Anxiety — Page 2

I was actually looking into Zoloft, Phyllis, as I've read it does provide relief in that area. I took it when I was in my late teens and it was quite helpful witht he depression. I do think my anxiety is verging on the OCD spectrum at times. Thanks, will bring it up with the DR.

"For me, obsessing over other things is what creates the anxiety"

And right there you have stated the function of xanax. It stops obsessive thoughts. Wonder drug.

I LOVED my Xanax. I liked having something on an "as I needed it" bases. Then I moved over here and they treat it like oxycodone or something. I am going to ask for it tomorrow. They will probably say no again. I take Zoloft in the morning and Mirtazapine at night, currently. It keeps me pretty steady. I was on Zoloft and Welbutrin at one point, and felt like a zombie. Effexor and Paxil had little effect. It's really crazy how everyone reacts so differently to each medication.

Also, a lot of suggestions that are supposed to be helpful in this age of increasing anxiety, aren't. From a new article about Oprah in The Guardian:

In December 2013, O devoted a whole issue to anxiety and worry. The issue “conquers a lifetime ’s worth of anxieties and apprehensions”, an apt subject given rising levels of anxiety across the age spectrum.

In the issue, bibliotherapists Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin present a list of books for the anxious, prescribing them instead of a “trip to the pharmacy”. Feeling claustrophobic because you’re too poor to move out of your parents’ house? Read Little House on the Prairie. Feeling stressed because your current project at work is ending and you don’t have another lined up? Read The Man Who Planted Trees. Worried that you won’t be able to pay the rent because you just lost your job? Read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles. “Instead of feeling depressed, follow the lead hero Toru Okada, who, while jobless, embarks on a fantastic liberating journey that changes the way he thinks.”

Oprah recognizes the pervasiveness of anxiety and alienation in our society. But instead of examining the economic or political basis of these feelings, she advises us to turn our gaze inward and reconfigure ourselves to become more adaptable to the vagaries and stresses of the neoliberal moment.

Oprah is appealing precisely because her stories hide the role of political, economic, and social structures. In doing so, they make the American Dream seem attainable. If we just fix ourselves, we can achieve our goals. For some people, the American dream is attainable, but to understand the chances for everyone, we need to look dispassionately at the factors that shape success.

Oprah's neoliberal hokum

Updated On: 5/11/15 at 01:37 PM

I think it's germane to the discussion about anxiety that too often we are told to just look inward, that the problem is within us and because of that, it's up to us to fix ourselves (and not only that, but only WE can do it). That article acknowledges the terrific stress and anxiety that is produced by the seemingly monolithic cultural forces at play in contemporary life.

Did you LOL as I did over the recommendation to read Little House on the Prairie if you're feeling claustrophobic? Or whatever?

Oh yes, Namo, the Little House recommendation made me giggle. My Mom is a big worrier about everything and watches Little House daily Maybe I should have hear read it instead lol.

I totally agree Jane. While there are many non-medical lifestyle changes that can help with anxiety (I've been going for long walks the last few days and it has helped a bit), I don't think it's logical to expect that to be a sole cure for people with extreme anxiety that is paralyzing to them. It's ridiculous to expect one to be motivated to make these changes when the anxiety is at its peak.

That's crazy, Jersey. I think if I read the bible during my high moment of anxiety my head might explode.

Badump bump!

Remember to tip your waitress folks!

I suffered with terrible anxiety after my fiance passed away. I was on klonopin for a good long time, but have been taken off it.

That said, I have found that it can still creep up from time to time. I'm am NOT recommending this to anyone, but I will share with you all that pot has actually been really helpful with this.

It's funny...my trigger wasn't his death. It was finding a new apartment. And it was insane because I was now in a position financially to not worry about that for a little while. But after I missed out on one apartment, I woke up at 5am thinking I needed to be taken to the hospital because I was clearly having a heart attack. It was so f*cking horrible.

My doctor was very responsive and really helped me out.

See, I try the breathing and meditation and all that.

But once an attack starts coming on, the only thing that will help it is xanax.

I've had many nights where I have actually been awakened by an attack.

I freakin' run to the medicine cabinet! And within 10-15 minutes I'm fine again.

Updated On: 5/12/15 at 12:27 PM