Healing explorations of faith and philosophy http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php Wed, 16 May 2012 21:20:51 +0000 720 http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2258-lets-talk-anxiety/
In my life I have both types of anxiety. Life's Curve Balls and Stress. And what I perceive to be a chemical problem with anxiety.

And there is one other anxiety component for me...I am hypersensitive and I think I've had it my whole life. It surfaced at age 15. It was low grade and then I had the anxiety meltdown from hell in the latter part of 1995.

Enter Paxil ~ Lexapro ~ Imipramine and now Celexa

Somewhere along the line (most likely the Lexapro taper) things changed. The anxiety I experienced during that taper was horrific. It took 2 years to taper. I have never been the same.

Enter Life's Stressors and Fears. Job loss, several jobs that didn't work out. Major anxiety on these jobs. Sick child. Ex spouse took me to court twice to see if he could get out of paying alimony....didn't work Thank God, but I paid for lawyers. Sold big house, bought smaller home. Did not file bankruptcy, paid off charge cards which left savings low.

Decided to resurrect my old business which I believe I can be successful at. It's been a year and I seem to be obtaining more customers, however it is not yet enough as of yet. Money & financial security are soooo important to me and a goal I set. Before the economic dowturn I had money, was very secure. Not now.

I get terrible anxiety of bills. The large ones: Life insurance, home insurance, car insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, property taxes. I pay them, but as soon as I accumulate money - out it goes. A few months back the dentist was $3,000 and I am not done.

Don't want to be a victim or a martyr....

The bottom line is that I have had AM anxiety for years. This morning what got to me wasn't the anxiety itself, it was the frustration, anger, fear and struggle of it. It affected me in a serious way today...."I can't go one, I'd rather be dead, complete panic and at the same time depressive thoughts to.

This is where I am at and I don't know how to help myself.

Celexa is a miserable drug. They all are. These drugs did something to me.

Can talk about anxiety and depression to......to vent and help one another?

Hugs to all]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 21:20:51 +0000 http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2258-lets-talk-anxiety/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2122-attacking-anxiety-depression/

Six Steps To Put An End to Panic Attacks

Use these six steps for waves of sadness, anger, worry,fear, etc.



1. Accept - float don't fight
2. Permission - I know what this is
3. Breathe - Inhale 2, Exhale (notice that your shoulders have dropped)
4. Inner Dialogue - positive, comforting
5. Distract - action, mental & physicsal for at least 15 minutes. (shower, clean a closet)
6. Let Time Pass - discomfort always passes, remind yourself of this


Notice personality traits that encourage anxiety.

Begin to appreciate the positive side of our personalities.

You can change the way you think.

Begin making behavior changes.

Begin journaling.

Slow down in all ways.

Begin an exercise routine and reduce caffeine. In WD a mild form is best.

Recovery is a gradual process.

Use relaxation tapes.

Listen to your inner dialogue... Is is respectful, kind and compassionate?

I am proud of myself for the changes I am making. This condition is temporary.]]> Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:27:46 +0000 http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2122-attacking-anxiety-depression/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2015-trauma-and-transformation/
I've posted a few things on this in the last few days. The texts I highlight are being very helpful for me. I'm just going to post links as there are several lately. I have yet to write a post about how it all seems to work in terms of protracted withdrawal syndromes...I'm sure that will come but I've not yet developed all my thoughts on the matter. Perhaps a conversation here might help move that process along...please share your thoughts...

The healing journey revealed (trauma and transformation)
http://beyondmeds.com/2012/04/08/traumatransformation/

Trauma is often held in the body and experienced as chronic pain
http://beyondmeds.com/2012/04/06/traumachronicpain/

Trauma release exercises (or tension release too) — the body speaks
http://beyondmeds.com/2012/04/04/thebodyspeaks/

This does NOT negate the very real physiological and neurological crap we are experiencing. What it can do it help us manage it all...since it does seem to be very much a body/mind thing.]]> Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:03:13 +0000 http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2015-trauma-and-transformation/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1888-mindful-meditation/
For me this is better, because it is guided. Guided helps me pull my thoughts back. My mind (particularly during and after a taper is as busy as the revolving doort in Macy's on 34th street.

The person facilitating the meditation takes us thru a Body Scan. The facilitator where I gois a Neurologist and explains the scientific benefits of MM. He is also quite spiritual and we receive the benfits from that too.

Google it to learn more. It's a good thing. It has to do with present moment living, and for me a worrier whic is why I have anxiety (duh) this is beneficial.

Hugs]]> Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:38:39 +0000 http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1888-mindful-meditation/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1887-encouragement/ truth from falsehood and giving us the discipline to do what we know is right. Above all, these trials help us realize that life is a gift from
God to be cherished, not a right to be taken for granted. Joyce Meyer.]]> Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:18:52 +0000 http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1887-encouragement/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1755-gospel-song-child-your-cries-have-awoken-the-master/
Once on the calm sea with Jesus
The deciples were getting concerned
The wind started violently blowing
But He was asleep in the stern
"Doesn't God care that we perish?"
We're helpless and we're so afraid
Jesus arose when they called Him
And said to them, "Where is your faith? "

Chorus :

You've prayed all night
You've held on with all of your might
Child your cries have awoken the Master
He knows your voice - Lift your hands up, it's time to rejoice, Child your cries have awoken the Master

Hits you without any warning
The storm of your life has begun
You're seeing no hope in the distance
You're frightened with nowhere to run
By now your vessel is filling
And you're thinking that you'll surely drown
You've cried out for help from the Saviour
And you know you can't give up now

(Chorus)

You're up there worried, He's fast asleep
Winds are so deadly, water's so deep
Try to be patient, He'll soon bring peace
One word from His voice, it all must cease

(Chorus)

I hope this is ok to post and I pray it helps someone.]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:02:11 +0000 http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1755-gospel-song-child-your-cries-have-awoken-the-master/