Question:
Some people do use alternative treatments and are helped by them. IMO,I think
the important thing to remember here is that these treatments help anxiety not
panic. They can help ward off or delay an impending panic attack that starts out
as anxiety. I know some who use Kava Kava, St. Johns Wort, & Valarium. I use
Bach Rescue Remedy for my anxiety. They may help you and they may not, everyone
is different. YMMV. These alternative meds are also drugs and should be used
wisely, make sure you research these treatments first. Some can have side
effects and some can interact with other meds and drugs. Tell your doctor if
you use any of them. A lot of people also practice breathing and relaxation
exercises. I am going to post some soon, look for them.
Answer:
I can certainly understand what you are talking about. I experienced
symptoms for many years before I sought help or even told anyone until I got
so bad I could not function. I do think natural remedies can be helpful if
your symptoms are mild. During times when I was mildly depressed or anxious,
I treated myself quite happlily with catnip tea, Passionflower extract,
Valerian (for sleep) and Chamomile. But there came a time when I needed
stronger drugs ( and remember that herbs *are* also drugs, albeit "natural")
and also supervision of a medical doctor and testing to rule out serious
disorders. Perhaps you can consider seeing a doctor to explain these fears.
There are some very mild medications that may help you very much and maybe
you will not even have to take them for a long time. I also understand that
depression and anxiety are easier to treat if caught early and not allowed
to build out of control. Looking back, I wish I had gone for help much
sooner and perhaps would not still be struggling with these problems. Being
afraid of medication, particularly "mind" or psychiatric medications is very
normal though I wish it was not. I take thyroid for Graves disease and do
not mind picking up that Rx but always feel a bit embarrassed when I pick up
my Rx for antidepressants, benzos or sleeping pills. I know it may be silly
but is how I feel. to what they imagine are mind controlling drugs, but it really isn't
like that.
They don't rob you of your personality or make you act in some
strange zombie like way. Yes, initially they can have unpleasant
side-effects and there will be times in the first weeks when you will
wonder if meds are worthwhile, however, with care these side-effects
can be managed. The long term result will I think be worth the
temporary discomfort. In fact you may find aspects of your
personality that have been lost in your fears. Rather than killing
part of you, it may well resurrect the real you
Ian, I couldn`t have said this better!!!! I was stuck in a two year setback, I
didn`t even reconize myself. I had become so serious and downcast, no joy, just
unrelenting anxiety. I don`t know why I allowed myself to feel so horrible for
so long without seeking help. Maybe because I am so damn stubborn. I finally
could`nt take any more, and decided to go for help. I was told to try paxil. I
was very reluctant to do so, I was afraid I would be a zombie and other things.
I decided to give it a try. I had some minor, mild side effects at the
beginning. I was on paxil for about 3 weeks, anxiety was lessening, and this
one night I was watching a funny show and I was laughing, hysterical laughing.
It felt so good to laugh again. I have to say right now, I haven`t felt this
good in over two years. I still have my bad days, and some times I get anxious.
Paxil is not a cure all, I still have to work on getting out and practicing. I
am really happy I chose to put my fears aside and give paxil a try. When my
doctor was writing the prescription for the paxil, I told her I felt "ashamed"
that I needed a med to help me feel better. She then asked me "do you feel
ashamed that you need to take thyroid medicine", I told her of course not. She
then told me "there was no difference".
