There are many new drugs for mild anxiety. They don't take away the cause of the anxiety but can help you focus and function to implement the other strategies. Most are not addictive so you can try them and see if they work for you. But I guess how "experimental" you can afford to be depends on your insurance coverage and if you can find a good doctor to work with.

I am so sorry and I understand what you are going through. I started suffering from anxiety when my parents both became very ill and one of my children spiraled downward from mental illness. I had never experienced it before. I finally went to my doctor when I wasn’t ever able to sleep at night. He prescribed Xanax for intermittent use. It helped me sleep but I could only take it at night because it was so sedating.

Fast forward to last year. My MIL, 16 yo dog and my dad all died. My son became more and more ill and continued to refuse meds. My anxiety followed by depression became debilitating. I started seeing a therapist and she helped me but she also asked me to consider other meds to help me. I finally went back to my doctor and am now on Zoloft. The side effects the first two weeks were rough, but I was determined to try it for at least a month. Once the medication started working it was a miracle for me. I only take 50 mg per day. I really wish I wouldn’t have been so stubborn and would have gotten on this medication sooner.

Please see your doctor and consider a therapist as well. I am glad you reached out for help here.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I have not personally experienced crippling anxiety, but one of my friends does. I just called to see what she is taking because I knew she wasn't using prescriptions anymore and it's magnesium glycinate. She had tried taking one or two of the anti anxiety meds but had unpleasant side effects. If you search this page for "anxiety" you'll find some references to it in the comments. It might be worth exploring before you try prescription medications. https://drnibber.com/understanding-different-types-of-magnesium/

I can attest magnesium is calming. I use a spray oil version on my legs most nights and I sleep so much better when I use it! Calming enough to help your level of anxiety? I don't know. Good idea to see your doctor, though, and come up with a plan together,

Almost two years ago I had terrible anxiety. We were in the mist of a renovation, my DH was diagnosed with cancer, a ten year old good friend of my daughter drowned and my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I could not sleep, kept reading about my DH's and dad's options, cried and was in a fog.

Annie ,from here, gave me a lot of info on meditation and breathing and it truly changed my life. I made a point of stopping when ever my mind wandered to the possible bad outcomes. I would say out loud, " we are ok right now, and we will still be ok tomorrow" then I would focus on breathing in for a count of seven and exhale to a count of eleven for several minutes until I calmed down. I still do this to fall asleep at night now. I also found running aa diffuser with lavender oil improved my mood.

I have used meds in my life too. My anorexia was managed by the use of meds. Without meds I might not have survived my disease. I do believe anti anxiety medications are worth exploring under the guidance of a good doctor. But until you can find a med that works trying exercise, meditation, positive affirmation and breathing might help get you through today.

Good luck.

I don't meditate regularly, but I have found it enormously helpful when I need to get my brain off the hamster wheel, either to sleep or just to focus and not let the anxiety paralyze me.

From the sounds of it, you do need to see someone whether it's just for verbal therapy or taking a med. There is help out there, even your regular dr. can give you something to help lessen the anxiety. I'll pray for you.

Legomom,

I am so sorry you are struggling. I don’t have much to add, except to say that I have found gentle yoga to be very soothing. It begins and ends with meditation and I leave feeling at peace.

I know plenty of people who are taking Zoloft for anxiety , and each one would say that it hasn’t changed them, just allowed them to be the person they were before the crippling anxiety.

Please know that you can always vent to us. We have collectively large shoulders. Hugs,

Jo

Have any of you who have experienced anxiety tried using a Cranial Electro Stimulation (CES) device?

A friend of mine is using one and is reporting good results. It is indicated for depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Many people breathe very fast and shallow, even more so when stressed. Take a deep slow breath, and then slowly let it out. Breathe so you expand your belly, not your upper chest. Repeat several times. It really helps, doesn't cost a penny, and can be done anywhere at any time.

Sorry you’re going through this. A few things to try: meds as a temporary bridge for other long-term changes to be productive. Breathing exercises (square breathing or other terms it goes by): count to 4 as you inhale, keep in the air for 4 and exhale for 4. Repeat. This is the only thing that helps me when my chest gets tight. I tend toward anxiety and have a son who suffers from anxiety and depression, which go with his mild autistm. During his middle and high school years, my nerves were shot, my stomach in knots and my chest tight. Couldn’t get any relief. I still get like that sometimes, and have to be mindful about breathing. You may want to try melatonin at night. Hope you find something that works for you. Take care.

So sorry you are going through this.

I would be open minded and try to explore multiple options. I think there are times when medical solutions are a good option, so don't stigmatize them. On the other hand, it is amazing how much things like talk therapy, pets, exercise, music, meditation, and so on can help.

Be open and keep looking for something that helps. I hope this passes soon.

It's been a trying couple of years here. One outlet my own body took care of: a bout of shingles AND TMJ. The TMJ taught me that relaxing breathing is very helpful. But that chest-tightening, well, not long ago I started taking vitamins. centrum Silver, and B-12. Really, it has helped me move forward, move on the things I need to tend to, and even to actually get out of bed in the morning.

My mom took Xanax as needed and it really helped the physical symptoms. She took a small dose, 25mg. Now with her dementia she takes it at night to help her sleep, and stay asleep.

DS takes Sertraline (I can't recall the other name) and it, as others have said "helps him be HIM."

Sertraline is Zoloft. bpathome-I developed TMJ from stress also. So painful!

Legomom, I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I have had extreme anxiety since I was a child. Most of the time I have no reason to even feel that way but I just do. I take ativan 1mg as needed. You could always take less if it makes you feel sleepy. The truth is, for me, that is the only thing that has ever helped.

I am not trying to be a drug pusher but I had tried everything else and it was the only thing that worked.

I think aktillery9 makes a great point. If one has a long established history of anxiety not just a post tramatic response of anxiety then meds are often the more appropriate treatment. My oldest, now 11, has had servere anxiety since she was three. Since I do not like to use meds before the brain is fully mature we have for now held off on any medication but she sees a therapist regularly and CBT has done a lot of good. I do expect she might need meds soon along with continued CBT. Chronic anxiety most likely needs medical treatment and because it is likely biologically and chemically based breathing and meditation alone might not be enough.

So sorry you are going through this.

I would suggest going for a massage. Sometimes the physical distraction plus the healing touch in a very relaxing environment can help you over the edge of the worst of the anxiety. My Mom suffered with PTSD and she found massages to be a huge help for her.

I would also suggest looking into acupuncture. I've not done it, but all the people I know who have, told me that they leave feeling an incredibly deep relaxation. GF started after cancer treatment and she continues even though she's cancer free as it feels that good to her.

Also, when you are too stressed to meditate, then a walking meditation may be helpful as the physical activity combined with the mental calming words may be helpful for you. There are walking meditation podcasts available for free on line. This may be what you need to calm you down enough over time to where you can do a sitting meditation (I recommend guided meditations for beginners) which can have such long-term beneficial effects, mentally, physically and emotionally.

They also say that repetitive motion triggers a mental relaxation response and that engaging in it can be very soothing. Here's one article that suggests some activities that might help....knitting, coloring, walking, jogging, playing with sugar on a plate...

If you need them, meds can be helpful, but err on the side of caution with those to take the least amount for the least amount of time, just to help you get to a better place. But if you can get to the root of your anxiety and alleviate your suffering by other means, that's even better.

I hope you find a path to better place.

legomom, I am so sorry you are having to deal with so much. It sounds so overwhelming. I went thru this when we had our house fire and everything else seemed to happen at the same time. I found my insurance provider thru work had a program where you could receive counselling over the phone. I found that helped a lot. It was completely private - no one at work had to know.

My family doctor also prescribed prozac (a very low dose just a few days a month). As others have said, please take any brain/mood meds with caution. While they did help get me thru it, they also had a drastic and long lasting impact on my personality (made me very over confident and angry). I'm still dealing with the effects over a year after having stopped them. I was in such a state, I just took them and didn't research - big mistake. Not saying don't take them - just do your research so you can make an informed decision.

Also, don't be afraid to tell people what you are going thru. Women often think they have to do everything and it is a sign of weakness to ask for help. Looking back, I should have said (and loudly and repeatedly) this is too much, I need help. However, I know delegating is hard especially when you are in the middle of things, but do try.

Wishing you the best and hope talking about it here and all the advice from everyone helps a little bit.

I'm sorry you're going through this. You've gotten great advice in this thread. I just wanted to add that exercise can be beneficial in small doses as well. We don't always need an hour of intense activity to change our mindset. Sometimes, just a few jumping jacks and push ups can get the endorphins going. Or putting on some favourite tunes and dancing like a goofball for ten minutes. It's worth a try.

Best of luck. Hope it passes quickly.

I find that regular exercise and yoga help tremendously.

Here are some guided meditations:

http://www.fragrantheart.com/cms/free-audio-meditations#relax

I am learning a lot from this latest struggle, for sure. That's something and part of life. I am involved in a couple tough decisions that people without all the information don't understand. It's hard to hear the criticism and not be able to respond. It's all a whirlwind right now and I'm sure it will blow over soon enough - hopefully :)

I'm not taking very good care of myself, but I will. Once the decision was made, I have slept better and that is helpful. I know exercise will help me. It will at least get rid of some of the adrenaline that is keeping me on edge.

I've always been too anxious to take anxiety meds. HA! I'm always worried they will make it worse, so I never have tried them.

Thanks for all the good thoughts and advice.

That's why it is important to work with a GOOD doctor. My cousin is a psychiatrist and he specializes in these types of medications. His big complaint (and mine too) is a lot of general practitioners prescribe these meds but don't know much about all the varieties there are out there (since I suspect most of what they know comes from their pharmaceutical rep.) and about monitoring/adjusting doses. I know that was my experience the one time I tried Lexapro (after a stressful life situation similar to yours). Getting the right medication and right dosing my take a while and if it were me, I'd prefer being treated by a specialist. Of course I am generalizing about general practitioners, but it is just something I would watch for. I have a chronic headache condition and that took quite a while and seeing quite a few doctors and trying things and researching and reading before I found the right combination of medications and lifestyle things to manage them, so I am extrapolating the same for anxiety. The only way out is through though, so might as well start trying some things!

I was prescribed Librium (chlordiazepoxide) for anxiety, and I found it to work extremely well, and I had no side effects with it. It did not make me drowsy the way Valium did, but it did allow me to function well. I think it is related to Xanax, which I think is newer.

Sound therapy can also help. I noticed this particularly when I had a sound bath at the Integraton near Joshua Tree. It made me want to buy some bowls, but they can be pretty expensive, especially the crystal ones.

I'm very sorry for all that's going on in your life, and your anxiety. You have a lot on you, and taking care of yourself needs to be a priority. Please be kind to yourself with special treatments, such as massage and other pampering.

I could write a chapter on dealing with complicated grief/anxiety/depression and the drugs that my doctors prescribed, etc. that didn't work for me due to the side effects. I'm very sensitive to drugs and even with something like Excedrin Migraine, can take only half a dose.

Wellbutrin caused scary muscle weakness in my thighs and upper arms. I couldn't go up stairs without huffing and puffing (and I usually run up stairs). It made me feel as though I were having a heart attack. Zoloft didn't lift me up at all.

Anyway, I now have Trazadone 50mg to take, as needed, if I'm feeling overly anxious in the evening, before bedtime. My doctor would like for me to take it daily, but I can't handle it daily, due to the morning hangover. I take it probably 1-2 times per month and try to calm myself in other ways...including, reaching for sweets, when I shouldn't!

Hugs.

I think there is always a few minutes one can carve out of one's day for exercise, one does not have to do it an hour at a time. It helps enormously in increasing a feeling of well being.

The 5-4-3-2 method is something to keep in your arsenal...

https://www.letserasethestigma.com/emergency-action-for-panic-attacks/

I'm sorry you're not doing well...you probably have trouble falling asleep, too..

Legomom, I'm feeling you on the situational stress! Although, I probably don't have as much on my plate as you. Still, stress is stressful. I'm going to do a thirty minute hand weight workout and hope it helps. It usually does. I have have a combo cd /vhs player and have a few ole easy 30 minute workouts with no fancy footwork, just straight exercise. Getting outside also helps but maybe you are in a cold region?

Feel better!

I had a horrific panic attack was when I was diagnosed with GAD with Depression. I take Effexor daily and it's saved my life. Along with PST (Problem Solving Therapy) I am a completely different person. If I skip a day of the Effexor I start to feel the anxiety creep back in, and sometimes the anxiety just creeps in even when I take the medication religously, I practice my PST and I get back in balance.

I've learned that having GAD is different from just having 'anxiety'-such as being over wrought or stressed out. Before I had a panic attack I never realized that just telling a person in the midst of an anxiety overload to just breathe with NOT help! However, deep, guided breathing will help to bring anxiety levels down before you're in an overload.

You definitely need to get a diagnosis-is it stress related or do you actually have an anxiety disorder-they're two different things! I just hope that you can find some relief and life settles down for you.

I recently heard a talk by Kevin Hines who suffers from mental illness (bi-polar) and has attempted suicide -- went off the golden gate bridge and is one of the less than 1% who survive. He has now devoted his life to suicide prevention.

He was in and out of hospitals many times for many years, but has been hospital free ever since he started his new program. I think some of the advice he gives on maintaining mental health is good for everyone. Below is a link to his .pdf slide show.

The Art of Wellness

David's a well known necrospam editor. Feel free to go back in his activity list and report his old spam.

https://www.houzz.com/activities/user/webuser_674894735/comments

ETA: Spam removed.

Sushi, I think Houzz is done with these boards. I’ve been reporting spam for days next door, nothing happens. And they aren’t replying to anyone anymore on the Using Houzz forum. I hope I’m wrong and nothing weird is going on.

”David Koen”, you are extremely gross to use this very serious and emotional thread to exploit.

you might want to check out a thoughtful place blog (athoughtfulplaceblog.com). This gal has had illness and death(s) in her family the last couple of years and understandably was having some anxiety and sleep issues. She has been using CBD. You might want to read what she has to say about it.

Gosh, it’s so weird to see old posts that you started come up like this! Anxiety is nothing new to most people this year. I will say, the situations mentioned in this original post have both passed. As is sometimes the case, this too shall pass worked out for me in these situations. That’s of course hard to see at the time. They weren’t easy, but I did make it through.

I have learned a lot about how my body physically reacts to stress and anxiety and that has allowed me to shut it down before it gets out of control. mostly. 😀