Anxiety

How are you doing, aella ?

I am thankful tranquillisers are not now prescribed as they use to be , they were ‘the cure all’, !

I am not trying to ban anybody.

I am urging caution regarding discussion on medication .

If somebody feels unwell they should visit a GP.

You can have an opinion on drugs , but it is just that an opinion.

aella, hope you are able to find some help soon.

How are you aella? Lots of suggestions here. I wonder if it’s all a bit overwhelming. Pretending to your family must be exhausting so please seek help if you possibly can. The important thing is to take a manageable first step. We’re always here to listen if it helps.

It's my opinion that a lot of drugs prescribed by doctors, are, indeed, addictive. (The antidepressants, Seroxat and Xanax are just two which have quite bad withdrawal symptoms.)

And I don't feel that I'm being 'irresponsible' for expressing my views on this.

And please don't try to 'ban' people for making suggestions to the Poster. That's why they've posted here in the first place!

Please HQ can you ask people to stop making suggestions about medication.

I agree with oldbatty. The medication used nowadays is not like the Valium and Lithium that used to be prescribed (and even that is usually in lower doses now). I think that it is irresponsible for people to try to persuade people to not take medication for mental health problems. It is not usually necessary to take them for long but they can help.

Medication for depression and anxiety is not addictive. It is not down to us untrained people to comment on medication.
The GP's know what they are doing.

I wouldn't recommend pills of any sort. They might treat the symptoms, but not the cause. And lots of them are addictive - which won't help you, long-term. Get some counselling, aella. Your GP should be able to direct you to this.

Brace yourself! Go to your doctor. You're doing yourself no good at all, just sitting at home, suffering. (And if you're not sleeping well, this will just add to your problems.)

You can do it! Good luck.

If you can access a computer try Breathing Space website. There is a lot of info there that could help but GP would probably be an essential step for you. I too have suffered both anxiety and depression, it's awful, debilitating and isolating. Be kind to yourself and seek help.

call online help. or the samaritains. or talk to us.....i been there ,i didnt go out much at all. then i started voluntering at a charity shop.,

Please come back aella and tell us what you are thinking! I have suffered from anxiety and depression most of my life and have had a lot of counselling. But it is really a matter of finding a treatment that works for you. The pills can be a good solution to start with, or in a crisis. Writing down how you feel and then burning it is another good idea. I also listen to meditation CD's and 'tap' when necessary. The last few suggestions are easy to do at home and are free! I also had agrophobia for a time and then also used the technique of counting - how many people have I walked past, how many white/red/black cars etc. It takes your mind off the anxiety. Do keep in touch!

Just to add anxiety/depression sometimes are linked. Please jump into our Black Dog gang if you like aella.

My daughter has helped a lot of people with anxiety with this treatment

I agree Cattery girl. Have you thought about hypnotherapy?

As a trained psychotherapist, I found CBT absolutely hopeless. The NHS cannot afford psychotherapy. I must admit I am still struggling. My experience of CBT was putting negative thoughts in a box. Mainly ticking boxes by junior staff. This is a cheap solution which doesn't help people with mental health issues.

Do make an appointment to see your GP - asap.

Lots of hugs xx

I second Karenhappuch’s suggestion of getting in touch with No More Panic. There’s lots of good advice on their web page, and they have forums similar to Gransnet where you can get support from others in similar situations. Big hug ?

Does your doctor offer home visits. If so, make an appointment. You'll feel more comfortable talking about your anxiety and any other problems, in your own space.

Please contact your doctor...there is help out there for you.

aella, do reach out please, there is help and support, just take that first step . Don’t allow the anxiety to rule you , when you take that first step you are on the road to recovery x

If you are too afraid to go to a doctor you could try a fully qualified homeopath - they can dispense tablets manufactured to your unique physical and mental state - those who say it doesn’t work have probably only bought over the counter items.
However, I do think you should try to gear yourself up to see a doctor eventually. It is such a waste of a life, you are missing so much enjoyment being stuck at home.

Very good you posted, aella. You're not alone. I have had bad times with anxiety like yours myself. Whatever you do or don't do, just know we care on here.

Don't try to deal with this alone. An anxiety disorder is not just being anxious, it is a recognised illness and there is treatment which takes time but is helpful. I suffer from it but I am much better than I was. It often takes me a long time to deal with things but I generally can do nowadays. I affects things that look silly to other people. I don't like dealing with things by phone although I used to be on it all day long when I worked. I have put off getting one of my heater's fixed although I pay for it through a service charge. I will get it done when I am in the right mood but a few years ago, I would have just left it. Treatment did work for me it. I still have anxiety attacks but rarely and I know better how to deal with them.
If your doctor does not help (they vary) see if there is a walk in mental health clinic in your area. I know that probably sounds like climbing a mountain but if you can steel yourself to make that one visit, it should start things off.

Can you show your DH your original post here? It might help him understand how you are feeling and that he will need to help you get some form of treatment.

I am so glad you have felt able to air your trouble here. This must have been very hard for you, but now you have taken that step perhaps you can tell your family what you are going through.