Newly diagnosed with anxiety. Need advice.

[BlackwoodForest]

Hi there, this is my first post. Yesterday, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I have been suffering for five or so years, so it really came as no surprise. I went to the doctor for some weird symptoms I've been having, and she told me it was anxiety after ruling out other possibilities. I agreed that that is probably a problem I've been ignoring too long. However, I really didn't want to go into too much at that point as I was a bit overwhelmed. She said she wanted to run some blood tests as well, so until they come back, she told me to think about if I want to treat my anxiety. I definitely do want to treat it.

I'm 22, so it doesn't really matter what my parents think, but I told my mum that the doctor said I have anxiety. Before anything else, she just yelled saying "DO NOT TAKE ANTISEPRESSANTS BECAUSE YOU'LL GO WEIRD." I said weird is better than miserable, but she just made me feel really awful about something that I've finally had the courage to acknowledge. I will gladly take antidepressants if that's what is recommended, but first I thought I'd ask...

What is the usual course of action for testament of generalised anxiety/social phobia?

[blondguy]

Hello BlackwoodForest and Welcome to the Beyond Blue Community and Thankyou for posting too!

You are so very right...the anxiety can be overwhelming even though your symptoms are very common. I have had severe anxiety for many years and it can be awful...the fear...the tight breathing..the anticipation of having an anxiety attack etc etc...

Good news though....Anxiety does dissipate over time with a good GP/therapist....regular counseling and even a small amount of meds will help you have a platform on which you can heal with your doc(s) It does work...

You have a great attitude that I admire...when I was 23 and got my first it took me 2 years to get it that I needed some meds to help me help myself.....You have a very healthy and wise outlook Blackwood.

With all respect I am sorry for your mum's comment "DO NOT TAKE ANTISEPRESSANTS BECAUSE YOU'LL GO WEIRD" This really amazes me.....If your mum had a physical illness...diabetes....hypertension....an infection....a fractured leg or skull she wouldnt hesitate to take her meds. This is no different...Anxiety is also a physical issue as their are chemical imbalances occurring which makes it physical as well.

More good News! The AD's that are available now are a lot more 'fine tuned' than even 10 years ago....You have nothing to lose and everything to gain Blackwood.....

* GP first....and if you have a good one keep seeing her/him. They will give you a referral if you need one...

* Psychiatrists are good value as they can prescribe the meds and provide councel too...

* Just opinion here...but a good Psychologist can be a great way to heal....

* If you find the wait for a therapist too long...book an appointment with your GP again and keep seeing them until your appointment comes up with your therapist...

I have been on AD's since 1997 and I was stubborn and ignorant and refused them initially but after my GP read me the riot act I havent looked back....They helped me heal and cope with my therapist....I kept my job...my house....my relationship at the time...

You may not have to take AD's but even with just GAD the AD's can 'block' the pattern of anxious thoughts...

It is an unpleasant time as my anxiety has nearly vaporized in its severlity but a small amount of social anxiety is hanging around which is manageable.

Your attitude and inner strength is strong.....I do hope you can post back and let me know how your appointment goes with your GP.

Here for You 🙂

Paul

[awesomenesstocome]

My daughter 22, my son 24, and myself all have bad anxiety. My son was diagnosed just recently with OCD. Its a tough time for him atm. He has just started seeing a counsellor, and is taking meds. Its a tough road and after resisting for years taking meds myself, I found it gave me a great leg up and keeps me constant. Its not magic but it take the edge off so you can work through your thoughts, A respite if you will.

Meditation, mindfulness, distraction, exercise and I also use rescue remedy. Writing out your thoughts, counsellor and great gp is helpful. I downloaded an app called stop anxiety and panic which I find helpful.

I find if I sleep well I cope better, I just started a new job and I am exhausted and my legs are sore and my anxiety has been a little higher than usual. Not drinking alcohol, eating healthily.

It was once said to me that panic is like a smack in the back of the head. Meaning its like a physical reminder to look at whats causing your stress and to make steps to improve your well being.

Paul has an awesome insight into the condition and lets face it there is no better counsellor than one who has gone through it.

hugs

love Tracy