for their anxiety? Since my anxiety causes my depression I’m interested in dealing with it first. Thanks for the reply Meryl. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Doug, Lexapro works for my depression. So did Effexor. I find Lexapro a gentler AD. Meryl Well, I’ve finally given up on doxepin/sinequan. While it’s helped somewhat, it never really stopped any of my PA’s. Will lexapro be any better for AD? Does it do anything for depression? My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet. She did let me go to 60mg on the inderal/proranolol. Too bad I won’t ever get to test it under the conditions it was supposed to improve… I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me nervous… — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Well, I’ve finally given up on doxepin/sinequan. While it’s helped somewhat, ::it never really stopped any of my PA’s. Will lexapro be any better for AD? ::Does it do anything for depression? :: ::My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet. :: ::She did let me go to 60mg on the inderal/proranolol. Too bad I won’t ever ::get to test it under the conditions it was supposed to improve… :: ::I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had ::with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I ::could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me ::nervous… Dear Doug, Lexapro can help anxiety and depression. There is no way to predict how Lexapro will work for you. The only way to find out is by giving it a try. What do you have to lose? All antidepressants have the ‘potential’ to cause side-effects. Two ways to minimize this is to start at a low dose and to wean slowly. Make sure to start no higher than 5mgs. Increase your dose at a rate that is comfortable for you. Another way to minimize side-effects is to use a benzo ‘as needed’. Make sure to discuss all of this with your NP. Good luck with the Lexapro. Keep us updated! Jackie ~*~Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better~*~    ~~Samuel Beckett — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I beieve I started at 10 mg, but many anxiety sufferers do better at 5 mg to start. I also used Xanax to offset any "butterflies" in the first few days.  I’ve been at 20 mg for nearly two years now. Good luck. xxoo Anne

Anne, do you still take a benzo in addition to Lexapro?  Or is Lexapro all you need now for you symptoms? I am working up to 20mg of Lexapro.  I am currently at 15mg.  The last two days I have taken a little bit more than 15mg and both nights I have had extra anxiety.  Grrr. Jim — American Democracy: One more candidate than Communism JimD – Central FL, USA, Earth, Sol — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Anne, do you still take a benzo in addition to Lexapro?  Or is Lexapro all you need now for you symptoms?

Hi Jim:   I take .5mg of Xanax about an hour before bedtime. I think at this point it’s more of a placebo,  but it helps me stop *thinking* too damn much, so I can get to sleep!  LOL I also take .5mg Xanax before a long highway drive. Driving was one of my biggest phobias (only on highways though).  Here, it helps a lot to quell any stray "might panic" flutters. If I ever get up the guts to fly again, I will of course take Xanax to get me through it. But I don’t take it otherwise during the day.  I credit Lexapro with alleviating my panic and anxiety over the long haul.   My pdoc added 100mg of Wellbutrin last spring because my depression was returning. Wellbutrin is not sedating, so I was nervous about taking it at first, but it definitely addressed the relapse of depression. (That is a low dose of Wellbutrin, BTW.) I take it in the morning because it makes me sort of wide awake — good thing in daytime, bad at night! I am working up to 20mg of Lexapro.  I am currently at 15mg.  The last two days I have taken a little bit more than 15mg and both nights I have had extra anxiety.  Grrr.

Don’t push it. You can stay at 15 mg for a long time. 10 mg is considered a therapeutic dose.  I mean, literally you can stay at 15 mg for months and then consider another increase.  No sense making yourself unnecessarily uncomfortable! xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I think I got scared off of SSRI’s after my effexor and Zoloft experience.

Yup, trying the wrong SSRI can be ugly.  However finding the right one can really make a difference. Effexor and Zoloft just seemed to have nothing but side-effects and no up-side, if that makes any sense.

Effexor was really bad for me too.  Zoloft I stuck with for 8 years, however the side effects did start to get bad, like blurry vision bad. After that it was time to switch Give lexapro a shot, it may just do the trick.  Your doc will probably give you the 10mg, so just take one quarter of that the first day. Maybe even do an eight of the 10mg for the first day.  Whenever I have tried a new SSRI, I have done it on a day when I had nothing to do, no where to be and I could basically be alone.  Give that a try with the small amount of lexapro and hopefully you won’t notice any side effects. Jim — American Democracy: One more candidate than Communism JimD – Central FL, USA, Earth, Sol — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Doug, Lexapro has been near miraculous for my anxiety, panic, and depression. It is notably low in side effects compared to other SSRIs. My recollection is that it has the active component of Celexa, but in a purer form, thus fewer side effects. I did well on Celexa, but Lexapro has been even better for me. I beieve I started at 10 mg, but many anxiety sufferers do better at 5 mg to start. I also used Xanax to offset any "butterflies" in the first few days.  I’ve been at 20 mg for nearly two years now. One thing that is a big variable for different people is the time it takes for this med to be noticeably effective. Some people get relief very quickly from their anxiety and panic (and depression) symptoms.  I found it took months.   Then I suddenly realized I was functioning much better, having fewer negative thoughts, looking forward to things, not having random PAs and even being able to drive on highways with less anxiety. So, my advice is, if you seem to be tolerating Lexapro OK after a week or so, STICK WITH IT, increase to a therapeutic dose gradually, and give it time to work.   Good luck. xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Well, I’ve finally given up on doxepin/sinequan. While it’s helped somewhat, it never really stopped any of my PA’s. Will lexapro be any better for AD? Does it do anything for depression?

I used 10mg of Lexapro for 3 years and it worked well for my mixed-bag of anxiety, panic, depression and mild OCD (obsessive worry/thoughts). Back in December I had a big relapse and I have been recovering.  I am working up to 20mg of Lexapro now and I am currently taking a little over 15mg.  I also take ativan to help with the extra anxiety when I increase lexapro. For me lexapro really knocks out depression.  It has also stopped my panic attacks.  I haven’t had a _major_ panic for 3 months.  However I still have a bunch of anxiety and some OCD lingering so my pdoc is getting me to increase lexapro to see if that can help. Before my relapse of symptoms this past December, I went just about 3 years on Lexapro with really no panic attacks.  I almost forgot that I have this stupid disorder until things kicked up again in December.  :-) My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet.

The lowest effective amount is 10mg which did the trick for me for 3 years.  However, you should start with 5mg for about 1 weeks. I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me nervous…

It may, it may not.  Lexapro seems to have one of the best side effects profiles of all the SSRI’s out there.  I personally find Lexapro to have very mild side effects compared to the other AD’s I have tried: Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil and Luvox.  Effexor was a _nightmare_ for me and I only took it 2 times.  Start with 2.5mg to 5mg of Lexapro for a few days, it should be very mild as far as side effects go. Jim — American Democracy: One more candidate than Communism JimD – Central FL, USA, Earth, Sol — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Well, I’ve finally given up on doxepin/sinequan. While it’s helped somewhat, it never really stopped any of my PA’s. Will lexapro be any better for AD? Does it do anything for depression?

all antidepressants work to some degree or another on anxiety and depression-how well they work for you is almost always very idiosyncratic, although some generalizations exist for each My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet. She did let me go to 60mg on the inderal/proranolol. Too bad I won’t ever get to test it under the conditions it was supposed to improve…

so then you will not be using inderal any longer? I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me nervous…

the activity that efexor has is theoretically more akin to doxepin then lexapro-lexapro is the purest variant of ssri meds available-this purity has little effect on its clinical response however. I actually see better results from its forbearer celexa-both these drugs function in the serotonin matrix alone, tca meds and effexor function in serotonin as well as norepinephrine matrixes too-effexor may also effect some dopamine receptors at high doses as well-how your body handles and reacts to these meds will be the telling as to whether they are good for you-since you are already on a tca I would just as well switch it to another, you would know if it works within a week-it will take a full course of titration with an ssri to see if it helps-I would also try either celexa or zoloft first if an ssri would be appropriate to try-if celexa worked but just not enough, then trying lexapro would be logical-just my 2 cents-this si between your doc and you in the final analysis — Doug

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

This is good news for a change. While I haven’t heard of a single person (that I can remember) on ASAP or ASAP-M who has been helped by doxepin/sinequan it’s great to know lexapro has worked for you! Finally, some good news. I think I got scared off of SSRI’s after my effexor and Zoloft experience. Effexor and Zoloft just seemed to have nothing but side-effects and no up-side, if that makes any sense. Thanks for the reply JimD. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For me lexapro really knocks out depression.  It has also stopped my panic attacks.  I haven’t had a _major_ panic for 3 months.  However I still have a bunch of anxiety and some OCD lingering so my pdoc is getting me to increase lexapro to see if that can help. Before my relapse of symptoms this past December, I went just about 3 years on Lexapro with really no panic attacks.  I almost forgot that I have this stupid disorder until things kicked up again in December.  :-) My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet. The lowest effective amount is 10mg which did the trick for me for 3 years.  However, you should start with 5mg for about 1 weeks. I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me nervous… It may, it may not.  Lexapro seems to have one of the best side effects profiles of all the SSRI’s out there.  I personally find Lexapro to have very mild side effects compared to the other AD’s I have tried: Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil and Luvox.  Effexor was a _nightmare_ for me and I only took it 2 times.  Start with 2.5mg to 5mg of Lexapro for a few days, it should be very mild as far as side effects go. Jim — American Democracy: One more candidate than Communism JimD – Central FL, USA, Earth, Sol — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

If the Lexapro magically cures my PD (or is it AD [Anxiety Disorder]?) I won’t be using inderal again. She upped the dose to 60mg. Previously I had been using 10mg to 40mg. I’ll probably be using the inderal on my next job interview. Thanks for replying Margrove. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – so then you will not be using inderal any longer? the activity that efexor has is theoretically more akin to doxepin then lexapro-lexapro is the purest variant of ssri meds available-this purity has little effect on its clinical response however. I actually see better results from its forbearer celexa-both these drugs function in the serotonin matrix alone, tca meds and effexor function in serotonin as well as norepinephrine matrixes too-effexor may also effect some dopamine receptors at high doses as well-how your body handles and reacts to these meds will be the telling as to whether they are good for you-since you are already on a tca I would just as well switch it to another, you would know if it works within a week-it will take a full course of titration with an ssri to see if it helps-I would also try either celexa or zoloft first if an ssri would be appropriate to try-if celexa worked but just not enough, then trying lexapro would be logical-just my 2 cents-this si between your doc and you in the final analysis — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Doug, I take Xanax for anxiety and Lexapro for depression. It is not unusual for them to co-exist My PD came first. Depression was diagnosed a few years later. Meryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think I mixed up my acronyms. By AD I meant Anxiety Disorder not Anti-Depressant. Has anyone found Lexapro good for their anxiety? Since my anxiety causes my depression I’m interested in dealing with it first. Thanks for the reply Meryl. — Doug Hi Doug, Lexapro works for my depression. So did Effexor. I find Lexapro a gentler AD. Meryl Well, I’ve finally given up on doxepin/sinequan. While it’s helped somewhat, it never really stopped any of my PA’s. Will lexapro be any better for AD? Does it do anything for depression? My NurseP hasn’t given me my doseage information for lexapro yet. She did let me go to 60mg on the inderal/proranolol. Too bad I won’t ever get to test it under the conditions it was supposed to improve… I’m just hoping lexapro doesn’t cause the really bad side-effects that I had with effexor. When I was taking effexor I had to plan to take it so that I could avoid any stressful situations, because all it did was make me nervous… — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Jackie Tx for the feedbak.  I have two children;  a son who is 21 and a 7 year old daughter. I was on Paxil a couple of years back but it took me 4 months to get to three quarters and terribly anxiety until it eventually started working.  I am extremely sensitive to SSRIs so between the pdoc and myself we’ve decided not to follow that route anymore.  I tried Remeron in July but gained a lot of weight and felt very tired. The pdoc has prescribed Lamictin that I haven’t collected yet – am meds phobic and at this point very negative with the Klonopin not helping reducing the symptoms.  My main concern is my daily lightheadedness.  It has been worse this week with my hubby away and also I suppose cos it’s PMS week. I am still not convinced that the lightheadedness is due to anxiety – doesn’t  make much sense but my pdoc says she she’s a lot of patients with this symptom.  It’s just really taken over my life and thoughts and I long for dizzy free days again! Generally I’m quite a sociable person and enjoy shopping but the lightheadedness has made me somewhat of a recluse which is also impacting on my daughter as she would love to do outside the house mommy and daughter things again. Anyways thanks for understanding and any help is greatly appreciated. Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (remove ::Thanks so much for your feedback – I really appreciate it – especially from ::a fellow mother! How many children do you have? How old are they? I have three. They range in ages, 20 to 12. ::I survived the dentist with an injection – even my hubby cannot bear to sit ::in the waiting room thinking that I’m having a filling without any kind of ::drug. I`m glad the dentist appt is done for you. A friend of mine, who also has panic, won`t let the dentist give her novacaine either. ::I did see a CBT therapist a while ago who gave me some exercises to induce ::anxiety symptoms so that I can take control of the feelings and accept that ::they are not harmful.  The problem is that I told her that I am lightheaded ::most of time and it seemed silly to me to bring on feelings of ::lightheadedness if I suffer from it most of the time.  Once I have seen the ::neurologist I will go back to CBT as it is my preferred option over meds. I did CBT and was never made to induce my scary bodily symptoms. We worked mainly on my negative thoughts, what I was telling myself about situations I feared, and my behavior (mainly avoidance). My psychologist did suggest a few months into therapy that I try to induce a panic attack so I could use my CBT tools to diffuse it. The goal was to give me confidence that I could stop a panic attack….. or at least minimize it. I told her I didn`t want to try this, and she dropped it. ::The funny thing is that I was anxiety free and then it returned one day out ::of the blue.  I was hoping it would pass quickly but it hasn’t. Anxiety disorders are like that. Gone one day, back with a vengeance the next. Like you, when it returned again, it was in the form of a physical symptom that I didn`t recognize. I was stuck for two years believing I was physically ill.  Accepting that my symptoms were based in anxiety and panic, getting on instrumental in turning my life around. ::It amazes my pdoc that I cannot deal with it as she says I should know from ::experience that it’s not life threatening and I should accept and cope with ::it.   Her viewpoint, however, is that medication is the most effective ::method of dealing with anxiety since she is convinced my anxiety is genetic ::and biological. What is confusing is that I have had stages during which I ::am completely anxiety free and then it just returns. It amazes me that your pdoc doesn`t understand how physical symptoms can reek havoc in a person with an anxiety disorder. With an attitude like your pdocs, it may be better to find another pdoc. ::My hubby is on his way overseas again from Tuesday for 9 days but luckily my ::son has come to visit so I won’t be all on my own.  I guess my hubby’s ::frequent overseas business trips are not helping. Is your anxiety and dizziness worse the few days leading up to hubbys trip? Does it lessen the day he comes home? ::BTW – I phoned the neurologist’s office and told the receptionist that I ::suffer from anxiety and tremble at times at doctors, etc so she said it’s ::absolutely fine – he’s very understanding, knows the symptoms and one can ::communicate with him. That is reassuring news Good luck, sweetie!! Jackie ~*~The shoe that fits one person…. pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::The pdoc has prescribed Lamictin that I haven’t collected yet – am meds ::phobic and at this point very negative with the Klonopin not helping ::reducing the symptoms.  My main concern is my daily lightheadedness.  It has ::been worse this week with my hubby away and also I suppose cos it’s PMS ::week. I used to get very anxious when my Husband went on business trips. A lot of my anxiety centered around what I perceived as an inability to ‘handle’ things in his absence. Is there any specific reason why you get anxious when your hubby is away? ::I am still not convinced that the lightheadedness is due to anxiety – ::doesn’t  make much sense but my pdoc says she she’s a lot of patients with ::this symptom.  It’s just really taken over my life and thoughts and I long ::for dizzy free days again! My psychologist told me that dizziness was the most common anxiety-panic symptom she saw in ‘her’ practice. If your dizziness was physical in nature, why do you get anxious when your hubby is away? That is psychological. I do understand how a physical symptom can take over one`s life. It happened to me as well. ::Generally I’m quite a sociable person and enjoy shopping but the ::lightheadedness has made me somewhat of a recluse which is also impacting on ::my daughter as she would love to do outside the house mommy and daughter ::things again. You will be able to do this things again. (((((Kim))))) Jackie ~*~My halo is temporarily out of order~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Thanks so much for your feedback – I really appreciate it – especially from ::a fellow mother! How many children do you have? How old are they? I have three. They range in ages, 20 to 12. ::I survived the dentist with an injection – even my hubby cannot bear to sit ::in the waiting room thinking that I’m having a filling without any kind of ::drug. I`m glad the dentist appt is done for you. A friend of mine, who also has panic, won`t let the dentist give her novacaine either. ::I did see a CBT therapist a while ago who gave me some exercises to induce ::anxiety symptoms so that I can take control of the feelings and accept that ::they are not harmful.  The problem is that I told her that I am lightheaded ::most of time and it seemed silly to me to bring on feelings of ::lightheadedness if I suffer from it most of the time.  Once I have seen the ::neurologist I will go back to CBT as it is my preferred option over meds. I did CBT and was never made to induce my scary bodily symptoms. We worked mainly on my negative thoughts, what I was telling myself about situations I feared, and my behavior (mainly avoidance). My psychologist did suggest a few months into therapy that I try to induce a panic attack so I could use my CBT tools to diffuse it. The goal was to give me confidence that I could stop a panic attack….. or at least minimize it. I told her I didn`t want to try this, and she dropped it. ::The funny thing is that I was anxiety free and then it returned one day out ::of the blue.  I was hoping it would pass quickly but it hasn’t. Anxiety disorders are like that. Gone one day, back with a vengeance the next. Like you, when it returned again, it was in the form of a physical symptom that I didn`t recognize. I was stuck for two years believing I was physically ill.  Accepting that my symptoms were based in anxiety and panic, getting on in turning my life around. ::It amazes my pdoc that I cannot deal with it as she says I should know from ::experience that it’s not life threatening and I should accept and cope with ::it.   Her viewpoint, however, is that medication is the most effective ::method of dealing with anxiety since she is convinced my anxiety is genetic ::and biological. What is confusing is that I have had stages during which I ::am completely anxiety free and then it just returns. It amazes me that your pdoc doesn`t understand how physical symptoms can reek havoc in a person with an anxiety disorder. With an attitude like your pdocs, it may be better to find another pdoc. ::My hubby is on his way overseas again from Tuesday for 9 days but luckily my ::son has come to visit so I won’t be all on my own.  I guess my hubby’s ::frequent overseas business trips are not helping. Is your anxiety and dizziness worse the few days leading up to hubbys trip? Does it lessen the day he comes home? ::BTW – I phoned the neurologist’s office and told the receptionist that I ::suffer from anxiety and tremble at times at doctors, etc so she said it’s ::absolutely fine – he’s very understanding, knows the symptoms and one can ::communicate with him. That is reassuring news Good luck, sweetie!! Jackie ~*~The shoe that fits one person…. pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Jackie Thanks so much for your feedback – I really appreciate it – especially from a fellow mother! I survived the dentist with an injection – even my hubby cannot bear to sit in the waiting room thinking that I’m having a filling without any kind of drug. I did see a CBT therapist a while ago who gave me some exercises to induce anxiety symptoms so that I can take control of the feelings and accept that they are not harmful.

this is NOT cbt it is a behavioral technique that may lend itself to someone seeing how they catastrophize symptoms, but it is a weak tool for most who try it and use it   The problem is that I told her that I am lightheaded most of time and it seemed silly to me to bring on feelings of lightheadedness if I suffer from it most of the time.

it is more important to examine what you tell yourself about your symptoms-that is cbt here you are implying that "I already feel lightheaded and it is horrible"  Being lightheaded is a discomfort, you make it a horrible one by believing things about it like it signifies some serious malady, or it may be embarassing, or you may suffer loss of control, or that you just have a low set point to tolerate discomfort   Once I have seen the neurologist I will go back to CBT as it is my preferred option over meds. The funny thing is that I was anxiety free and then it returned one day out of the blue.  I was hoping it would pass quickly but it hasn’t.

an anxiety disorder is typically recurrent and chronic-they can go away and come back-most often fueled by stress or some reaction to a proximal fear It amazes my pdoc that I cannot deal with it as she says I should know from experience that it’s not life threatening and I should accept and cope with it.

two "shoulds"   Shoulds do not exist, the imply an immutable absolute this is an impossibility in our universe Your doc is actually subscribing to the view point that if you choose to accept anxiety it will go away-it isn’t that easy or that simplistic knowing that you won’t die doesn’t take away the pain as if you are going to-actually lots of people actually would choose death over a panic attack-acceptance of YOU is mucho important-you are a person who may panic but also experiences a myriad of other perceptions and feelings as well-acceptance is a key element in recovery, but not accepting you won’t die from panic-you already know you won’t, but desperately wish and demand that you do not feel the pain of it–when in fact you do-then when you do, you catastrophize about it, get pissed off, depressed and more anxious about having more anxiety-when you recover and manage this crap, you accept the anxiety and virtually learn to no longer fear the sense of fear-you still feel fear, anxiety and sometimes panic, but you no longer fear the sensation of what you experience   Her viewpoint, however, is that medication is the most effective method of dealing with anxiety since she is convinced my anxiety is genetic and biological.

all anxiety has hese components in it  What is confusing is that I have had stages during which I am completely anxiety free and then it just returns.

you fall back to old habits of cognition and belief, and your low level background sense of worry and anxiety gets bigger until it obscures anything else-it re occurs-then you see this set back as a failure or something "different" then what you have already endured and gotten past My hubby is on his way overseas again from Tuesday for 9 days but luckily my son has come to visit so I won’t be all on my own.  I guess my hubby’s frequent overseas business trips are not helping.

fear of seperation? BTW – I phoned the neurologist’s office and told the receptionist that I suffer from anxiety and tremble at times at doctors, etc so she said it’s absolutely fine – he’s very understanding, knows the symptoms and one can communicate with him. Once again, thanks for getting back to me. Kim medical neurology is a very limited kind of specialty now a days-at least in this country

I hope he is very supportive-it is OK to be nervous, after all you suffer severe nervousness   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (remove ::Going to the dentist tomorrow for another filling without an injection ::because my fear of needles or having anxiety from the injection outweights ::the pain of the drill. A drill with no novacaine? You are a brave soul! I hope your dentist appt went okay. Check in when you can, okay? ::Lately when I have to go to doctor’s rooms for some reason I get very ::anxious.  My daughter was sick and I felt anxious at the paediatrician. ::When I went to the ENT I felt anxious.  Was also very anxious at the gynae ::last week.  I always feel kinda anxious going to the dentist. Kim, it`s important you start paying attention to your thoughts when you get anxious. Chances are your thoughts are driving your anxiety. Sometimes we don`t even realize, because it has become such a habit, that we have so much stinkin’ thinkin’ going on in our heads. I understand the doctor office anxiety very well. I still have it to some extent when I have to go to the doctor. Even when I take my children to their doctor, I never feel comfortable. I know exactly what I am thinking about the doctor appt, ‘that I am trapped’, ‘I have to do it, cannot leave’, ‘what if they give me bad news’, ‘what if I have a panic attack’, etc. Because of this, I try to make doctor appts in the morning. Less waiting in the waiting room, and I don`t have to deal with anticipatory anxiety all day until my appt. Start bringing a pen and pad with you….. and write down your thoughts. It may surprise you. ::On Monday I am seeing a neurologist and my stress levels are sky high. I am ::seeing the neurologist as I have been suffering from dizziness which my GP ::says is an anxiety symptom but for peace of mind I’ve decided to have myself ::checked out by a neurologist.  I am scared of making an idiot out of myself ::though – what if I have a PA or start trembling during the consultation? I think it is wise idea to be checked out by the neurologist. You want to make sure nothing physical is going on. Do you really believe that this neurologist hasn`t had patients that were anxious, trembling and panicky? Believe me when I say he has heard it all, he has seen it all. You are no going to make an idiot of yourself. Don`t hesitate to tell him you are feeling anxious. Better to tell him you`re anxious….. than pretending you are alright when you aren`t. ::After the neurologist and if he think’s my symptoms are anxiety related it’s ::back to the pdoc and the drawing board as Klonopin is not that effective ::anymore and I’m sensitive to ADs so these terrible thoughts have been going ::through my head that I’m never going to get meds to heal me and end up ::really worse than I am now. I truly believe you would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. If nothing physical is found, please consider getting into CBT. I also suggest that you have a wait and see attitude about the neurologist. You are getting way ahead of the appt and assuming the worst. No wonder you are anxious. Look at what you are telling yourself. ::I must, however, pat myself on the back as I slept on my own Saturday night ::when my husband was away (after comments from the in-laws that I need to ::pull myself together and can’t go on living in fear).  My husband is leaving ::next Wednesday for yet another business trip overseas and I’m not looking ::forward to it.  He travels overseas every month and I’m kinda thinking that ::this is adding to my anxiety levels. Ignore your in-laws comments. They come from a place of ignorance and judgement. Kim, consider keeping a daily journal where you can record your anxiety levels and triggers. After a few weeks of journaling, you may find some patterns to your anxiety. You may notice that your dizziness is worse the few days before and during your husband`s business trip, or during PMS time. ::Just wanted to share some of my silly thoughts with people who would ::understand because nobody in my world understands. Your thoughts are not silly at all. I understand more than you`ll ever know. Eight years ago I was where you are right now. Same anxiety symptoms, same limitations, lack of real life support….. and scared out of my mind that I would never get better. But I did, and so will you. (((((Kim))))) Jackie ~*~Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better~*~    ~~Samuel Beckett — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Jackie Thanks so much for your feedback – I really appreciate it – especially from a fellow mother! I survived the dentist with an injection – even my hubby cannot bear to sit in the waiting room thinking that I’m having a filling without any kind of drug. I did see a CBT therapist a while ago who gave me some exercises to induce anxiety symptoms so that I can take control of the feelings and accept that they are not harmful.  The problem is that I told her that I am lightheaded most of time and it seemed silly to me to bring on feelings of lightheadedness if I suffer from it most of the time.  Once I have seen the neurologist I will go back to CBT as it is my preferred option over meds. The funny thing is that I was anxiety free and then it returned one day out of the blue.  I was hoping it would pass quickly but it hasn’t. It amazes my pdoc that I cannot deal with it as she says I should know from experience that it’s not life threatening and I should accept and cope with it.   Her viewpoint, however, is that medication is the most effective method of dealing with anxiety since she is convinced my anxiety is genetic and biological. What is confusing is that I have had stages during which I am completely anxiety free and then it just returns. My hubby is on his way overseas again from Tuesday for 9 days but luckily my son has come to visit so I won’t be all on my own.  I guess my hubby’s frequent overseas business trips are not helping. BTW – I phoned the neurologist’s office and told the receptionist that I suffer from anxiety and tremble at times at doctors, etc so she said it’s absolutely fine – he’s very understanding, knows the symptoms and one can communicate with him. Once again, thanks for getting back to me. Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (remove ::Going to the dentist tomorrow for another filling without an injection ::because my fear of needles or having anxiety from the injection outweights ::the pain of the drill. A drill with no novacaine? You are a brave soul! I hope your dentist appt went okay. Check in when you can, okay? ::Lately when I have to go to doctor’s rooms for some reason I get very ::anxious.  My daughter was sick and I felt anxious at the paediatrician. ::When I went to the ENT I felt anxious.  Was also very anxious at the gynae ::last week.  I always feel kinda anxious going to the dentist. Kim, it`s important you start paying attention to your thoughts when you get anxious. Chances are your thoughts are driving your anxiety. Sometimes we don`t even realize, because it has become such a habit, that we have so much stinkin’ thinkin’ going on in our heads. I understand the doctor office anxiety very well. I still have it to some extent when I have to go to the doctor. Even when I take my children to their doctor, I never feel comfortable. I know exactly what I am thinking about the doctor appt, ‘that I am trapped’, ‘I have to do it, cannot leave’, ‘what if they give me bad news’, ‘what if I have a panic attack’, etc. Because of this, I try to make doctor appts in the morning. Less waiting in the waiting room, and I don`t have to deal with anticipatory anxiety all day until my appt. Start bringing a pen and pad with you….. and write down your thoughts. It may surprise you. ::On Monday I am seeing a neurologist and my stress levels are sky high. I am ::seeing the neurologist as I have been suffering from dizziness which my GP ::says is an anxiety symptom but for peace of mind I’ve decided to have myself ::checked out by a neurologist.  I am scared of making an idiot out of myself ::though – what if I have a PA or start trembling during the consultation? I think it is wise idea to be checked out by the neurologist. You want to make sure nothing physical is going on. Do you really believe that this neurologist hasn`t had patients that were anxious, trembling and panicky? Believe me when I say he has heard it all, he has seen it all. You are no going to make an idiot of yourself. Don`t hesitate to tell him you are feeling anxious. Better to tell him you`re anxious….. than pretending you are alright when you aren`t. ::After the neurologist and if he think’s my symptoms are anxiety related it’s ::back to the pdoc and the drawing board as Klonopin is not that effective ::anymore and I’m sensitive to ADs so these terrible thoughts have been going ::through my head that I’m never going to get meds to heal me and end up ::really worse than I am now. I truly believe you would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. If nothing physical is found, please consider getting into CBT. I also suggest that you have a wait and see attitude about the neurologist. You are getting way ahead of the appt and assuming the worst. No wonder you are anxious. Look at what you are telling yourself. ::I must, however, pat myself on the back as I slept on my own Saturday night ::when my husband was away (after comments from the in-laws that I need to ::pull myself together and can’t go on living in fear).  My husband is leaving ::next Wednesday for yet another business trip overseas and I’m not looking ::forward to it.  He travels overseas every month and I’m kinda thinking that ::this is adding to my anxiety levels. Ignore your in-laws comments. They come from a place of ignorance and judgement. Kim, consider keeping a daily journal where you can record your anxiety levels and triggers. After a few weeks of journaling, you may find some patterns to your anxiety. You may notice that your dizziness is worse the few days before and during your husband`s business trip, or during PMS time. ::Just wanted to share some of my silly thoughts with people who would ::understand because nobody in my world understands. Your thoughts are not silly at all. I understand more than you`ll ever know. Eight years ago I was where you are right now. Same anxiety symptoms, same limitations, lack of real life support….. and scared out of my mind that I would never get better. But I did, and so will you. (((((Kim))))) Jackie ~*~Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better~*~    ~~Samuel Beckett — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I’ve had line problems again and finally had it sorted out on Saturday only to discover today that it looks like it’s returning!  In South Africa we only have one tele communications provider so service is shocking. Going to the dentist tomorrow for another filling without an injection because my fear of needles or having anxiety from the injection outweights the pain of the drill. Lately when I have to go to doctor’s rooms for some reason I get very anxious.  My daughter was sick and I felt anxious at the paediatrician. When I went to the ENT I felt anxious.  Was also very anxious at the gynae last week.  I always feel kinda anxious going to the dentist. On Monday I am seeing a neurologist and my stress levels are sky high.  I am seeing the neurologist as I have been suffering from dizziness which my GP says is an anxiety symptom but for peace of mind I’ve decided to have myself checked out by a neurologist.  I am scared of making an idiot out of myself though – what if I have a PA or start trembling during the consultation? Also I am having an EEG done prior to the consultation so I have to endure two hours at the neurologist’s offices. I think I should tell the neurologist upfront that I’m nervous and get anxious at doctor’s offices lately so that he doesn’t jump to any conclusions before examining me. After the neurologist and if he think’s my symptoms are anxiety related it’s back to the pdoc and the drawing board as Klonopin is not that effective anymore and I’m sensitive to ADs so these terrible thoughts have been going through my head that I’m never going to get meds to heal me and end up really worse than I am now. I must, however, pat myself on the back as I slept on my own Saturday night when my husband was away (after comments from the in-laws that I need to pull myself together and can’t go on living in fear).  My husband is leaving next Wednesday for yet another business trip overseas and I’m not looking forward to it.  He travels overseas every month and I’m kinda thinking that this is adding to my anxiety levels. Just wanted to share some of my silly thoughts with people who would understand because nobody in my world understands. Tx for being there! Kim

You are not alone.  I get nervous just driving by the hospital! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Going to the dentist tomorrow for another filling without an injection ::because my fear of needles or having anxiety from the injection outweights ::the pain of the drill. A drill with no novacaine? You are a brave soul! I hope your dentist appt went okay. Check in when you can, okay? ::Lately when I have to go to doctor’s rooms for some reason I get very ::anxious.  My daughter was sick and I felt anxious at the paediatrician. ::When I went to the ENT I felt anxious.  Was also very anxious at the gynae ::last week.  I always feel kinda anxious going to the dentist. Kim, it`s important you start paying attention to your thoughts when you get anxious. Chances are your thoughts are driving your anxiety. Sometimes we don`t even realize, because it has become such a habit, that we have so much stinkin’ thinkin’ going on in our heads. I understand the doctor office anxiety very well. I still have it to some extent when I have to go to the doctor. Even when I take my children to their doctor, I never feel comfortable. I know exactly what I am thinking about the doctor appt, ‘that I am trapped’, ‘I have to do it, cannot leave’, ‘what if they give me bad news’, ‘what if I have a panic attack’, etc. Because of this, I try to make doctor appts in the morning. Less waiting in the waiting room, and I don`t have to deal with anticipatory anxiety all day until my appt. Start bringing a pen and pad with you….. and write down your thoughts. It may surprise you. ::On Monday I am seeing a neurologist and my stress levels are sky high.  I am ::seeing the neurologist as I have been suffering from dizziness which my GP ::says is an anxiety symptom but for peace of mind I’ve decided to have myself ::checked out by a neurologist.  I am scared of making an idiot out of myself ::though – what if I have a PA or start trembling during the consultation? I think it is wise idea to be checked out by the neurologist. You want to make sure nothing physical is going on. Do you really believe that this neurologist hasn`t had patients that were anxious, trembling and panicky? Believe me when I say he has heard it all, he has seen it all. You are no going to make an idiot of yourself. Don`t hesitate to tell him you are feeling anxious. Better to tell him you`re anxious….. than pretending you are alright when you aren`t. ::After the neurologist and if he think’s my symptoms are anxiety related it’s ::back to the pdoc and the drawing board as Klonopin is not that effective ::anymore and I’m sensitive to ADs so these terrible thoughts have been going ::through my head that I’m never going to get meds to heal me and end up ::really worse than I am now. I truly believe you would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. If nothing physical is found, please consider getting into CBT. I also suggest that you have a wait and see attitude about the neurologist. You are getting way ahead of the appt and assuming the worst. No wonder you are anxious. Look at what you are telling yourself. ::I must, however, pat myself on the back as I slept on my own Saturday night ::when my husband was away (after comments from the in-laws that I need to ::pull myself together and can’t go on living in fear).  My husband is leaving ::next Wednesday for yet another business trip overseas and I’m not looking ::forward to it.  He travels overseas every month and I’m kinda thinking that ::this is adding to my anxiety levels. Ignore your in-laws comments. They come from a place of ignorance and judgement. Kim, consider keeping a daily journal where you can record your anxiety levels and triggers. After a few weeks of journaling, you may find some patterns to your anxiety. You may notice that your dizziness is worse the few days before and during your husband`s business trip, or during PMS time. ::Just wanted to share some of my silly thoughts with people who would ::understand because nobody in my world understands. Your thoughts are not silly at all. I understand more than you`ll ever know. Eight years ago I was where you are right now. Same anxiety symptoms, same limitations, lack of real life support….. and scared out of my mind that I would never get better. But I did, and so will you. (((((Kim))))) Jackie ~*~Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better~*~    ~~Samuel Beckett — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi I’ve had line problems again and finally had it sorted out on Saturday only to discover today that it looks like it’s returning!  In South Africa we only have one tele communications provider so service is shocking. Going to the dentist tomorrow for another filling without an injection because my fear of needles or having anxiety from the injection outweights the pain of the drill. Lately when I have to go to doctor’s rooms for some reason I get very anxious.  My daughter was sick and I felt anxious at the paediatrician. When I went to the ENT I felt anxious.  Was also very anxious at the gynae last week.  I always feel kinda anxious going to the dentist. On Monday I am seeing a neurologist and my stress levels are sky high.  I am seeing the neurologist as I have been suffering from dizziness which my GP says is an anxiety symptom but for peace of mind I’ve decided to have myself checked out by a neurologist.  I am scared of making an idiot out of myself though – what if I have a PA or start trembling during the consultation? Also I am having an EEG done prior to the consultation so I have to endure two hours at the neurologist’s offices. I think I should tell the neurologist upfront that I’m nervous and get anxious at doctor’s offices lately so that he doesn’t jump to any conclusions before examining me. After the neurologist and if he think’s my symptoms are anxiety related it’s back to the pdoc and the drawing board as Klonopin is not that effective anymore and I’m sensitive to ADs so these terrible thoughts have been going through my head that I’m never going to get meds to heal me and end up really worse than I am now. I must, however, pat myself on the back as I slept on my own Saturday night when my husband was away (after comments from the in-laws that I need to pull myself together and can’t go on living in fear).  My husband is leaving next Wednesday for yet another business trip overseas and I’m not looking forward to it.  He travels overseas every month and I’m kinda thinking that this is adding to my anxiety levels. Just wanted to share some of my silly thoughts with people who would understand because nobody in my world understands. Tx for being there! Kim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Kili, Most of the symptoms sound like anxiety.  As for the blotchiness on your face, a daughter of a friend of mine gets hives on her face and neck and turns beet red when she is anxious. Have you had a change in meds?  Maybe you should mention these 2 episodes by your pdoc. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone else noticed this…… Last weekend I had a terrible bout with anxiety.  I couldn’t stop trembling, I has hot and cold sweats, my hands and feet were clammy, I had diarrhea, vomiting, my heart was palpitating to the point it hurt and when I looked in the mirror, my face looked blotchy. Well, I woke up early again this morning (my "episodes" always start around 2 am), heart pounding, mind racing and I went, "Oh, hell, no.  I’m not doing this again THIS weekend!"  So I got up and started watching a comedy movie to get my mind off my anxiety.  I just went into the bathroom and my face is blotchy again.  I’m starting to put two and two together and I wonder if that’s because of the heart racing? Anyone have any ideas or does anyone else experience this? kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Kili, Most of the symptoms sound like anxiety.  As for the blotchiness on your face, a daughter of a friend of mine gets hives on her face and neck and turns beet red when she is anxious. Have you had a change in meds?  Maybe you should mention these 2 episodes by your pdoc. smiles, Elise

Thanks, Elise.  I’m definitely going to speak to a doctor about it. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Well, I woke up early again this morning (my "episodes" always start around ::2 am), heart pounding, mind racing and I went, "Oh, hell, no.  I’m not doing ::this again THIS weekend!"  So I got up and started watching a comedy movie ::to get my mind off my anxiety.  I just went into the bathroom and my face is ::blotchy again.  I’m starting to put two and two together and I wonder if ::that’s because of the heart racing? :: ::Anyone have any ideas or does anyone else experience this? Hi Kili, It sounds like you may have sensitive skin and it reacts when you are anxious and panicky. Some people get pale when they are anxious, others get flushed. You get blotchy. I don`t think it is anything to worry about. Mention it next time you see your doctor. P.S. How is everything else in your life doing? I know you have a cancer issue. I`ve been thinking of you and truly hope you will be okay. Jackie ~*~It takes a real storm in the average person’s life to make him realize how much worrying he has done over the squalls~*~   ~ Bruce Fairchild Barton — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I was wondering if anyone else noticed this…… Last weekend I had a terrible bout with anxiety.  I couldn’t stop trembling, I has hot and cold sweats, my hands and feet were clammy, I had diarrhea, vomiting, my heart was palpitating to the point it hurt and when I looked in the mirror, my face looked blotchy. Well, I woke up early again this morning (my "episodes" always start around 2 am), heart pounding, mind racing and I went, "Oh, hell, no.  I’m not doing this again THIS weekend!"  So I got up and started watching a comedy movie to get my mind off my anxiety.  I just went into the bathroom and my face is blotchy again.  I’m starting to put two and two together and I wonder if that’s because of the heart racing? Anyone have any ideas or does anyone else experience this? kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::Well, I woke up early again this morning (my "episodes" always start around ::2 am), heart pounding, mind racing and I went, "Oh, hell, no.  I’m not doing ::this again THIS weekend!"  So I got up and started watching a comedy movie ::to get my mind off my anxiety.  I just went into the bathroom and my face is ::blotchy again.  I’m starting to put two and two together and I wonder if ::that’s because of the heart racing? :: ::Anyone have any ideas or does anyone else experience this?

Hi Kili, I meant to respond before but I got lost somewhere.  I used to break out in "blotches" quite often.  This was long before I was diagnosed.  All I knew is that it would happen when my nerves where shot and I was under a lot of stress.  The rebound effect from alcohol would do it often, and another big trigger was a lack of sleep, which often went together with the alcohol.  They key was to make sure I got enough sleep even when I was feeling OK and "blotch free". My blotches would often turn into what looked like welts, and damn did they itch!  Often an ice pack would help them subside.  Using methods I was taught with bio feedback, I could often make the blotches go away, but what was really weird is that they didn’t actually go away, they would go to my back, or often on my scalp.  But that was OK since no one saw them, but it still itched!!!!!!!  Good luck. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::Well, I woke up early again this morning (my "episodes" always start around ::2 am), heart pounding, mind racing and I went, "Oh, hell, no.  I’m not doing ::this again THIS weekend!"  So I got up and started watching a comedy movie ::to get my mind off my anxiety.  I just went into the bathroom and my face is ::blotchy again.  I’m starting to put two and two together and I wonder if ::that’s because of the heart racing? :: ::Anyone have any ideas or does anyone else experience this? Hi Kili, It sounds like you may have sensitive skin and it reacts when you are anxious and panicky. Some people get pale when they are anxious, others get flushed. You get blotchy. I don`t think it is anything to worry about. Mention it next time you see your doctor. P.S. How is everything else in your life doing? I know you have a cancer issue. I`ve been thinking of you and truly hope you will be okay. Jackie

Jackie, I go for my pre-op today and I’m scared, but so far no symptoms of anxiety, thank goodness!  Thanks for asking. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Possibly.  We talked about the racing thoughts I get when my symptoms ::come back strong.  He said that because my obsessive thoughts are about ::what I eat/drink/etc that it could be psychotic.  Though I don’t know ::what he really meant.  I don’t think anyone is out to get me or anything ::like that. Dear Jim, I`ve had similar thoughts and my psychologist told me it was anxiety, not psychosis. I knew my thoughts were irrational. I think you should get a 2nd opinion. There is absolutely nothing from your posts to indicate you are dealing with psychosis. Jackie ~*~I`m an angel! Honest The horns are just there to keep my halo up straight~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Dear Jim, Sorry about the obsessive thoughts. I`ve had similar thoughts so I know how draining it can be. My thoughts about the risperdal? If this were me, I`d give the small dose luvox a chance before adding the risperdal. I prefer to be on as little meds as possible. There is a chance the luvox will do the trick.

That is what I plan on doing.  I don’t think I explained myself very well to my pdoc.  If I had told him I was having some OCD issues with GERMY-MAN he would have understood.  Basically, I see my issues as the same as being a germ-o-phob.  However, instead of being obsessive about germs on things, I just replaced germs a toxic substance that could turn my brain to mush : ) It is just perplexing to me because I have not had these OCD/obsessive type issues for years.  When zoloft started to give out on me, these OCD/obsessive issues started to come back and it raised a flag.  I went to see my doc and she gave me Lexapro which help for about 3 years. This time when Lexapro died, it just *died*.  All of a sudden with no real warning.  One day almost "normal" and functional, the next, pannic-man! Does anyone else find their disease to be cyclical?  That is do the symptoms get more for a period of time followed by a period where they are less severe?  Looking back over the last 10+ years I am seeing that I have been very cyclical with my symptoms.  This is making my wonder if I have some type of bipolar II or something.  I know I have never been extremely manic so I don’t think I would fall in the BP I group. This disease is sooo dang complicated. I recommend the book "Brain Lock", by Jeffrey M. Schwartz. I also recommend a trick my psychologist gave me to deal with obsessive thoughts. Wear a rubberband around your wrist. Everytime you start to think obsessively, snap the rubberband enough to cause a slight sting. I know it sounds silly but it does work. After doing it for awhile……I would wince in anticipation of the snap that was coming after having an obsessive thought. At that point I was able to change my thought to something else rather quickly so as to avoid that snap

Sounds like a plan.  Maybe I can steal one of my wifes hair thingies. Hmm, now where does she keep her favorite ones?  : ) It is possible that you were self-medicating your anxiety with alcohol which is why your symptoms got so much worse when you stopped drinking.

That is exactly what I was doing.  Looking back now, I think my symptoms might have started around 16 or so, though they were hidden by drinking.   Up until I was 23 and had my first *real* PA, the symptoms would come out in anger and jealousy.  I was a very angry/jealous boyfriend-type-of-jerk.  That is thankfully all gone now.  Now my wife tells me she could be on the couch in my office with some other guy and I wouldn’t even notice, and that is probably true ; ) As for songs getting stuck in your head? I`ve had ‘Queen’ songs stuck for about a week now ever since I watched last weeks ‘American Idol’ Songs getting stuck in ones head is called ‘earworms’. Google that term for some interesting info. I`ve been dealing with this on and off since 88. Since being on paxil it is much less.

Same here.  When my symptoms are managed, I am back to being 90% to even 95% functional.  I just wish I new why Lexapro just crashed out on me back in Dec.  Up until then, my symptoms were almost totally gone. Good luck with the lexapro/luvox combination! Jackie

Thanks (((Jackie))) Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

hi jim,   im sorry as well that your having this complicated problem. anxiety, panic, and depression are enough….but ocd too?  the brain can be so cruel. my pdoc yesterday told me that 10mg of lexapro is a sub-optimal dose. he wants me on 20mg. 40mg is the max.  maybe you should try a higher dose of lexapro to see if that helps before you take the AP drug.  have you ever done any CBT?  it may help you with your ocd. i like jacky’s rubber band therapy. i do that one from time to time too. and yeah, your pdoc sounds abit crazy!  anxiety seems to have so many weird ways of expressing itself. my PA  fears are similar to yours. the fear of ‘losing it’, and ‘going crazy’ are the ones that get me the most too. also the fear of the PA not ending, or getting worse, or preventing me from functioning are high on the list. best, rsuu — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

ap meds are used for ocd, based on some loosely designed studies and some anectdotal evidence. The key to the above is those with schizotypal syndromes respond more robustly" There is nothing wrong with trying to augment your ssri therapy with one

I’ve read that high dose SSRI treatment is first attempted before augmentation with an "antipsychotic" (a dopamine antagonist) I’ve read that all the SSRIs are equally effective for treatment of OCD. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Well, the Zoloft/Seroquel combo has done wonders for my OCD. Maybe the Seroquel is not augmenting the Zoloft, maybe it is. I’m extremely happy with the combination. I feel normal.

It’s hard to improve upon "feeling normal"  ;) Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

As for songs getting stuck in your head? I`ve had ‘Queen’ songs stuck for about a week now ever since I watched last weeks ‘American Idol’

Fran, I can’t believe you watch that show!  I think the Queen songs are your punishment for watching it.  ;-) Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<snip best, rsuu

By the way, how are you doing?  You have been on 10mg of Lexapro for at least 2 months now correct?  Do you think you have felt the full benefit of 10mg yet?  I hope Lexapro is "the one" for you. : ) How about an update on your job search/training? Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

my pdoc yesterday told me that 10mg of lexapro is a sub-optimal dose. he wants me on 20mg. 40mg is the max.  maybe you should try a higher dose of lexapro to see if that helps before you take the AP drug.

<snip best, rsuu

Thanks russ.  I am going to try 5mg-10mg Lexapro with Luvox.  The two times I tried to go over 10mg with Lexapro it was just way to stimulating and I had a lot of anxiety/PA all day long and felt "speedy". Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::That is what I plan on doing.  I don’t think I explained myself very ::well to my pdoc.  If I had told him I was having some OCD issues with ::GERMY-MAN he would have understood.  Basically, I see my issues as the ::same as being a germ-o-phob.  However, instead of being obsessive about ::germs on things, I just replaced germs a toxic substance that could turn ::my brain to mush : ) I went through a stage where I feared I would have an anaphylactic reaction after eating certain foods. I had gone to a baby shower and ate a dish that contained jicama. I realized I had never eaten jicama…. and then worried I would have an allergic reaction to it. Of course my body and mind acted right on cue and produced some really great "allergic" symptoms like shortness of breath,  a ‘oh my god my tongue is swelling’  sensation….. and derealization. I knew my thoughts were irrational but I couldn`t stop myself from having them and fearing them. My husband and his sister are allergic to Whenever there is a news story of medication or food tampering……it can set off the obsessive thoughts of "what if". I really empathize with what you are going through. (((((Jim))))) ::Does anyone else find their disease to be cyclical?  That is do the ::symptoms get more for a period of time followed by a period where they ::are less severe?  Looking back over the last 10+ years I am seeing that ::I have been very cyclical with my symptoms.  This is making my wonder if ::I have some type of bipolar II or something.  I know I have never been ::extremely manic so I don’t think I would fall in the BP I group. Anxiety disorders can be cyclic in nature. Remissions or ‘better periods’ alternating with setbacks. I would think if you were bipolar, a psych doctor or therapist would have picked up on it by now. I use to fear bipolar too because of the racing thoughts I would get. ::Same here.  When my symptoms are managed, I am back to being 90% to even ::95% functional.  I just wish I new why Lexapro just crashed out on me ::back in Dec.  Up until then, my symptoms were almost totally gone. Just remember, bad times don`t last forever just like good times can`t last forever. This bad time will end! Jackie ~*~I`m an angel! Honest The horns are just there to keep my halo up straight~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Fran, I can’t believe you watch that show!  I think the Queen songs are ::your punishment for watching it.  ;-) Wild Boar Man, I can`t believe I watch it either I had to come out of the closet with this one <hangs head in shame I normally would never watch a show like this but Katie got me hooked a few months ago…….and I absolutely love it! My oldest daughter snapped at me this morning because she said it is all I talk about. LOL! I fear I will go into nasty Idol withdrawals once this season is over in a few weeks <sobbing Idol Addict ~*~I`m an angel! Honest The horns are just there to keep my halo up straight~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::One thought that just occurred to me is that I think both OCD flair-ups ::started when I stopped drinking.  I drank a lot when I was younger and ::stopped around 23 when the panic attacks came.  I didn’t drink for about ::7 years until 3 years ago when I started to have a few because I felt ::pretty normal on Lexapro.  Everything blew up this past December and I ::stopped drinking, for good.  Could stopping drinking have such an affect ::as to cause increased symptoms like anxiety, panic, ocd, etc?  If so, ::would it take this long for the mind/body to adjust to not drinking? :: ::I am going to start the Luvox/Lexapro combo and hope that will do the trick. :: ::Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions? Dear Jim, Sorry about the obsessive thoughts. I`ve had similar thoughts so I know how draining it can be. My thoughts about the risperdal? If this were me, I`d give the small dose luvox a chance before adding the risperdal. I prefer to be on as little meds as possible. There is a chance the luvox will do the trick.  I recommend the book "Brain Lock", by Jeffrey M. Schwartz. I also recommend a trick my psychologist gave me to deal with obsessive thoughts. Wear a rubberband around your wrist. Everytime you start to think obsessively, snap the rubberband enough to cause a slight sting. I know it sounds silly but it does work. After doing it for awhile……I would wince in anticipation of the snap that was coming after having an obsessive thought. At that point I was able to change my thought to something else rather quickly so as to avoid that snap It is possible that you were self-medicating your anxiety with alcohol which is why your symptoms got so much worse when you stopped drinking. As for songs getting stuck in your head? I`ve had ‘Queen’ songs stuck for about a week now ever since I watched last weeks ‘American Idol’ Songs getting stuck in ones head is called ‘earworms’. Google that term for some interesting info. I`ve been dealing with this on and off since 88. Since being on paxil it is much less. Good luck with the lexapro/luvox combination! Jackie ~*~I`m an angel! Honest The horns are just there to keep my halo up straight~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

One thought that just occurred to me is that I think both OCD flair-ups started when I stopped drinking.  I drank a lot when I was younger and stopped around 23 when the panic attacks came.  I didn’t drink for about 7 years until 3 years ago when I started to have a few because I felt pretty normal on Lexapro.  Everything blew up this past December and I stopped drinking, for good.  Could stopping drinking have such an affect as to cause increased symptoms like anxiety, panic, ocd, etc?  If so, would it take this long for the mind/body to adjust to not drinking?

I don’t know much about the meds, but I do know about alcohol.  I used it to self medicate for 25 years.  After I quit drinking my symptoms flared up 10 to 20 times what they were and it took a good 2 years to get leveled off and only equal to my symptoms when I was drinking.  The next 2 years with med changes my symptoms gradually lessened.  I’m not your run of the mill anxiety sufferer, I take an AP because I AM crazy!;-)  So don’t let the 2 and 4 years concern you, also since you hadn’t been drinking as long, there is less time for you body to get back to whatever *normal* is for you. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I went to my pdoc today to talk about modifying my treatment so I can start to feel better.  He gave me some samples of RISPERDAL. He told me this is an atypical antipsychotic.  When I first heard that, my heart skipped.  I said "I am not crazy, why would I need that".

Hi Jim.  My sister has had risperdal and seroquel for OCD.  They seemed to work pretty well for her – her obsessive thoughts have been under control for a few years now.  It is probably worth a go — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I take a similar AP at night for "racing thoughts " and "obsessive worries," and it does help a lot. However, for "classic" OCD my Doc has me on Zoloft, which seems to have all but killed it. Which AP if you don’t mind me asking?

Seroquel, currently 75 mg at night. How long do the effects last?

It’s hard to say. The peak-level concentration is only six hours. Any major side effects from an AP?

Shakiness of hands for about a week or two. Seroquel alone did not help with OCD. It is the Zoloft/Seroquel combination that together works to alleviate the OCD and Depression. The combo doesn’t do much for GAD, however, but I’m not too bothered by the GAD. The thought of trying an AP makes me very nervous.  I have this notion that an AP will make me go crazy or something : )

I thought the Zoloft would have made me a crazy killer. Horror stories are easy to get swayed by because anxious people are phobic, especially med-phobic. I was terrified by the initial activation of Zoloft. Risperdal, IIRC, works the same as Seroquel. It is a receptor blocker. For racing thoughts it blocks histamine-1 receptors, promoting drowsiness; it also blocks adrenergic alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors–the latter stopping the racing thoughts. Risperdal is less sedating than Seroquel, but I prefer Seroquel because it aids in sleep. Seroquel without Zoloft made me irritable for the reason that it doesn’t work well on depression. Now it’s pretty soothing with the Zoloft combined. Why? Because it blocks serotonin 2A receptors, which all SSRIs bind to and lead to sexual dysfunction, loss of some feelings, insomnia, etc. There are Phrase III clinical trials under way for Seroquel as an adjunct to an SSRI for severe obsessional thinking. Don’t know about Risperdal. However, there are *no* trials being performed for an AP to handle OCD alone–they are being done with the intention that the AP will be used in conjunction with an SSRI for severe OCD. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 8674) Keuneman RJ; Pokos V; Weerasundera R; Castle DJ Inner West Mental Health Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. CONCLUSIONS: While there is little role for antipsychotic monotherapy in OCD, there is growing evidence in support of adjunctive antipsychotics in OCD refractory to serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). Further controlled trials are warranted. Particular subgroups of OCD patients, notably those with comorbid tic disorder and those with schizotypal personality disorder, have been shown to respond more robustly to augmentation strategies in some trials of both typical and atypical antipsychotics. Dopaminergic mediation with or without a moderating effect on serotonergic systems is likely to be important in the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of action of antipsychotic-SRI combinations as you can see form the above. there is this "market" position where ap meds are used for ocd ….There is nothing wrong with trying to augment your ssri therapy with one, but be aware there are some potential side effects that should be discussed with your doctor-one is the increased risk of endocrine based disorders like diabetes, the risk for developing it even without any familial history of it is pretty high using these meds in particular zyprexa, risperdal and abilify-not so much for seroquel….

Well, the Zoloft/Seroquel combo has done wonders for my OCD. Maybe the Seroquel is not augmenting the Zoloft, maybe it is. I’m extremely happy with the combination. I feel normal. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – he is full of crap-get to another doc please these are common symptoms of anxiety disorders a variant of hypervigalence and fear of being harmed by something external to oneself that is internalized when you consume it-the fear can be replayed like a broken record and seen as a symptom of "obsessive" thoughts and when you avoid drinking or eating foods they assume this is the "complusion" it isn’t and it isn’t psychotic or paranoia it is anxiety!!!!! This is kind of what I was thinking.  I looked up the definition of psychosis and noticed that it stated a "lack of insight into the unusual or bizarre nature of such behavior" and a "loss of contact with reality".  Neither of which fit me.  I know the "broken record" thoughts are totally irrational and stupid. I guess I am a little afraid.  I am afraid that an AP would make me have extreme anxiety, lose my mind, etc.  For me, my panic/anxiety has never been about physical symptoms like having a heart attack.  Heck, there were days I wished I had a fatal heart attack.  My biggest panic has always been about losing control, losing my mind. or being poisoned or hurt by consuming something I am not afraid of that if it would kill me quickly.  I am afraid of that happening and *not* killing me and just making me "lose it".  I realize 100% that it is a stupid and irrational thought.  I think I put that thought there because I couldn’t explain, to myself,  what was wrong with me when I had my first panic attack.  I thought something had to happen to me.  I knew I wasn’t dieing or having a heart attack since I was young and in good physical shape.  So I think I thought maybe there was something wrong with what I ate or something that got in me. I remember that first PA well.  I was out of the Marines and finished my first year at college.  I took a job working in a rubber injection molding plant for the summer.  I had my first PA while working there and I think I might have thought exposure to the chemicals or something. Fast forward 10 years and that stupid thought has been allowed to "mature".  However, I have not had the obsessive thought constantly for 10 years.  It has been off and on and only two big flair-ups.  I have often wondered if I have bipolar II because of because of the ups-and-downs in my mood over the past 10 years.  Though I know I have never had extreme highs or lows which is what I think of when I hear the term bipolar. Best, Jim

mood goes up and down all the time it is mostly dependant on our thoughts, they govern the majority of emotions. Your "grounding" your fear into something tangible like being poisoned or exposed to toxic chemicals is very very common and in many ways a completely rational attempt by ones brain to explain or accept the severity of ones anxiety symptoms-my first panic attack was also a fear I had poisoned myself. I was 8 years old. What you are describing is somewhat prototypical of anxiety, getting some good cbt may help you more then you realize — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, JimD, I’m glad to hear you are working on the OCD issues and hopefully will be able to nourish yourself more adequately. I hope the Luvox helps.  I’ve never been on Luvox nor Risperdal so I don’t know anything about them. Wishing you tons of success. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went to my pdoc today to talk about modifying my treatment so I can start to feel better.  He gave me some samples of RISPERDAL.  He told me this is an atypical antipsychotic.  When I first heard that, my heart skipped.  I said "I am not crazy, why would I need that". I am currently taking 7.5mg – 10mg of Lexapro.  My anxiety, panic, depression is not getting any better and I am having obsessive thoughts.   I am constantly worrying about things I eat or drink.  So over the last 3 months I have not wanted to deal with it so I have been basically starving and I am now starting to feel sick from not being as nourished as I should be.  I also read that SSRI’s are less effective for under nourished people like people with anorexia. My pdoc suggested that maybe we should work more on the OCD instead of the panic/anxiety.  So I am going to add a small amount of Luvox to the Lexapro I take. However, as I mentioned, my pdoc gave me a few samples of the RISPERDAL and said I could try 1 or 2 before bed.  Does this sound like a good idea for anxiety, panic, ocd? In the past 10 years, I have had two OCD flair ups where the obsessive thoughts caused a lot more anxiety.  The first time was when this disease first struck.  The second started this past December.  I actually have a song "stuck" in my head right now as I type.  Some children’s song from Noggin!!  Anyway… One thought that just occurred to me is that I think both OCD flair-ups started when I stopped drinking.  I drank a lot when I was younger and stopped around 23 when the panic attacks came.  I didn’t drink for about 7 years until 3 years ago when I started to have a few because I felt pretty normal on Lexapro.  Everything blew up this past December and I stopped drinking, for good.  Could stopping drinking have such an affect as to cause increased symptoms like anxiety, panic, ocd, etc?  If so, would it take this long for the mind/body to adjust to not drinking? I am going to start the Luvox/Lexapro combo and hope that will do the trick. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions? Best, Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

he is full of crap-get to another doc please these are common symptoms of anxiety disorders a variant of hypervigalence and fear of being harmed by something external to oneself that is internalized when you consume it-the fear can be replayed like a broken record and seen as a symptom of "obsessive" thoughts and when you avoid drinking or eating foods they assume this is the "complusion" it isn’t and it isn’t psychotic or paranoia it is anxiety!!!!!

This is kind of what I was thinking.  I looked up the definition of psychosis and noticed that it stated a "lack of insight into the unusual or bizarre nature of such behavior" and a "loss of contact with reality".  Neither of which fit me.  I know the "broken record" thoughts are totally irrational and stupid. I guess I am a little afraid.  I am afraid that an AP would make me have extreme anxiety, lose my mind, etc.  For me, my panic/anxiety has never been about physical symptoms like having a heart attack.  Heck, there were days I wished I had a fatal heart attack.  My biggest panic has always been about losing control, losing my mind. or being poisoned or hurt by consuming something

I am not afraid of that if it would kill me quickly.  I am afraid of that happening and *not* killing me and just making me "lose it".  I realize 100% that it is a stupid and irrational thought.  I think I put that thought there because I couldn’t explain, to myself,  what was wrong with me when I had my first panic attack.  I thought something had to happen to me.  I knew I wasn’t dieing or having a heart attack since I was young and in good physical shape.  So I think I thought maybe there was something wrong with what I ate or something that got in me. I remember that first PA well.  I was out of the Marines and finished my first year at college.  I took a job working in a rubber injection molding plant for the summer.  I had my first PA while working there and I think I might have thought exposure to the chemicals or something. Fast forward 10 years and that stupid thought has been allowed to "mature".  However, I have not had the obsessive thought constantly for 10 years.  It has been off and on and only two big flair-ups.  I have often wondered if I have bipolar II because of because of the ups-and-downs in my mood over the past 10 years.  Though I know I have never had extreme highs or lows which is what I think of when I hear the term bipolar. Best, Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I went to my pdoc today to talk about modifying my treatment so I can start to feel better.  He gave me some samples of RISPERDAL.  He told me this is an atypical antipsychotic.  When I first heard that, my heart skipped.  I said "I am not crazy, why would I need that". I am currently taking 7.5mg – 10mg of Lexapro.  My anxiety, panic, depression is not getting any better and I am having obsessive thoughts.  I am constantly worrying about things I eat or drink.  So over the last 3 months I have not wanted to deal with it so I have been basically starving and I am now starting to feel sick from not being as nourished as I should be.  I also read that SSRI’s are less effective for under nourished people like people with anorexia. My pdoc suggested that maybe we should work more on the OCD instead of the panic/anxiety.  So I am going to add a small amount of Luvox to the Lexapro I take. However, as I mentioned, my pdoc gave me a few samples of the RISPERDAL and said I could try 1 or 2 before bed.  Does this sound like a good idea for anxiety, panic, ocd? In the past 10 years, I have had two OCD flair ups where the obsessive thoughts caused a lot more anxiety.  The first time was when this disease first struck.  The second started this past December.  I actually have a song "stuck" in my head right now as I type.  Some children’s song from Noggin!!  Anyway… One thought that just occurred to me is that I think both OCD flair-ups started when I stopped drinking.  I drank a lot when I was younger and stopped around 23 when the panic attacks came.  I didn’t drink for about 7 years until 3 years ago when I started to have a few because I felt pretty normal on Lexapro.  Everything blew up this past December and I stopped drinking, for good.  Could stopping drinking have such an affect as to cause increased symptoms like anxiety, panic, ocd, etc?  If so, would it take this long for the mind/body to adjust to not drinking? I am going to start the Luvox/Lexapro combo and hope that will do the trick. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions? Best, Jim

8674) Keuneman RJ; Pokos V; Weerasundera R; Castle DJ Inner West Mental Health Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. OBJECTIVE: To review the role of antipsychotic medications in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); to explore current hypothesized conceptualizations of their mechanism of action; to highlight evolving interest in the validation of meaningful OCD subtypes within a heterogeneous spectrum of OCD, based on treatment response and other psychobiological variables. METHOD: A computerized literature search (MEDLINE: 1966 to December 2003, EMBASE: 1982 to December 2003) was used to locate relevant literature, using the terms obsessive-compulsive, antipsychotic and subtypes, with no restrictions imposed on searches. RESULTS: Earlier studies of augmentation of serotonergic antidepressants (SRIs) with typical antipsychotics including haloperidol and pimozide in OCD demonstrated favourable responses, also highlighting patient subgroups with robust treatment response. Studies examining augmentation with atypical agents are emerging. SRI-resistant OCD patients are likely to benefit from augmentation with atypical antipsychotics in around 50% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: While there is little role for antipsychotic monotherapy in OCD, there is growing evidence in support of adjunctive antipsychotics in OCD refractory to serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). Further controlled trials are warranted. Particular subgroups of OCD patients, notably those with comorbid tic disorder and those with schizotypal personality disorder, have been shown to respond more robustly to augmentation strategies in some trials of both typical and atypical antipsychotics. Dopaminergic mediation with or without a moderating effect on serotonergic systems is likely to be important in the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of action of antipsychotic-SRI combinations as you can see form the above. there is this "market" position where ap meds are used for ocd, based on some loosely designed studies and some anectdotal evidence. The key to the above is those with schizotypal syndromes respond more robustly" There is nothing wrong with trying to augment your ssri therapy with one, but be aware there are some potential side effects that should be discussed with your doctor-one is the increased risk of endocrine based disorders like diabetes, the risk for developing it even without any familial history of it is pretty high using these meds in particular zyprexa, risperdal and abilify-not so much for seroquel-there is also a risk for movement disorders that may become more exaggerated by using an ssri in combination with a novel ap med. The side effects most report with this drug are being sleepy and zoned out, weight increase and sometimes GI or sexual side effects. It can be discontinued abruptly if you don’t like it…. Luvox is more prototypical for ocd then lexapro by nature of its structure and mechanism, but all of this is entirely an individual thing, there is great degrees of variability in the effectiveness with all psychoactive drugs. If lexapro helped in the past why then didin’t your doc just increase the dose when it stopped working? Drugs can and do stop working and med changes are common for all conditions — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sorry to hear that. : (     How long have you been on Lex?

Well, I have been taking 10mg of lexapro for 3 years.  I stopped for about 4 weeks this past December when I had a relapse of symptoms.  I switched to Zoloft which I took previously for 7 years.  I stayed with the zoloft for 4 weeks and decieded to go back and try lexapro again.  I stopped the zoloft because one big side effect for me with it is blurred/streaky vision.  It was getting too bad after only 4 weeks.  I also would get *really* bad upper back pain from zoloft.  My back would feel like someone hit me with a hammer.  7-10 days after stopping zoloft and going back to lexapro, those side effects went away. Hope this augmentation strategy works.

Me too : )   I take a similar AP at night for "racing thoughts " and "obsessive worries," and it does help a lot. However, for "classic" OCD my Doc has me on Zoloft, which seems to have all but killed it.

Which AP if you don’t mind me asking?  How long do the effects last? Any major side effects from an AP?  The thought of trying an AP makes me very nervous.  I have this notion that an AP will make me go crazy or something : ) My Doc told me when I had already started Lexapro (prescribed by my previous doc) that Lexapro is not for obsessive thoughts. Maybe he was using "FDA approved" as his guideline, or maybe he said that from experience. I took Lex only for a week and just was too dizzy and had severe stomach pains on it, but that week noticed scant improvement.

Lexapro use to give me stomach pains too, though it went away. By contrast, Zoloft started working almost immediately on the OCD and I believe the depression is behind me now.  But everyone is different, so YMMV.

Thanks Marie! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went to my pdoc today to talk about modifying my treatment so I can start to feel better.  He gave me some samples of RISPERDAL.  He told me this is an atypical antipsychotic.  When I first heard that, my heart skipped.  I said "I am not crazy, why would I need that". I am currently taking 7.5mg – 10mg of Lexapro.  My anxiety, panic, depression is not getting any better and I am having obsessive thoughts.   I am constantly worrying about things I eat or drink.  So over the last 3 months I have not wanted to deal with it so I have been basically starving and I am now starting to feel sick from not being as nourished as I should be.  I also read that SSRI’s are less effective for under nourished people like people with anorexia. My pdoc suggested that maybe we should work more on the OCD instead of the panic/anxiety.  So I am going to add a small amount of Luvox to the Lexapro I take. However, as I mentioned, my pdoc gave me a few samples of the RISPERDAL and said I could try 1 or 2 before bed.  Does this sound like a good idea for anxiety, panic, ocd? In the past 10 years, I have had two OCD flair ups where the obsessive thoughts caused a lot more anxiety.  The first time was when this disease first struck.  The second started this past December.  I actually have a song "stuck" in my head right now as I type.  Some children’s song from Noggin!!  Anyway… One thought that just occurred to me is that I think both OCD flair-ups started when I stopped drinking.  I drank a lot when I was younger and stopped around 23 when the panic attacks came.  I didn’t drink for about 7 years until 3 years ago when I started to have a few because I felt pretty normal on Lexapro.  Everything blew up this past December and I stopped drinking, for good.  Could stopping drinking have such an affect as to cause increased symptoms like anxiety, panic, ocd, etc?  If so, would it take this long for the mind/body to adjust to not drinking? I am going to start the Luvox/Lexapro combo and hope that will do the trick. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions? Best, Jim

Hey Jim, I’ll act like I know what I am talking about, LOL.  First of all, I was on Risperdal, but not for anxiety. I do have psychosis at times, and for a few years I took it, and it was not effective for me, but it is for many. This is a complete guess.  I don’t know that antipsychotics can or cannot be used as a treatment in OCD.  The only info I have about that is the fact that I’ve been in support groups for psychosis related things, and for anxiety since 2000.  I really don’t remember anyone saying they were put on Risperdal for OCD. Not to my knowlege, but there are tons of people here at ASAPM that are better qualified to answer. It’s just my guess that maybe your pdoc suspects more than OCD?? Maybe?? Don’t know, that’s complete speculation on my part. I don’t think there’s a big danger in taking Risperdal.  It did stop my periods, and I was glad about that — otherwise, I don’t think it’s "dangerous" or anything to try it, heck, it might even help, so why not? And.. I am also a recovering alcoholic. The only strange mental symptoms I had were when I first went cold turkey off of the alcohol. That was not a bit fun.  I had psychosis, which I fully expected and just medicated for a few days. And I even had one day of mania, which was completely weird, because I’ve never had it before or since, ever in my life, but I am sure it was a side effect of alcohol withdrawal. I recognized what was happening to me, and I just didn’t go shopping or anything, LOL. That lasted one day. I think my anxiety decreased a lot after getting sober.  Alcohol can fool you. It DOES alleviate SOME anxiety at the time you drink.. but oh man, the next morning. That rebound anxiety after a night of drinking can just kill you.. so I was very glad that I was able to stop and stay stopped.. I don’t ever want to live like that again. I do want to say, that when I decided to get sober, I really had to work on the inner me.  I joined AA, and I started reading books on CBT.. and I targeted the areas in my own head that had led me to drink in the first place.  Maybe that’s why I didn’t have the anxiety you are talking about now.  I don’t know.  I would recommend working with a therapist AND books AND AA if you need that.. whatever. If you can find out why you drink in the first place and address that, it might help with that anxiety you feel now. I hope I helped. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hey Jim,

<snip This is a complete guess.  I don’t know that antipsychotics can or cannot be used as a treatment in OCD.  The only info I have about that is the fact that I’ve been in support groups for psychosis related things, and for anxiety since 2000.  I really don’t remember anyone saying they were put on Risperdal for OCD. Not to my knowlege, but there are tons of people here at ASAPM that are better qualified to answer. It’s just my guess that maybe your pdoc suspects more than OCD?? Maybe?? Don’t know, that’s complete speculation on my part.

Possibly.  We talked about the racing thoughts I get when my symptoms come back strong.  He said that because my obsessive thoughts are about what I eat/drink/etc that it could be psychotic.  Though I don’t know what he really meant.  I don’t think anyone is out to get me or anything like that. I don’t think there’s a big danger in taking Risperdal.  It did stop my periods, and I was glad about that — otherwise, I don’t think it’s "dangerous" or anything to try it, heck, it might even help, so why not?

I guess I am a little afraid.  I am afraid that an AP would make me have extreme anxiety, lose my mind, etc.  For me, my panic/anxiety has never been about physical symptoms like having a heart attack.  Heck, there were days I wished I had a fatal heart attack.  My biggest panic has always been about losing control, losing my mind.  Did you have any side effects, besides menstrual, from Risperdal such as feeling like a zombie? I think my anxiety decreased a lot after getting sober.  Alcohol can fool you. It DOES alleviate SOME anxiety at the time you drink.. but oh man, the next morning. That rebound anxiety after a night of drinking can just kill you.. so I was very glad that I was able to stop and stay stopped.. I don’t ever want to live like that again.

Good for you!  I can relate.  I was an abusive drinker.  I went to AA when I was around 23 when I had my first PA.  I drank a lot as an escape back then.  AA really helped me.  I learned that I am not a "classic" alcoholic, though I am an abusive drinker.  I was able to stop drinking without any problems and had no desire to drink.  Sadly, I didn’t learn my lesson when I was younger and started to drink, after 7 years without drinking, about 3 years ago.  This time I learned that drinking does not help my anxiety, panic, depression, ocd and just made everything worse. Sally

Thanks for the help ((((Sally)))) Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Jim, <snip This is a complete guess.  I don’t know that antipsychotics can or cannot be used as a treatment in OCD.  The only info I have about that is the fact that I’ve been in support groups for psychosis related things, and for anxiety since 2000.  I really don’t remember anyone saying they were put on Risperdal for OCD. Not to my knowlege, but there are tons of people here at ASAPM that are better qualified to answer. It’s just my guess that maybe your pdoc suspects more than OCD?? Maybe?? Don’t know, that’s complete speculation on my part. Possibly.  We talked about the racing thoughts I get when my symptoms come back strong.  He said that because my obsessive thoughts are about what I eat/drink/etc that it could be psychotic.  Though I don’t know what he really meant.  I don’t think anyone is out to get me or anything like that.

he is full of crap-get to another doc please these are common symptoms of anxiety disorders a variant of hypervigalence and fear of being harmed by something external to oneself that is internalized when you consume it-the fear can be replayed like a broken record and seen as a symptom of "obsessive" thoughts and when you avoid drinking or eating foods they assume this is the "complusion" it isn’t and it isn’t psychotic or paranoia it is anxiety!!!!! I don’t think there’s a big danger in taking Risperdal.  It did stop my periods, and I was glad about that — otherwise, I don’t think it’s "dangerous" or anything to try it, heck, it might even help, so why not? I guess I am a little afraid.  I am afraid that an AP would make me have extreme anxiety, lose my mind, etc.  For me, my panic/anxiety has never been about physical symptoms like having a heart attack.  Heck, there were days I wished I had a fatal heart attack.  My biggest panic has always been about losing control, losing my mind.

or being poisoned or hurt by consuming something   Did you have any side – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -effects, besides menstrual, from Risperdal such as feeling like a zombie? I think my anxiety decreased a lot after getting sober.  Alcohol can fool you. It DOES alleviate SOME anxiety at the time you drink.. but oh man, the next morning. That rebound anxiety after a night of drinking can just kill you.. so I was very glad that I was able to stop and stay stopped.. I don’t ever want to live like that again. Good for you!  I can relate.  I was an abusive drinker.  I went to AA when I was around 23 when I had my first PA.  I drank a lot as an escape back then.  AA really helped me.  I learned that I am not a "classic" alcoholic, though I am an abusive drinker.  I was able to stop drinking without any problems and had no desire to drink.  Sadly, I didn’t learn my lesson when I was younger and started to drink, after 7 years without drinking, about 3 years ago.  This time I learned that drinking does not help my anxiety, panic, depression, ocd and just made everything worse. Sally Thanks for the help ((((Sally)))) Jim

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I am currently taking 7.5mg – 10mg of Lexapro.  My anxiety, panic, depression is not getting any better and I am having obsessive thoughts.

Sorry to hear that. : (     How long have you been on Lex? My pdoc suggested that maybe we should work more on the OCD instead of the panic/anxiety.  So I am going to add a small amount of Luvox to the Lexapro I take.

Hope this augmentation strategy works. However, as I mentioned, my pdoc gave me a few samples of the RISPERDAL and said I could try 1 or 2 before bed.  Does this sound like a good idea for anxiety, panic, ocd?

I take a similar AP at night for "racing thoughts " and "obsessive worries," and it does help a lot. However, for "classic" OCD my Doc has me on Zoloft, which seems to have all but killed it. One thought that just occurred to me is that I think both OCD flair-ups started when I stopped drinking.  I drank a lot when I was younger and stopped around 23 when the panic attacks came.  I didn’t drink for about 7 years until 3 years ago when I started to have a few because I felt pretty normal on Lexapro.  Everything blew up this past December and I stopped drinking, for good.  Could stopping drinking have such an affect as to cause increased symptoms like anxiety, panic, ocd, etc?  If so, would it take this long for the mind/body to adjust to not drinking?

Don’t know the answer to that one. I am going to start the Luvox/Lexapro combo and hope that will do the trick. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions?

My Doc told me when I had already started Lexapro (prescribed by my previous doc) that Lexapro is not for obsessive thoughts. Maybe he was using "FDA approved" as his guideline, or maybe he said that from experience. I took Lex only for a week and just was too dizzy and had severe stomach pains on it, but that week noticed scant improvement. By contrast, Zoloft started working almost immediately on the OCD and I believe the depression is behind me now.  But everyone is different, so YMMV. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I went to my pdoc today to talk about modifying my treatment so I can start to feel better.  He gave me some samples of RISPERDAL.  He told me this is an atypical antipsychotic.  When I first heard that, my heart skipped.  I said "I am not crazy, why would I need that". I am currently taking 7.5mg – 10mg of Lexapro.  My anxiety, panic, depression is not getting any better and I am having obsessive thoughts.   I am constantly worrying about things I eat or drink.  So over the last 3 months I have not wanted to deal with it so I have been basically starving and I am now starting to feel sick from not being as nourished as I should be.  I also read that SSRI’s are less effective for under nourished people like people with anorexia. My pdoc suggested that maybe we should work more on the OCD instead of the panic/anxiety.  So I am going to add a small amount of Luvox to the Lexapro I take. However, as I mentioned, my pdoc gave me a few samples of the RISPERDAL and said I could try 1 or 2 before bed.  Does this sound like a good idea for anxiety, panic, ocd? In the past 10 years, I have had two OCD flair ups where the obsessive thoughts caused a lot more anxiety.  The first time was when this disease first struck.  The second started this past December.  I actually have a song "stuck" in my head right now as I type.  Some children’s song from Noggin!!  Anyway… One thought that just occurred to me is that I think both OCD flair-ups started when I stopped drinking.  I drank a lot when I was younger and stopped around 23 when the panic attacks came.  I didn’t drink for about 7 years until 3 years ago when I started to have a few because I felt pretty normal on Lexapro.  Everything blew up this past December and I stopped drinking, for good.  Could stopping drinking have such an affect as to cause increased symptoms like anxiety, panic, ocd, etc?  If so, would it take this long for the mind/body to adjust to not drinking? I am going to start the Luvox/Lexapro combo and hope that will do the trick. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions? Best, Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Can I assume that these experiences are common among anxiety sufferers?

Yes! What you need is a complete physical to knock out the possibility of something that can easily be dealt with.  Even a thyroid condition can throw you out of wack, as can other simple problems.  Once you get a clean bill of health, that should make you feel a lot better, but then it’s time to work on the anxiety.  See a doc who specializes in anxiety, probably a psychiatrist, and explore the possibility of meds or cognitive behavioral therapy.  I’m on meds and they’ve worked wonders for me, but everybody is different. Based on my own problems, and what I read a lot in this group, I’m sure you’ll be just fine.  And stop reading everything you see on the Net. Often, it just makes anxious people more anxious.  I should know. Hang in there. Sheldon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a first-time poster here.  I’ve been dealing with anxiety-related problems since I was 27 (I’m now nearly 42).  My first panic attack was probably similar to what a lot of people experience: it felt like I must be having a heart attack.  Once I figured out what was going on, and got some help with breathing and muscle relaxation exercises, I slowly learned how to recognize and deal with it.  The severe depression that accompanied those first attacks slowly dissipated over nearly a year, and thankfully I haven’t had to deal with that since. But I have had to deal with periodic episodes of troubling physical symptoms.  When the stress level in my life gets too high, invariably something has to give.  If I don’t let the stress express itself through an anxiety attack, it will come out in a different way.  Once it was psoriasis, another time heart palpitations, then twitching muscles, and so on.  It even seems to make my cholesterol shoot up! These episodes tend to worry me, which makes me more anxious, which reinforces the situation.  Eventually, once a doctor has run enough tests to tell me there’s nothing really wrong, the complaint will clear up. Can I assume that these experiences are common among anxiety sufferers? Recently, my life has reached another stress peak.  One day I picked up a pen to sign my name and I couldn’t make my fingers work.  It was like my fine motor skills were gone.  This pushed me OVER THE EDGE.  I had an anxiety attack just a few minutes later.  Once I got that somewhat under control,  my body seemed to explode with muscular problems.  The old muscle twitches returned, but in addition I expereinced shakiness (hands, neck, legs) and weakness.  These symptoms would come and go, move from one part of the body to the other, and generally make me miserable.  What’s more, they set me on another worrying binge about my health.  "Do I have MS?  Parkinson’s?  Something else?"  I spent a lot of time reading about my symptoms on the ‘net.  Eventually, I was able to see that others had had the same symptoms as a result of anxiety, and that helped me calm down. Now, a couple of months later, I’m better, though not 100%.  The latest are ‘tics’, where a muscle spasm will actually cause a visible result (involuntary jerk in the hands, arms, face.)  I keep telling myself that it’s nothing serious, and that I just need to get my stress in check, but I’m at a place in my life where the stressors are many and won’t go away any time soon. I guess I’m posting this partly to vent, but also partly to see who might be in a similar situation and hear what they’ve done to deal with it. Thanks in advance, Kevin

Hi Kevin! Welcome to ASAPM!  I think you’ve found a good place to ask questions and get support. I could very much relate to what you have written.  Whew.  I’ve always been kind of wound too tightly.  An old high school friend once told me that he always thought of me as "clenched".. so this has been manifesting itself for a long time.  I didn’t develop panic until I was in my 40′s. (I’m 46 now)  Went a long time without a diagnosis, and that wasn’t very fun.  Finally, I got diagnosed and treated for that. Last Christmas my mother passed away and I lived with her.  I developed GAD then, and I also developed some tics myself.  So much so that I posted about them, because not a lot of people have posted about tics here, even though it’s an anxiety forum.  Get this. This is cute.  It’s not as bad as it WAS, but I rock my head back and forth (involuntarily) and I (thank God it’s only sometimes now – was full time) I hold my hand funny. Can’t decribe it, but the hospice nurse thought that there was a hand disability going on with me..wasn’t physical, it was/is  all anxiety/stress related.  Some sort of fear reaction to my mother’s death, and I still have it, to a lesser extent 16 months later. And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Anxiety can cause all sorts of weird physical symptoms, and I’ve been surprised myself at some ot them that I’ve had, even though I KNOW I have anxiety and panic, sometimes new ones pop up that tend to freak me out.  I’ve called the squad before because my arms and legs went numb. There may be medications that could help you, a good psychiatrist that understands anxiety and panic is indispensible.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has worked wonders for me.  Anyway, welcome to the group!  We are always glad to have new people join us. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sally, Thanks for the info.  I’ll look at that book. Sorry for being ignorant, but I’m not familiar with what "PRN" means. I guess I’m pretty lucky in that I can usually feel a panic attack coming on, and if I can quickly distract myself from it, I have a good chance of ‘dialing it back’ before it’s full blown. But I definitely don’t begrudge you the use of meds.  Do whatever it takes to manage those attacks! Kevin

Kevin, PRN is short for something Latin, LOL. It means "taken as needed." – in other words, I take Xanax when I feel I need to, not on a schedule. – And ignorance is fine, we all are about something.  Just ask if you don’t understand! Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Except for those of us that get it sitting at home after the heartburn kicks in… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Sally Sally, I just wanted to say that the pain radiating into your jaw (and maybe also the chest pressure) could well be related to your stomach problems. My partner, Rosey, has stomach problems with her reflux and a mild inflammation of the stomach lining, which was found via an endoscopy. If she eats anything just a bit too fatty or containing too much acid, she can get one of her "attacks", which involves pain in the jaw and left ear, "acidy" feelings in the chest as a result of her reflux, and she has to drink loads of antacid to get it under control. As you’ve had your heart checked out, it’s not likely to be a serious condition and I just thought this might put your mind at rest a little regarding these symptoms. Hope this helps. Steve. I hate to tell you this, but many of you who have pain radiating from their neck down into their arms, or in their shoulders can very well be pains associated with working too long on your computer. Just thought I’d throw that in there. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Sally Sally, I just wanted to say that the pain radiating into your jaw (and maybe also the chest pressure) could well be related to your stomach problems. My partner, Rosey, has stomach problems with her reflux and a mild inflammation of the stomach lining, which was found via an endoscopy. If she eats anything just a bit too fatty or containing too much acid, she can get one of her "attacks", which involves pain in the jaw and left ear, "acidy" feelings in the chest as a result of her reflux, and she has to drink loads of antacid to get it under control. As you’ve had your heart checked out, it’s not likely to be a serious condition and I just thought this might put your mind at rest a little regarding these symptoms. Hope this helps. Steve.

I hate to tell you this, but many of you who have pain radiating from their neck down into their arms, or in their shoulders can very well be pains associated with working too long on your computer. Just thought I’d throw that in there. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I couldn’t agree more with not reading everything on the internet. From personal experience, also, it will make your anxiety much worse.

Quite honestly, there are a few days when i’m extremely stressed out over something or too tired and my anxiety kicks in, that i can’t even read or post on this board.  Sometimes, out of sight, out of mind is a lot better!  Stop looking so much into it (as if that is such an easy thing to do, we as humans want an answer for everthing), recognize that it’s just anxiety and seek a doc who specializes in this area, i’m sure you will find things to get a little easier.  Sounds like you are doing most of that already, though…   Keep us updated! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can I assume that these experiences are common among anxiety sufferers? Yes! What you need is a complete physical to knock out the possibility of something that can easily be dealt with.  Even a thyroid condition can throw you out of wack, as can other simple problems.  Once you get a clean bill of health, that should make you feel a lot better, but then it’s time to work on the anxiety.  See a doc who specializes in anxiety, probably a psychiatrist, and explore the possibility of meds or cognitive behavioral therapy.  I’m on meds and they’ve worked wonders for me, but everybody is different. Based on my own problems, and what I read a lot in this group, I’m sure you’ll be just fine.  And stop reading everything you see on the Net. Often, it just makes anxious people more anxious.  I should know. Hang in there. Sheldon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Sally

Sally, I just wanted to say that the pain radiating into your jaw (and maybe also the chest pressure) could well be related to your stomach problems. My partner, Rosey, has stomach problems with her reflux and a mild inflammation of the stomach lining, which was found via an endoscopy. If she eats anything just a bit too fatty or containing too much acid, she can get one of her "attacks", which involves pain in the jaw and left ear, "acidy" feelings in the chest as a result of her reflux, and she has to drink loads of antacid to get it under control. As you’ve had your heart checked out, it’s not likely to be a serious condition and I just thought this might put your mind at rest a little regarding these symptoms. Hope this helps. Steve. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Like i’ve said many times before i have stomach problems and heartburn daily.  It’s mild when i eat correctly, but bad when i go overboard and overeat or eat the wrong foods.  I’ve had all the symptoms of heart attack, pain down arm, pain in back, extreme pain in the chest!  I also get a lot of infections in throat due to acid reflux that causes a lot of chest pains!  I no longer worry about it being a heart attack or heart problems!  I figure if i was having a heart attack every day, chances are i’d be dead by now, since this has been going on for a long time now.  Had slight heartburn and stomach problems occ. before anxiety, but once got panic attacks, the stomach kicked into high gear. Maybe if you looked at it from that approach that if it was your heart, chances are you wouldn’t be posting to us, it might make you feel better!

Yes, you’re right. I remember the time one of my wife’s sisters cycled into town to the doctor’s because she had a similar problem and thought she was having a heart attack. When the doctor pointed out that if she had been having heart problems she wouldn’t have been able to cycle anywhere, she started to calm down and had a bit more of a level-headed view of her stomach problems in the future. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Sally Sally, I just wanted to say that the pain radiating into your jaw (and maybe also the chest pressure) could well be related to your stomach problems. My partner, Rosey, has stomach problems with her reflux and a mild inflammation of the stomach lining, which was found via an endoscopy. If she eats anything just a bit too fatty or containing too much acid, she can get one of her "attacks", which involves pain in the jaw and left ear, "acidy" feelings in the chest as a result of her reflux, and she has to drink loads of antacid to get it under control. As you’ve had your heart checked out, it’s not likely to be a serious condition and I just thought this might put your mind at rest a little regarding these symptoms. Hope this helps. Steve. hey Steve, Actually, that is exactly what the doctors that I worked with speculated that first time I was hospitalized.. Long before I ever developed panic, and long before I had any gastric problems. Several of them ( I worked with them, so I had a bunch of them just speculating) said it might be an esophageal spasm of some sort.  Looking back on that time in my life.. I believe it was stress and anxiety.  That was a very stressful job situation, and I quit shortly after the hospitalization. In about a week, the chest pressure and other symptoms went completely away.  It IS disturbing however, to KNOW all of the text book symptoms of a heart attack, and to have them.. and not call the squad.  That’s hard. I usually just take a Xanax, lay down, try to be as quiet as possible, and I pray.  So far, I’ve lived through it each time.. and my heart always checks out fine.  I don’t worry, but when the symptoms start, it’s very difficult not to. Sally It’s a pig, isn’t it? Thinking about it, my wife also used to have stomach problems with overproduction of acid and a little ulcer, and when that played up she got pains down the left arm etc. First time it happened it frightened her to death, quick trip to the doctor’s in panic. Nothing seriously wrong. Just indigestion. You’d think the body could TELL the difference between a stomach and a heart!! LOL. Anyway, glad you’re fine. Steve. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Now, a couple of months later, I’m better, though not 100%.  The latest ::are ‘tics’, where a muscle spasm will actually cause a visible result ::(involuntary jerk in the hands, arms, face.)  I keep telling myself ::that it’s nothing serious, and that I just need to get my stress in ::check, but I’m at a place in my life where the stressors are many and ::won’t go away any time soon. :: ::I guess I’m posting this partly to vent, but also partly to see who ::might be in a similar situation and hear what they’ve done to deal with Hi Kevin, Welcome to ASAPM! I could have written your post I relate to everything! A while back I read an article about how everyone experiences a handful of strange physical sensations/symptoms a day. People that don`t have an anxiety disorder are able to dismiss those sensations as ‘just one of those things". People with anxiety tend to attach a lot of significance to those sensations making us even more anxious and depressed. The worst thing you can do is to research that symptom on the internet. More often than not, doing so does not provide any relief, just more fear. Best thing to do when dealing with scary and uncomfortable physical sensations is to try and get your mind off of it. The more you obsess and focus on it, the longer it will stick around. Keep yourself busy and occupied, do some fun things. If you find the anxiety and form of meds and/or therapy. P.S. Everybody has experienced tics and twitches at some point in their lives. The last few days my eyes are twitchy. I think it is fatigue and possibly eye strain. Eat some bananas. Some people feel bananas help their twitching. Take care! Jackie ~*~I`m an angel! Honest The horns are just there to keep my halo up straight~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Sally Sally, I just wanted to say that the pain radiating into your jaw (and maybe also the chest pressure) could well be related to your stomach problems. My partner, Rosey, has stomach problems with her reflux and a mild inflammation of the stomach lining, which was found via an endoscopy. If she eats anything just a bit too fatty or containing too much acid, she can get one of her "attacks", which involves pain in the jaw and left ear, "acidy" feelings in the chest as a result of her reflux, and she has to drink loads of antacid to get it under control. As you’ve had your heart checked out, it’s not likely to be a serious condition and I just thought this might put your mind at rest a little regarding these symptoms. Hope this helps. Steve.

hey Steve, Actually, that is exactly what the doctors that I worked with speculated that first time I was hospitalized.. Long before I ever developed panic, and long before I had any gastric problems. Several of them ( I worked with them, so I had a bunch of them just speculating) said it might be an esophageal spasm of some sort.  Looking back on that time in my life.. I believe it was stress and anxiety.  That was a very stressful job situation, and I quit shortly after the hospitalization. In about a week, the chest pressure and other symptoms went completely away.  It IS disturbing however, to KNOW all of the text book symptoms of a heart attack, and to have them.. and not call the squad.  That’s hard. I usually just take a Xanax, lay down, try to be as quiet as possible, and I pray.  So far, I’ve lived through it each time.. and my heart always checks out fine.  I don’t worry, but when the symptoms start, it’s very difficult not to. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all for your kind replies!  It’s so nice to be able to hear from others in my situation.  I’m sure none of you will be surprised to hear that, after reading your posts, I could FEEL the stress leaving my body.  All of your thoughts and experiences are appreciated! In response to the suggestions regarding seeing a therapist, I actually did that right after my initial anxiety attack 15 years ago.  This was at the university, though, and all they did was teach me some breathing exercises. Then, several years ago, I went to another therapist for about a year. He helped me quite a bit by giving me an outlet for my problems, and I learned muscle relaxation, directed imagery, etc.  He was a psychologist, not a psychiatrist, and he was 100% focused on therapy and not on meds.  Honestly, that’s the way I prefer it.  I’m just not keen on the idea of taking pills, since the other techniques have worked pretty well for me.  No, these have not been complete solutions, as my recent problems attest, but in the past 15 years I’ve probably been symptom free 90% of the time. I think going back into therapy for a ‘tune up’ might be a good idea, but I’d want to find a doctor who would only suggest meds if absolutely necessary. I look forward to anyone else who’d like to share their thoughts and ideas… Kevin

hey Kevin, I prefer therapy too.  CBT therapy, to be specific.  I have to – MUST – take medication, but I don’t take it all day every day.. I take it PRN, and I always know whether I need it or not. But overall, I would say that CBT therapy (You can start by reading a book called "Feeling Good the New Mood Therapy" by David Burns) in the long run, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has done wonders for me – for lots of issues, anxiety just being one of them. For me, though, I have to medicate panic.  I can’t CBT my way out of panic. I get panic attacks without warning, and no time to get ready mentally for them usually.  I’d love to use therapy to fix that, but I think in my case, I just have to have meds for those ..uh.."special" times, LOL.  Glad you like it here, stick around. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sally, Thanks for the info.  I’ll look at that book. Sorry for being ignorant, but I’m not familiar with what "PRN" means. I guess I’m pretty lucky in that I can usually feel a panic attack coming on, and if I can quickly distract myself from it, I have a good chance of ‘dialing it back’ before it’s full blown. But I definitely don’t begrudge you the use of meds.  Do whatever it takes to manage those attacks!   Kevin — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Sally Sally, I just wanted to say that the pain radiating into your jaw (and maybe also the chest pressure) could well be related to your stomach problems. My partner, Rosey, has stomach problems with her reflux and a mild inflammation of the stomach lining, which was found via an endoscopy. If she eats anything just a bit too fatty or containing too much acid, she can get one of her "attacks", which involves pain in the jaw and left ear, "acidy" feelings in the chest as a result of her reflux, and she has to drink loads of antacid to get it under control. As you’ve had your heart checked out, it’s not likely to be a serious condition and I just thought this might put your mind at rest a little regarding these symptoms. Hope this helps. Steve. hey Steve, Actually, that is exactly what the doctors that I worked with speculated that first time I was hospitalized.. Long before I ever developed panic, and long before I had any gastric problems. Several of them ( I worked with them, so I had a bunch of them just speculating) said it might be an esophageal spasm of some sort.  Looking back on that time in my life.. I believe it was stress and anxiety.  That was a very stressful job situation, and I quit shortly after the hospitalization. In about a week, the chest pressure and other symptoms went completely away.  It IS disturbing however, to KNOW all of the text book symptoms of a heart attack, and to have them.. and not call the squad.  That’s hard. I usually just take a Xanax, lay down, try to be as quiet as possible, and I pray.  So far, I’ve lived through it each time.. and my heart always checks out fine.  I don’t worry, but when the symptoms start, it’s very difficult not to. Sally

It’s a pig, isn’t it? Thinking about it, my wife also used to have stomach problems with overproduction of acid and a little ulcer, and when that played up she got pains down the left arm etc. First time it happened it frightened her to death, quick trip to the doctor’s in panic. Nothing seriously wrong. Just indigestion. You’d think the body could TELL the difference between a stomach and a heart!! LOL. Anyway, glad you’re fine. Steve. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Like i’ve said many times before i have stomach problems and heartburn daily.  It’s mild when i eat correctly, but bad when i go overboard and overeat or eat the wrong foods.  I’ve had all the symptoms of heart attack, pain down arm, pain in back, extreme pain in the chest!  I also get a lot of infections in throat due to acid reflux that causes a lot of chest pains!  I no longer worry about it being a heart attack or heart problems!  I figure if i was having a heart attack every day, chances are i’d be dead by now, since this has been going on for a long time now.  Had slight heartburn and stomach problems occ. before anxiety, but once got panic attacks, the stomach kicked into high gear.  Maybe if you looked at it from that approach that if it was your heart, chances are you wouldn’t be posting to us, it might make you feel better! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Sally Sally, I just wanted to say that the pain radiating into your jaw (and maybe also the chest pressure) could well be related to your stomach problems. My partner, Rosey, has stomach problems with her reflux and a mild inflammation of the stomach lining, which was found via an endoscopy. If she eats anything just a bit too fatty or containing too much acid, she can get one of her "attacks", which involves pain in the jaw and left ear, "acidy" feelings in the chest as a result of her reflux, and she has to drink loads of antacid to get it under control. As you’ve had your heart checked out, it’s not likely to be a serious condition and I just thought this might put your mind at rest a little regarding these symptoms. Hope this helps. Steve. hey Steve, Actually, that is exactly what the doctors that I worked with speculated that first time I was hospitalized.. Long before I ever developed panic, and long before I had any gastric problems. Several of them ( I worked with them, so I had a bunch of them just speculating) said it might be an esophageal spasm of some sort.  Looking back on that time in my life.. I believe it was stress and anxiety.  That was a very stressful job situation, and I quit shortly after the hospitalization. In about a week, the chest pressure and other symptoms went completely away.  It IS disturbing however, to KNOW all of the text book symptoms of a heart attack, and to have them.. and not call the squad.  That’s hard. I usually just take a Xanax, lay down, try to be as quiet as possible, and I pray.  So far, I’ve lived through it each time.. and my heart always checks out fine.  I don’t worry, but when the symptoms start, it’s very difficult not to. Sally It’s a pig, isn’t it? Thinking about it, my wife also used to have stomach problems with overproduction of acid and a little ulcer, and when that played up she got pains down the left arm etc. First time it happened it frightened her to death, quick trip to the doctor’s in panic. Nothing seriously wrong. Just indigestion. You’d think the body could TELL the difference between a stomach and a heart!! LOL. Anyway, glad you’re fine. Steve. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks to all for your kind replies!  It’s so nice to be able to hear from others in my situation.  I’m sure none of you will be surprised to hear that, after reading your posts, I could FEEL the stress leaving my body.  All of your thoughts and experiences are appreciated! In response to the suggestions regarding seeing a therapist, I actually did that right after my initial anxiety attack 15 years ago.  This was at the university, though, and all they did was teach me some breathing exercises. Then, several years ago, I went to another therapist for about a year. He helped me quite a bit by giving me an outlet for my problems, and I learned muscle relaxation, directed imagery, etc.  He was a psychologist, not a psychiatrist, and he was 100% focused on therapy and not on meds.  Honestly, that’s the way I prefer it.  I’m just not keen on the idea of taking pills, since the other techniques have worked pretty well for me.  No, these have not been complete solutions, as my recent problems attest, but in the past 15 years I’ve probably been symptom free 90% of the time. I think going back into therapy for a ‘tune up’ might be a good idea, but I’d want to find a doctor who would only suggest meds if absolutely necessary. I look forward to anyone else who’d like to share their thoughts and ideas… Kevin — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a first-time poster here.  I’ve been dealing with anxiety-related problems since I was 27 (I’m now nearly 42).  My first panic attack was probably similar to what a lot of people experience: it felt like I must be having a heart attack.  Once I figured out what was going on, and got some help with breathing and muscle relaxation exercises, I slowly learned how to recognize and deal with it.  The severe depression that accompanied those first attacks slowly dissipated over nearly a year, and thankfully I haven’t had to deal with that since. But I have had to deal with periodic episodes of troubling physical symptoms.  When the stress level in my life gets too high, invariably something has to give.  If I don’t let the stress express itself through an anxiety attack, it will come out in a different way.  Once it was psoriasis, another time heart palpitations, then twitching muscles, and so on.  It even seems to make my cholesterol shoot up! These episodes tend to worry me, which makes me more anxious, which reinforces the situation.  Eventually, once a doctor has run enough tests to tell me there’s nothing really wrong, the complaint will clear up. Can I assume that these experiences are common among anxiety sufferers?

Isn’t stress wonderful….NOT. Prolonged high stress gives me many of the things that you have described. I never put cholesterol on the list but it does fit my case. I must ask mg G.P. about that. Recently, my life has reached another stress peak.  One day I picked up a pen to sign my name and I couldn’t make my fingers work.  It was like my fine motor skills were gone.  This pushed me OVER THE EDGE.  I had an anxiety attack just a few minutes later.  Once I got that somewhat under control,  my body seemed to explode with muscular problems.  The old muscle twitches returned, but in addition I expereinced shakiness (hands, neck, legs) and weakness.  These symptoms would come and go, move from one part of the body to the other, and generally make me miserable.  What’s more, they set me on another worrying binge about my health.  "Do I have MS?  Parkinson’s?  Something else?"  I spent a lot of time reading about my symptoms on the ‘net.  Eventually, I was able to see that others had had the same symptoms as a result of anxiety, and that helped me calm down.

My eyelids tend to be the first things that twitch. Then I get muscles in my arms giving minor twitches especially when reaching for something above my head like putting a plate away after drying the dishes. After that comes the large muscles of the legs giving minor twitches but gives me major leg twitches when I go to bed. Now, a couple of months later, I’m better, though not 100%.  The latest are ‘tics’, where a muscle spasm will actually cause a visible result (involuntary jerk in the hands, arms, face.)  I keep telling myself that it’s nothing serious, and that I just need to get my stress in check, but I’m at a place in my life where the stressors are many and won’t go away any time soon. I guess I’m posting this partly to vent, but also partly to see who might be in a similar situation and hear what they’ve done to deal with it. Thanks in advance, Kevin

Your tics and twitches may be stress related but to be sure get them checked out by your doctor. — Ron P If it doesn’t hurt today, it probably will tomorrow. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a first-time poster here.  I’ve been dealing with anxiety-related problems since I was 27 (I’m now nearly 42).  My first panic attack was probably similar to what a lot of people experience: it felt like I must be having a heart attack.  Once I figured out what was going on, and got some help with breathing and muscle relaxation exercises, I slowly learned how to recognize and deal with it.  The severe depression that accompanied those first attacks slowly dissipated over nearly a year, and thankfully I haven’t had to deal with that since. But I have had to deal with periodic episodes of troubling physical symptoms.  When the stress level in my life gets too high, invariably something has to give.  If I don’t let the stress express itself through an anxiety attack, it will come out in a different way.  Once it was psoriasis, another time heart palpitations, then twitching muscles, and so on.  It even seems to make my cholesterol shoot up! These episodes tend to worry me, which makes me more anxious, which reinforces the situation.  Eventually, once a doctor has run enough tests to tell me there’s nothing really wrong, the complaint will clear up. Can I assume that these experiences are common among anxiety sufferers? Recently, my life has reached another stress peak.  One day I picked up a pen to sign my name and I couldn’t make my fingers work.  It was like my fine motor skills were gone.  This pushed me OVER THE EDGE.  I had an anxiety attack just a few minutes later.  Once I got that somewhat under control,  my body seemed to explode with muscular problems.  The old muscle twitches returned, but in addition I expereinced shakiness (hands, neck, legs) and weakness.  These symptoms would come and go, move from one part of the body to the other, and generally make me miserable.  What’s more, they set me on another worrying binge about my health.  "Do I have MS?  Parkinson’s?  Something else?"  I spent a lot of time reading about my symptoms on the ‘net.  Eventually, I was able to see that others had had the same symptoms as a result of anxiety, and that helped me calm down. Now, a couple of months later, I’m better, though not 100%.  The latest are ‘tics’, where a muscle spasm will actually cause a visible result (involuntary jerk in the hands, arms, face.)  I keep telling myself that it’s nothing serious, and that I just need to get my stress in check, but I’m at a place in my life where the stressors are many and won’t go away any time soon. I guess I’m posting this partly to vent, but also partly to see who might be in a similar situation and hear what they’ve done to deal with it. Thanks in advance, Kevin Hi Kevin! Welcome to ASAPM!  I think you’ve found a good place to ask questions and get support. I could very much relate to what you have written.  Whew.  I’ve always been kind of wound too tightly.  An old high school friend once told me that he always thought of me as "clenched".. so this has been manifesting itself for a long time.  I didn’t develop panic until I was in my 40′s. (I’m 46 now)  Went a long time without a diagnosis, and that wasn’t very fun.  Finally, I got diagnosed and treated for that. Last Christmas my mother passed away and I lived with her.  I developed GAD then, and I also developed some tics myself.  So much so that I posted about them, because not a lot of people have posted about tics here, even though it’s an anxiety forum.  Get this. This is cute.  It’s not as bad as it WAS, but I rock my head back and forth (involuntarily) and I (thank God it’s only sometimes now – was full time) I hold my hand funny. Can’t decribe it, but the hospice nurse thought that there was a hand disability going on with me..wasn’t physical, it was/is  all anxiety/stress related.  Some sort of fear reaction to my mother’s death, and I still have it, to a lesser extent 16 months later. And YES to the physical symptoms. I’ve got some horrible stomach problems. some of that is physical and some, I’m sure is anxiety.  I also get real good imitations of heart attacks sometimes. Chest pressure, pain radiating into my jaw.. textbook stuff..and every time I’ve ever been checked out (first time I was working in a clinic, and the doctors there rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next 4 days getting evaluated)  - they found nothing. Yes to the psoriasis too. Some people here get migraines.  I have had them before, but thank goodness, not on a regular basis. Anxiety can cause all sorts of weird physical symptoms, and I’ve been surprised myself at some ot them that I’ve had, even though I KNOW I have anxiety and panic, sometimes new ones pop up that tend to freak me out.  I’ve called the squad before because my arms and legs went numb. There may be medications that could help you, a good psychiatrist that understands anxiety and panic is indispensible.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has worked wonders for me.  Anyway, welcome to the group!  We are always glad to have new people join us. Sally

Kevin and Sally, I know about the tics.  I got them in my eye.  It just kept jumping and the people I worked with were freaking out.  I called my doctor and she gave me a different dose of Klonopin and it went away.  I don’t understand why anxiety causes these nervous tics.  It was embarassing because I was dealing with the public constantly.  None of them ever said anything but I got some strange looks at times.  I am sure the girl with the jumping eye would worry some folks. Anxiety does some crazy things to people, and we are all different.  I hate it.  I am trying to beat it because I have always been strong.  I had one doctor tell me it can go away and another said I will have it for life.  I liked the first doctor’s point of view. Take care of yourself. Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a first-time poster here.  I’ve been dealing with anxiety-related problems since I was 27 (I’m now nearly 42).  My first panic attack was probably similar to what a lot of people experience: it felt like I must be having a heart attack.  Once I figured out what was going on, and got some help with breathing and muscle relaxation exercises, I slowly learned how to recognize and deal with it.  The severe depression that accompanied those first attacks slowly dissipated over nearly a year, and thankfully I haven’t had to deal with that since. But I have had to deal with periodic episodes of troubling physical symptoms.  When the stress level in my life gets too high, invariably something has to give.  If I don’t let the stress express itself through an anxiety attack, it will come out in a different way.  Once it was psoriasis, another time heart palpitations, then twitching muscles, and so on.  It even seems to make my cholesterol shoot up! These episodes tend to worry me, which makes me more anxious, which reinforces the situation.  Eventually, once a doctor has run enough tests to tell me there’s nothing really wrong, the complaint will clear up. Can I assume that these experiences are common among anxiety sufferers? Recently, my life has reached another stress peak.  One day I picked up a pen to sign my name and I couldn’t make my fingers work.  It was like my fine motor skills were gone.  This pushed me OVER THE EDGE.  I had an anxiety attack just a few minutes later.  Once I got that somewhat under control,  my body seemed to explode with muscular problems.  The old muscle twitches returned, but in addition I expereinced shakiness (hands, neck, legs) and weakness.  These symptoms would come and go, move from one part of the body to the other, and generally make me miserable.  What’s more, they set me on another worrying binge about my health.  "Do I have MS?  Parkinson’s?  Something else?"  I spent a lot of time reading about my symptoms on the ‘net.  Eventually, I was able to see that others had had the same symptoms as a result of anxiety, and that helped me calm down. Now, a couple of months later, I’m better, though not 100%.  The latest are ‘tics’, where a muscle spasm will actually cause a visible result (involuntary jerk in the hands, arms, face.)  I keep telling myself that it’s nothing serious, and that I just need to get my stress in check, but I’m at a place in my life where the stressors are many and won’t go away any time soon. I guess I’m posting this partly to vent, but also partly to see who might be in a similar situation and hear what they’ve done to deal with it. Thanks in advance, Kevin

Welcome Kevin, You came to the right place.  You didn’t say if you had been to a psychiatrist or are on medication.  I have  some of the same symptoms as you.  The shaking does make you think of Parkinson’s.  I think of that everytime my hand shakes.  It’s really bad when people notice. If you haven’t been to a doctor, I encourage you to go.  If you have to get a referral from you general practitioner, get it and go.  There is help out there.  You just have to find a good doctor.  Ask your GP who is a good psychiatrist. I wish you luck.  I am a baby with this crap.  Only 6 years.  You have gone a very long time, if you haven’t gotten help. Take care, Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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I’m a first-time poster here.  I’ve been dealing with anxiety-related problems since I was 27 (I’m now nearly 42).  My first panic attack was probably similar to what a lot of people experience: it felt like I must be having a heart attack.  Once I figured out what was going on, and got some help with breathing and muscle relaxation exercises, I slowly learned how to recognize and deal with it.  The severe depression that accompanied those first attacks slowly dissipated over nearly a year, and thankfully I haven’t had to deal with that since. But I have had to deal with periodic episodes of troubling physical symptoms.  When the stress level in my life gets too high, invariably something has to give.  If I don’t let the stress express itself through an anxiety attack, it will come out in a different way.  Once it was psoriasis, another time heart palpitations, then twitching muscles, and so on.  It even seems to make my cholesterol shoot up! These episodes tend to worry me, which makes me more anxious, which reinforces the situation.  Eventually, once a doctor has run enough tests to tell me there’s nothing really wrong, the complaint will clear up. Can I assume that these experiences are common among anxiety sufferers? Recently, my life has reached another stress peak.  One day I picked up a pen to sign my name and I couldn’t make my fingers work.  It was like my fine motor skills were gone.  This pushed me OVER THE EDGE.  I had an anxiety attack just a few minutes later.  Once I got that somewhat under control,  my body seemed to explode with muscular problems.  The old muscle twitches returned, but in addition I expereinced shakiness (hands, neck, legs) and weakness.  These symptoms would come and go, move from one part of the body to the other, and generally make me miserable.  What’s more, they set me on another worrying binge about my health.  "Do I have MS?  Parkinson’s?  Something else?"  I spent a lot of time reading about my symptoms on the ‘net.  Eventually, I was able to see that others had had the same symptoms as a result of anxiety, and that helped me calm down. Now, a couple of months later, I’m better, though not 100%.  The latest are ‘tics’, where a muscle spasm will actually cause a visible result (involuntary jerk in the hands, arms, face.)  I keep telling myself that it’s nothing serious, and that I just need to get my stress in check, but I’m at a place in my life where the stressors are many and won’t go away any time soon. I guess I’m posting this partly to vent, but also partly to see who might be in a similar situation and hear what they’ve done to deal with it. Thanks in advance, Kevin — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Don’t you get prescribed analgesics?

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    The usual movement of food and drink down the esophagus goes unnoticed. Fuck you I’m the Doctor you fucking idiot. . . . . This message was posted via one or more anonymous remailing services. The original sender is unknown.  Any address shown in the From header is unverified.

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The usual movement of food and drink down the esophagus goes unnoticed.

Fuck you I’m the Doctor you fucking idiot. . . . . This message was posted via one or more anonymous remailing services. The original sender is unknown.  Any address shown in the From header is unverified.

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The usual movement of food and drink down the esophagus goes unnoticed. Fuck you I’m the Doctor you fucking idiot.

Margrove, even for your standards this is not expectable. ~

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Mary, you are certainly welcome to post anything you like in this group, anytime you want to.  It is not moderated, and you can say whatever you want.  Unfortunately, that little blessing is also a curse, because we have a few resident morons here – one of whom answered your post, and is probably a shoe-salesman, and is certainly not a physician.  Your commentary about esophageal spasm was accurate, timely and saved me from having to look all that up… lol. Having had esophageal spasm many years ago, I recall how awful that was, and feel badly for the person having them, but would still like to know how the diagnosis was reached, and what other medical problems they have.  I’m just nosey that way.  ;^ Gary (the nurse from hell)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The usual movement of food and drink down the esophagus goes unnoticed. Fuck you I’m the Doctor you fucking idiot. Margrove, even for your standards this is not expectable. ~ Apparently, I overstepped boundaries and mistook the question for an actual interest in esophageal spasms.  Having had them myself, I thought perhaps I might offer some support with regard to my personal experience.  I am NOT a doctor, nor do I aspire to the profession and if I have given the impression that my experience was medical _advice_, well then, I do apologize.  It was never my intention to step on the toes of anyone here who may be regarded as the resident healthcare provider.  Different things cause esophageal spasms, I can only offer information based on what caused mine. That being said, I must stand by my original post, for anyone so interested, as an episode of esophageal spasms can themselves bring about an anxiety/panic attack.  I do not know if they are _symptoms_ of such attacks. Perhaps the doctor can answer that question. I found no FAQ or other document concerning membership, members or anything for that matter with regard to this _support_ group.  I am new to anxiety attacks and thought this might be a forum to give and receive support.  I confess I spent little time lurking before posting so I shall humbly accept the chastisement of _idiot_, though I do not agree with _f*ing*_ idiot – the details of my intimate life are private. Now,  I feel I must ask if new _members_ are accepted/ welcome in this _public_ forum?  If so, is there anything I should know before posting again, and I mean that with all sincerity and no sarcasm intended.  I would like to help and perhaps find some help as well. Thank you. M

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You are right on the way. I may add that some of the psychic’s you mention manage, here in some of our EU contries to actually coordinate their heads explosions in festivals, just for the sake of the community, whereas trolls are no fun at all.

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Well sure there are disadvanteges of not being moderated right? To much benzos… I was diagnosed by a Gastro Doc. He also said they are stress/anxiety related, I’ve had some X ray taken, showing nothing wrong, thank God I havent had that episode of food coming back. I think is more a muscle thing, and as i mentioned, when taken Xanax, the symptoms disappear, I just dont wan tot be on Xanax 30 years or somehting. Before this I considered Candida, metal poisoning, etc, but I guess it is just plain and simple Anxiety. Thanks to all that have helped in this post, to the trolls, God help you.

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"to the trolls, God help you." In the south, this is accomplished by tornadoes.  Not sure how it goes elsewhere – maybe falling in front of a subway train?  I’m sure there are many options available to Him. G

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well sure there are disadvanteges of not being moderated right? To much benzos… I was diagnosed by a Gastro Doc. He also said they are stress/anxiety related, I’ve had some X ray taken, showing nothing wrong, thank God I havent had that episode of food coming back. I think is more a muscle thing, and as i mentioned, when taken Xanax, the symptoms disappear, I just dont wan tot be on Xanax 30 years or somehting. Before this I considered Candida, metal poisoning, etc, but I guess it is just plain and simple Anxiety. Thanks to all that have helped in this post, to the trolls, God help you.

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"to the trolls, God help you." In the south, this is accomplished by tornadoes.  Not sure how it goes elsewhere – maybe falling in front of a subway train?  I’m sure there are many options available to Him. G

 Thanks to all that have helped in this post, to the trolls, God help you.

I have a very scientific theory on how trolls die, based on research I did in the Weekly World News (the paper that has headlines about wolf-boy triplets born in Romania, Siamese twins that channel ancient prophets, etc….) Well, it goes like this. In this esteemed paper, I read about how psychic’s heads sometimes explode. It seems that this always happens in some obscure European country….but, see, what happens is that they just have WAY too much going on in their heads, something just like that…..God, it must be awful for their friends and family MY theory on spontaneous troll deaths is a cheap rip-off of that premise. See, the opposite is true of them in terms of brain activity….NADA.  Just enough sparks flying to help them sit at the computer and type things like, "no, you’re a fuckhead",  "you faggot", ":-D",  and other profundities. Then one day, just in the middle of doing nothing at all, their heads actually IMPLODE!!!!! It’s slightly less gory than the psychic’s fates, and usually no one finds the mess for a few years anyway. For one thing, there’s no inheritance involved. And the "Meals on Wheels" folks, and probation officers,  usually have more important things on their minds, and don’t bother to question the neighbors…. Anyway, it’s just a theory….but I think I’m onto

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Hi I know I have a lot of anxity cause I had a crappy childhood.

wow !  really?  that’s amazing. i think tha rest of us were damn lucky ta’ah grown up with ozzie and harriett. been managing my life pretty well (at least I thought) until 3 months ago, when my first baby was born. I sleep fine, but after waking up I start getting tense chest muscles, a sensation of difficulty in breathing (I think I breathe ok) esophageal spasms, some muscle throat tightness and most funny of all, some tingling sensation down my legs. All docs I’ve seen say it’s stress, and of course, say, it shall pass.

so will’ah kidney stone, but do ya THEY’d wait on that shit with no medication? Well it hasn’t and even though I’m on CB therapy I feel very crappy, especially from the physical symptoms. My doc wants to put me on Victan but I’m really scared of becoming dependant.

what’s that? Would taking some more natural approach (B vits, Niacin, etc) help?

if God had meant for things ta be done tha "natural way", he wouldn’t have invented Revlon. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated

take benzos. BAM !   (my answer for everything, it seems.) ~t Thanks and peace to all

right on.

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How do you know you have esophageal spasm ? G

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the insight. You are right, I’m caught up in a wheel of "I’m stressed so I have pains, and cause I’ve pains I get stressed" I get thess pains everyday, from morning to bedtime. I don’t want the sedatives, and certainly not the antidepressants, I tend to feel more tense and anxious than depressed. I’ve tried a lot of herbalist and natural stuff, with no success. Only time the pain has gone is the 2 times i’ve popped up a .25 xanax, but again, I don’t want to rely on those. I shall continue therapy and follow your advice to not fight it. It’s been 3 months so I get a little desperate, and I know everybody’s different, but any chance there’s a regular recovery time? Being anxious :p  I tend to think I’ll stay like this forever. Peace and thanks

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How do you know you have esophageal spasm ?

WHO CARES?  it damn sure sounds HOT ! ::shivah me timbahs:: ~t

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I know I have a lot of anxity cause I had a crappy childhood. I had been managing my life pretty well (at least I thought) until 3 months ago, when my first baby was born. I sleep fine, but after waking up I start getting tense chest muscles, a sensation of difficulty in breathing (I think I breathe ok) esophageal spasms, some muscle throat tightness and most funny of all, some tingling sensation down my legs. All docs I’ve seen say it’s stress, and of course, say, it shall pass. Well it hasn’t and even though I’m on CB therapy I feel very crappy, especially from the physical symptoms. My doc wants to put me on Victan but I’m really scared of becoming dependant. Would taking some more natural approach (B vits, Niacin, etc) help? Any suggestions or help would be appreciated Thanks and peace to all

Hello, I can relate to your feelings of not being able to breath, esophageal spasms and throat tightness.  I know that a good vitamin b-complex is good to take for anxiety.  I helped me alot a few years ago.  I am now on Celexa but might have to switch as it doesn’t work as well any more.

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Effectively, your doc is right regarrding to let time pass. That is the only definite solution. If you can bear your anxiety, it’s okay, don’t add substances to your problem (well, obviously have analgesic if you feel pain in your legs). If it is a real nuisance, go into theraphy, but, as you rightly think, I would go for mild remedies to more potent ones. BZ’s are risky, unless used for short term, which is rarely to be seen on clinical medicine. Try St. John’s Wort, valerian root or something of the sort. But, no matter what you finally decide, or get prescribed, the underlying problem on you comes from a nervous exhaustion. Our body manifest stress just the way you describe, among others, and it takes time for it to recover. Don’t adopt a ‘struggle or flee’ attitude. Either of them will increase your stress. Simply (but hardly), try to confront it, accept it and, when you are having nasty sensations, relax as possible and let them happen. Given time, the stress will reduce for itself and you will grow stronger with yyour knowledge of how to handle it. This does not mean you have to suffer everything stoically: sedants are a great help wheter natural or chemical, as well as, for some people (6 of 20, as I understand by the figures) anntidepressants, if you think this has to do with your mood. Psicotherapy, can help too, but I know it’s usually far from the reach of people’s economy. Try not to insight so much, not to worry if you are not OK one or two days and not to become obsessed with your nuisances. It’s difficult, I know it for sure, but useful.

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Hi I know I have a lot of anxity cause I had a crappy childhood. I had been managing my life pretty well (at least I thought) until 3 months ago, when my first baby was born. I sleep fine, but after waking up I start getting tense chest muscles, a sensation of difficulty in breathing (I think I breathe ok) esophageal spasms, some muscle throat tightness and most funny of all, some tingling sensation down my legs. All docs I’ve seen say it’s stress, and of course, say, it shall pass. Well it hasn’t and even though I’m on CB therapy I feel very crappy, especially from the physical symptoms. My doc wants to put me on Victan but I’m really scared of becoming dependant. Would taking some more natural approach (B vits, Niacin, etc) help? Any suggestions or help would be appreciated Thanks and peace to all

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I know I have a lot of anxity cause I had a crappy childhood. I had been managing my life pretty well (at least I thought) until 3 months ago, when my first baby was born. I sleep fine, but after waking up I start getting tense chest muscles, a sensation of difficulty in breathing (I think I breathe ok) esophageal spasms, some muscle throat tightness and most funny of all, some tingling sensation down my legs. All docs I’ve seen say it’s stress, and of course, say, it shall pass. Well it hasn’t and even though I’m on CB therapy I feel very crappy, especially from the physical symptoms. My doc wants to put me on Victan but I’m really scared of becoming dependant. Would taking some more natural approach (B vits, Niacin, etc) help? Any suggestions or help would be appreciated Thanks and peace to all

Pray Harder! Amen!

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Thanks for the insight. You are right, I’m caught up in a wheel of "I’m stressed so I have pains, and cause I’ve pains I get stressed" I get thess pains everyday, from morning to bedtime. I don’t want the sedatives, and certainly not the antidepressants, I tend to feel more tense and anxious than depressed. I’ve tried a lot of herbalist and natural stuff, with no success. Only time the pain has gone is the 2 times i’ve popped up a .25 xanax, but again, I don’t want to rely on those. I shall continue therapy and follow your advice to not fight it. It’s been 3 months so I get a little desperate, and I know everybody’s different, but any chance there’s a regular recovery time? Being anxious :p  I tend to think I’ll stay like this forever. Peace and thanks

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<gently snipped ::To this day I still wish that my mother would have had the ::personal courage to have left my father. She did, once, ::but because I was having serious emotional and mental ::issues at the time, it was short-lived. Wishing you peace and healing Steve! Jackie ~*~My greatest fear is there is no such thing as PMS and this is really my personality~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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<snip The abuse you endured very (very) likely had little to do with *you*, and had a LOT to do with the psychiatric underpinnings of your parent’s behavior.

<snip I was abused by my father- mostly emotional abuse, y’know, the old "you’ll never amount to anything variety" and sometimes physically abused. In time, I came to understand that I was not at fault for the abuse. My father was an alcoholic, and I suspect he had other problems as well, these having been rather well masked by the booze. Understanding that and where my father came from (he too was abused by an alcoholic father) was liberating. Indeed, when he died, I was sad because we never really completed the process of reconciling that we seemed to be working on before his death. But I was also relieved, knowing that I would never again be under his oppressive thumb. At least that’s where I’m at on an intellectual level. Emotionally, I still have deep scars and wounds that have been a little harder to heal. I recognize that this is due to the fact that the emotional part of the mind isn’t rational. I’m fairly sure that my own issues with anxiety and panic are due partly to my basic biological makeup and personality, the household I was raised in, and my father’s alcoholism. I remember how I used to quiver with fear on the nights he was out drinking, knowing full well that when he got home, he’d badger me over nothing. But woe betide me if I had done something wrong that day. The abuse would be even worse. You can’t live like that for years and years on end and NOT be affected by it. To this day I still wish that my mother would have had the personal courage to have left my father. She did, once, but because I was having serious emotional and mental issues at the time, it was short-lived. Steve — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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<snip I’m 25 and was just diagnosed with PTSD 2 weeks ago.  I spent 15 years being horribly beaten or moving around foster homes.

I am sorry to hear what you have go through : ( I feel like I’m just being weak by admitting there is something really wrong with me.

Admitting is the *hardest* part.  Now you can finally work on getting better and working through everything. I wish you the best, Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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I’ve finally broken down to the point that if I

dont get help I will most likely kill myself.  I cant do that to my daughter.<< I suppose you could kill yourself, but you have clearly identified that such an action would be enormously destructive to your child (not to mention yourself..).  This tells me that you are more sane than you may be giving yourself credit for. If we can accept harm, it stands to reason that we can accept help.  Badly damaged people feel exquisitely uncomfortable about accepting help, thinking (perhaps subconsiously) that they do not deserve it, or are not worth taking the time to provide such help for.  You must vigorously challenge that belief; it is a belief that is created by trauma, and has no validity.  I.E. it is not true, and is hurting you.  Sometimes the irony is that it takes the help of a professional to get us strong enough to realize that we deserve help.  The real-life implication there is that it can get a little harder (making that first appointment, interview etc..) before it gets easier.  The really good news is that it always DOES get easier. This is not something I just read about in a book, or learned in some classroom either.  Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt. Feel free to send me an email if you would like, I will be glad to try to help you.  I’m Gary, a 42 year old male, happily dating, (not ‘looking for anything’ from you).  I’m also an RN, and have 21 years of clinical experience (plus some fairly relevant life experience)…  If you are more comfortable here for now (or forever), that is completely fine, of course. I do want you to keep working on (even if that just means "talking about") your situation.  Deal?  Remember that you don’t *have* to do anything in particular, but doing *something* is always better than doing *nothing*. I’m glad you took a step forward and posted something. I have a  little girl and I would kill myself before I ever hurt her,

so I dont want to know how my parents really felt about me.<< The abuse you endured very (very) likely had little to do with *you*, and had a LOT to do with the psychiatric underpinnings of your parent’s behavior.  We’ll get around to that, but for now maybe you could concentrate more on how much you love your child.  Doing fun and affirming things with your child allows her to show affection for you, and allows her to know that she is loved and safe.  The cycle of harm can stop here, with you. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m 25 and was just diagnosed with PTSD 2 weeks ago.  I spent 15 years being horribly beaten or moving around foster homes.  I was diagnosed a few years ago but I completely denied it, I guess I was not ready to hear the truth.  I dont know if I still am.  I feel like I’m just being weak by admitting there is something really wrong with me.   I’ve been a cutter since I was 9.  I didnt know what it was until I was 14, I just knew it felt right.  I’ve done everything to make my pain go away except accept help.  I’ve finally broken down to the point that if I dont get help I will most likely kill myself.  I cant do that to my daughter. I have a  little girl and I would kill myself before I ever hurt her, so I dont want to know how my parents really felt about me. If anyone wants to talk, feel free to email me. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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I’m 25 and was just diagnosed with PTSD 2 weeks ago.  I spent 15 years being horribly beaten or moving around foster homes.  I was diagnosed a few years ago but I completely denied it, I guess I was not ready to hear the truth.  I dont know if I still am.  I feel like I’m just being weak by admitting there is something really wrong with me.   I’ve been a cutter since I was 9.  I didnt know what it was until I was 14, I just knew it felt right.  I’ve done everything to make my pain go away except accept help.  I’ve finally broken down to the point that if I dont get help I will most likely kill myself.  I cant do that to my daughter. I have a  little girl and I would kill myself before I ever hurt her, so I dont want to know how my parents really felt about me. If anyone wants to talk, feel free to email me. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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<gently snipped ::If anyone wants to talk, feel free to email me. Dear Rissie, I`m so sorry for your pain! You are the furthest thing from weak. Admitting that something is wrong is one of the most important steps towards healing and recovery. It takes a lot of courage and strength to move out of denial. Are you in therapy and/or on any meds? Do you have a support system at home? It may do you a lot of good to find a local support group. Keep reaching out. At this link you will find lots of info on PTSD. http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/ptsd/ These links contain lots of info on self-injury. You will even find some support message boards at some of the links. http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/self_injury/healingtouch/fact… http://bipolar.about.com/msub-cutting.htm http://depression.about.com/msub8.htm http://www.self-injury.net/ Wishing you peace and healing! (((((Rissie))))) Jackie ~*~Hope is not pretending that troubles don’t exist. It is the trust that they will not last forever, that hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome. It is faith that a source of strength and renewal lies within to lead us through the dark into the sunshine~*~    ~~ Elizabeth A. Chase — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Child Abuse and Adult Anxiety From Cathleen Henning, Your Guide to Panic / Anxiety Disorders. When the past won’t let go Does anyone else out there have anxiety as a result of being abused as a teenager by a familiar adult? I feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. I feel guilt, like I caused the abuse. — Molly1983 If you are an adult survivor of child abuse and also have an anxiety disorder, you are not alone. People with anxiety disorders are more likely than the general population to have been abused as children. Anxiety disorders that have been studied in correlation with child abuse have included more than post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you were abused, it may not be necessarily the cause of your anxiety disorder; however, if you haven’t ever faced your abuse with treatment or other support, your past may be affecting your ability to recover from your anxiety disorder. Many studies have been conducted on child abuse and anxiety disorders, with a variety of results: Researchers at the University of Michigan found that 35% of victims who had been abused emotionally, physically or sexually, were prone to major depression and panic disorder as adults.1 A study at the University of California found the following2: 15.5% of men and 33.3% of women with anxiety disorders (the disorders included were panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder) had experienced childhood physical abuse. 45.1% of women with anxiety disorders had experienced childhood sexual abuse. Among the women with anxiety disorders who were sexually abused, 60% were more likely to have panic disorder than the other two anxiety disorders. Another study at McMaster University of people with anxiety disorders found that 23.4% had been abused sexually and 44.9% had been abused physically.3 In a study at the University of Miami, researchers found that 63% of people with panic disorder, agoraphobia and/or social anxiety disorder had experienced some kind of childhood trauma. Of these disorders, social anxiety disorder was most highly linked with sexual and/or physical abuse histories.4 Based on numerous studies, University of Nevada researchers found that 33% to 86% of adult survivors of child abuse have post-traumatic stress disorder.5 These statistics do not mean necessarily that the disorders were caused by the abuse. They do mean that a certain percentage of people (based on the study) with anxiety disorders are more likely than the general population to have been abused as children. Whether or not the anxiety disorder was caused by the abuse is still up for debate along with other theories about the causes of anxiety disorders. The exception would be in the case of PTSD. If you have PTSD and were abused as a child, it is likely that there is a relationship between the two. Dealing with the abuse is going to be the hardest thing you will ever do, but it is worth every minute. Don’t be a prisoner to the abuse. GET HELP. Find support. Don’t try to deal with this on your own, but deal with it. You have to take control of your life back. It is very scary, but you can do it. — Tkkkk5 If you have an anxiety disorder and were abused as a child, your treatment plan may need to be different than that of someone who was not abused. Many major mental health organizations, such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication or a combination of both as the best treatment for most people with anxiety disorders. With CBT, a person learns techniques such as relaxation exercises to help cope with the disorder. Needless to say, these techniques are helpful for many people with anxiety. In the case of childhood abuse, however, you may need more than coping techniques for the anxiety. According to the US Surgeon General, "Very few treatments specifically for adult survivors of childhood abuse have been studied in randomized controlled trials." Group therapy has been found to be effective with female survivors. However, the Surgeon General points out that, "In the practice setting, most psychosocial and pharmacological treatments are tailored to the primary diagnosis," which would be the anxiety disorder (or depression, etc.). In other words, it’s important for your treatment providers and you to design the best treatment plan for you as an individual. If you are an adult survivor of child abuse and think you may have a problem with anxiety, you should discuss how you are feeling with your current treatment provider and ask for referrals. Additionally, a great place to find information on abuse is About’s Abuse/Incest Support site. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/comorbiddisorders/a/pastabuse.htm Jackie

Interesting post, Jackie.  I don’t know if I ever shared this here, but when my parent’s divorced I was 8 years old.  We had to move in with my mother’s mother.  She abused pain meds and could always find a doctor to give them to her.  When she abused pills she then turned her sights on me and my two little sisters.  I was a bright bubbly kid until this.  I cannot remember a day she didn’t beat us.  I don’t mean spank, she beat us.  She emotional abused us too, telling us we would never amount  to anything, just anything mean she could think to say.  The worst beating I remember was when I was about 10 and was making my bed and I put the pillows on the bed with the opened part of the pillow case toward the middle.  She also clobbered us one day when our daddy came to visit us.  After he left, she said "Why were y’all loving on him?  He doesn’t care about you.  I better never see you hugging on him like that again."  Then we all three got our usual beating. Daddy and I talked years later and he said he wondered why we never hugged him after that.  I told him and he cried and asked why we never told him. We were scared amd I figured he knew.  Oh I could go on, but my point to this post is I saw a therapist after he died a couple of years ago and she helped me work through my anger and she definitely feels the anxiety eventually came due to a lot our grandmother did.  I honestly know that therapy can be very helpful and would recommend it for anyone who had any type of abuse as a child.  Sorry such a long post but I wanted to convey that no matter how bad it was, just talking to someone who is trained to help works miracles. Love, Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Child Abuse and Adult Anxiety From Cathleen Henning,

Your Guide to Panic / Anxiety Disorders. When the past won’t let go Does anyone else out there have anxiety as a result of being abused as a teenager by a familiar adult? I feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. I feel guilt, like I caused the abuse. — Molly1983 If you are an adult survivor of child abuse and also have an anxiety disorder, you are not alone. People with anxiety disorders are more likely than the general population to have been abused as children. Anxiety disorders that have been studied in correlation with child abuse have included more than post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you were abused, it may not be necessarily the cause of your anxiety disorder; however, if you haven’t ever faced your abuse with treatment or other support, your past may be affecting your ability to recover from your anxiety disorder. Many studies have been conducted on child abuse and anxiety disorders, with a variety of results: Researchers at the University of Michigan found that 35% of victims who had been abused emotionally, physically or sexually, were prone to major depression and panic disorder as adults.1 A study at the University of California found the following2: 15.5% of men and 33.3% of women with anxiety disorders (the disorders included were panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder) had experienced childhood physical abuse. 45.1% of women with anxiety disorders had experienced childhood sexual abuse. Among the women with anxiety disorders who were sexually abused, 60% were more likely to have panic disorder than the other two anxiety disorders. Another study at McMaster University of people with anxiety disorders found that 23.4% had been abused sexually and 44.9% had been abused physically.3 In a study at the University of Miami, researchers found that 63% of people with panic disorder, agoraphobia and/or social anxiety disorder had experienced some kind of childhood trauma. Of these disorders, social anxiety disorder was most highly linked with sexual and/or physical abuse histories.4 Based on numerous studies, University of Nevada researchers found that 33% to 86% of adult survivors of child abuse have post-traumatic stress disorder.5 These statistics do not mean necessarily that the disorders were caused by the abuse. They do mean that a certain percentage of people (based on the study) with anxiety disorders are more likely than the general population to have been abused as children. Whether or not the anxiety disorder was caused by the abuse is still up for debate along with other theories about the causes of anxiety disorders. The exception would be in the case of PTSD. If you have PTSD and were abused as a child, it is likely that there is a relationship between the two. Dealing with the abuse is going to be the hardest thing you will ever do, but it is worth every minute. Don’t be a prisoner to the abuse. GET HELP. Find support. Don’t try to deal with this on your own, but deal with it. You have to take control of your life back. It is very scary, but you can do it. — Tkkkk5 If you have an anxiety disorder and were abused as a child, your treatment plan may need to be different than that of someone who was not abused. Many major mental health organizations, such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication or a combination of both as the best treatment for most people with anxiety disorders. With CBT, a person learns techniques such as relaxation exercises to help cope with the disorder. Needless to say, these techniques are helpful for many people with anxiety. In the case of childhood abuse, however, you may need more than coping techniques for the anxiety. According to the US Surgeon General, "Very few treatments specifically for adult survivors of childhood abuse have been studied in randomized controlled trials." Group therapy has been found to be effective with female survivors. However, the Surgeon General points out that, "In the practice setting, most psychosocial and pharmacological treatments are tailored to the primary diagnosis," which would be the anxiety disorder (or depression, etc.). In other words, it’s important for your treatment providers and you to design the best treatment plan for you as an individual. If you are an adult survivor of child abuse and think you may have a problem with anxiety, you should discuss how you are feeling with your current treatment provider and ask for referrals. Additionally, a great place to find information on abuse is About’s Abuse/Incest Support site. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/comorbiddisorders/a/pastabuse.htm Jackie ~*~When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it~*~             ~~ Bernard Bailey — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

:: Do not have sex on the first date. Awwwww, that`s no fun! Jackie ~*~When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it~*~             ~~ Bernard Bailey — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How about going on a date.  Do it right too.  Take her out to dinner, nice place (not TOO nice, you want to be comfortable).  If italian, wear a non-white shirt and don’t order spaghetti, it messes up your shirt. Do NOT even look at the bill for more than one second, have NO reaction, and give the waiter/waitress a credit card if possible.  If the woman is really pushy about the "ive gotta pay …" say, "well, you can pay next time maybe? – I’d like to pay this one".   Tip 20% no matter what service you got.  Women are taught from day one to observe how you handle these little issues.  Simply having a reaction to the bill (like frowning for example..) is immediate "red-flag" and will take much time/effort to overcome.  Smart women also watch for "too many food rules" – so don’t go there.  Definitely order what you want though.  Be friendly, but not too friendly to the wait staff.  If you think of yourself as a reporter, whose job is to do a "very friendly investigation" of this person’s life/interests/etc. and sort of make that your job (while realizing she may do the same thing, so it’s a little bit reciprocal – ebb/flow etc..) it will be easy to have a lively and fun conversation and a good meal.  Do not have sex on the first date.  I don’t care what anybody tells you – if you do that, the relationship will be quite finite (and I’m not talkin’ about 30 years finite either).  If the woman orders the "most" expensive thing on the menu, say nothing, but know that she’s manipulative or a taker – that’s a game which polite people don’t play.  You are aiming higher. G

Wow, Gary.  Great post.  Sounds like you know women!!  :) Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your ::anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and ::therapy ? :: ::Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new ::setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i ::don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will ::do. :: ::thanks, god’s speed Dear PB, Some things that can help, in some cases, help a lot. Ditch the caffeine( wean off slowly), ciggies, alcohol and pot. Take good care of yourself, get enough sleep, eat well and healthy and exercise. Get out of the house, often. Have things to look forward to, a good book, a movie you`ve been wanting to watch, etc. Get some hobbies! Surround yourself with warm and fun people. If your job is making you miserable, find a new one. Deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises. If you find that after trying self-help techniques that you are still struggling, seek treatment in the way of therapy and/or meds. They are the two most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. At this link there is a lot of info on self-help methods. http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/selfhelp/ Take care and good luck Jackie ~*~When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it~*~             ~~ Bernard Bailey — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Once you can rewire your brain to see something different, it can make a difference.

I’m beginning to think some things can’t be rewired. Such as recurring depression, and many aspects of anxiety disorders (such as phobic avoidance). It’s as if the neural circuits in these disorders have been used so many times, they are extremely resistant to being changed (or re-circuited) There’s a phenomenon in seizure disorders and bipolar disorder called "kindling" in which each pathological event makes the next event more likely to occur, and occur with increasing severity. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Once you can rewire your brain to see something different, it can make a difference. I’m beginning to think some things can’t be rewired. Such as recurring depression, and many aspects of anxiety disorders (such as phobic avoidance). It’s as if the neural circuits in these disorders have been used so many times, they are extremely resistant to being changed (or re-circuited)

Phobic avoidance is one of the symptoms that are *learned* behaviour and anything that is learnt can be unlearnt. Chip, this is run-of-the-mill CBT, isn’t it? Do you really question that now? There’s a phenomenon in seizure disorders and bipolar disorder called "kindling" in which each pathological event makes the next event more likely to occur, and occur with increasing severity.

I am not knowledgeable in these areas at all but I can imagine that something like *anticipatory anxiety* can also be a trigger here. Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Once you can rewire your brain to see something different, it can make a difference. I’m beginning to think some things can’t be rewired. Such as recurring depression, and many aspects of anxiety disorders (such as phobic avoidance). It’s as if the neural circuits in these disorders have been used so many times, they are extremely resistant to being changed (or re-circuited) Phobic avoidance is one of the symptoms that are *learned* behaviour

right  and anything that is learnt can be unlearnt.

Are you sure of that? I’m not. Can you "unlearn" every behavior you’ve learned in your life? Chip, this is run-of-the-mill CBT, isn’t it?

We’re talking about the *theory* CBT is based on. Do you really question that now?

I question it in some people, cause no matter how hard they try, or for how long, they can’t stop their avoidance. And then they usually get angrey at themself, feel like they’re a failure, and feel like it’s their fault for "not trying hard enough" There’s a phenomenon in seizure disorders and bipolar disorder called "kindling" in which each pathological event makes the next event more likely to occur, and occur with increasing severity.

I read a little bit last night about "kindling" in my psych books, and it’s a theory that has been used to explain repeated episodes of seizures, depression, manic episodes, and schizophrenic breakdowns. So far it’s only been proven in experimental animals, but not humans. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

How about going on a date.  Do it right too.  Take her out to dinner, nice place (not TOO nice, you want to be comfortable).  If italian, wear a non-white shirt and don’t order spaghetti, it messes up your shirt. Do NOT even look at the bill for more than one second, have NO reaction, and give the waiter/waitress a credit card if possible.  If the woman is really pushy about the "ive gotta pay …" say, "well, you can pay next time maybe? – I’d like to pay this one".   Tip 20% no matter what service you got.  Women are taught from day one to observe how you handle these little issues.  Simply having a reaction to the bill (like frowning for example..) is immediate "red-flag" and will take much time/effort to overcome.  Smart women also watch for "too many food rules" – so don’t go there.  Definitely order what you want though.  Be friendly, but not too friendly to the wait staff.  If you think of yourself as a reporter, whose job is to do a "very friendly investigation" of this person’s life/interests/etc. and sort of make that your job (while realizing she may do the same thing, so it’s a little bit reciprocal – ebb/flow etc..) it will be easy to have a lively and fun conversation and a good meal.  Do not have sex on the first date.  I don’t care what anybody tells you – if you do that, the relationship will be quite finite (and I’m not talkin’ about 30 years finite either).  If the woman orders the "most" expensive thing on the menu, say nothing, but know that she’s manipulative or a taker – that’s a game which polite people don’t play.  You are aiming higher. G ps:  Balance in life IS ultimately the solution for almost everything, and will not make your anxiety disorder any worse; and can certainly make it easier to live with.  Am suspecting balance is skewed.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and therapy ? Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will do. thanks, god’s speed I’ve tried everything.  I found that exercise helped the most, but usually my mind was spinning whether I was running, hiking or whatever.  I finally wound up on an SSRI and it’s done wonders for me.  I admire you for wanting to resolve your problems without meds, but if you can’t do it don’t suffer when meds may help.  The problem with some of your ideas is that wherever you go, there you are. If you can calm down enough to meditate that can work wonders.  Just keep at it.  And if you are worried about any physical symptoms get them checked out.  When you get an all clear signal it can really help put your mind at rest. Hang in there and good luck. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and therapy ? Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will do. thanks, god’s speed

I have not found a cure. I have found countless things that help me feel better until they wear off, whether it’s meds, a therapy session, a day at the beach, or an hour of tonglen meditation. The key phrase for me seems to be "until they wear off."  Nothing fixes me. (I don’t know if anything  has cured or fixed anyone else. That’s for them to say.) It’s up to me to keep ingesting/experiencing the feel-better tricks, one after another, the rest of my life.  Too often I get tired of trying and just sink for a while until I find some motivation to start the process again. It’s just so much WORK, and I’m awfully damn tired. A beautiful song lasts 3-4 minutes. A Klonopin lasts a day or so. Afterglow from therapy varies in duration. It’s all the same stuff in my world — I just want to find ONE trick that will keep me using all the other tricks without pause, without thought. I want feeling better to become habitual, automatic, like breathing and sleeping. I’ve been working on this with limited success for about 35 years. How do I know there’s been any success at all? I’m still alive. There are days I wonder if that’s success or sheer stubbornness. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and therapy ? Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will do.

Jogging has been a big help to me.. Or just taking a walk and breathing in fresh air and looking at nature is calming. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and therapy ? Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will do. thanks, god’s speed

I’ve tried everything.  I found that exercise helped the most, but usually my mind was spinning whether I was running, hiking or whatever.  I finally wound up on an SSRI and it’s done wonders for me.  I admire you for wanting to resolve your problems without meds, but if you can’t do it don’t suffer when meds may help.  The problem with some of your ideas is that wherever you go, there you are. If you can calm down enough to meditate that can work wonders.  Just keep at it.  And if you are worried about any physical symptoms get them checked out.  When you get an all clear signal it can really help put your mind at rest. Hang in there and good luck. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I just finished stress management therapy.  It helped to have someone spell out for me exactly why my life caused so much anxiety, when in reality, there was nothing wrong with it persay, just my own perceptions.  Once you can rewire your brain to see something different, it can make a difference. Not saying it’s easy, but it’s a start. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’ve suffered for decades as well Deirdre, it’s been nothing but pain. But I’ve made progress, I was a lot worse off only 6 years ago. I’ll bet you’ve made progress too, even if you don’t see it. Stubborness is a good thing! — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have not found a cure. I have found countless things that help me feel better until they wear off, whether it’s meds, a therapy session, a day at the beach, or an hour of tonglen meditation. The key phrase for me seems to be "until they wear off."  Nothing fixes me. (I don’t know if anything  has cured or fixed anyone else. That’s for them to say.) It’s up to me to keep ingesting/experiencing the feel-better tricks, one after another, the rest of my life.  Too often I get tired of trying and just sink for a while until I find some motivation to start the process again. It’s just so much WORK, and I’m awfully damn tired. A beautiful song lasts 3-4 minutes. A Klonopin lasts a day or so. Afterglow from therapy varies in duration. It’s all the same stuff in my world — I just want to find ONE trick that will keep me using all the other tricks without pause, without thought. I want feeling better to become habitual, automatic, like breathing and sleeping. I’ve been working on this with limited success for about 35 years. How do I know there’s been any success at all? I’m still alive. There are days I wonder if that’s success or sheer stubbornness. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and therapy ? Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will do. thanks, god’s speed

Exercise can help a **lot** when it comes to anxiety, panic or depression.  For me religion has been my source of strength to deal with my disorder. As for any of the other things you listed, they can help a little.  It really depends on your anxiety condition.  Is your anxiety situational?  Is it being caused by a job, family, etc? For example, if your job really causes most of your anxiety, then switching jobs would help However, if you have an anxiety disorder, panic disorder, etc. I don’t see how anything you listed would help, with the exception of exercise for the physical benefits and religion for the mental benefits.  Think of it this way, would any of the items you listed help if instead of anxiety you were asking about a heart condition? If the anxiety is *not* just situational, it won’t go away because of some external change, i.e. moving, changing jobs, etc.  I moved 1,200 miles away from my family about 5 1/2 years ago and my anxiety, panic and depression came along too  :) Jim — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga

I found tai chi to be very balancing. Too bad I’m a procrastinator, and never kept up with it. My religion (the Baha’i Faith) has been great for my general state of mind, but that’s OT for this group. Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and therapy ? Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will do. thanks, god’s speed

Anything that is stimulating to your brain could cause a problem.  Not bad things but for example, I stopped all caffeine and that has really helped. Oh how I loved the coffee since I was a kid but I knew it was making me feel panicky and all at once I hit that lovely high note in 2000.  I don’t miss it.  I make it for my hubby every morining but I have no desire to drink any (most of the time).  When I do, I get a lovely decaf at the Starbucks in Target! Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Have any of you fellow sufferers been able to cure or greatly lessen your anxiety by a lifestyle change of any sort, anything outside pills, docs and therapy ? Thanks, could be new job, self-employment, emigration to small town, new setting, commune, new lover, friends, activity, exercise, religion, yoga, i don;t care, whatever, anything, any hope or inspiration at all will do. thanks, god’s speed — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response: