Please Help

[nessy120]

So I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at the age of 14, I am now 31. I currently went to see a neurologist who suggested that I was on way to much medicine and that I should come off all of it. And so I did. I came off all of it within a 2 week period, and as I was tapering off I felt fine. UNTIL NOW..... i can't even leave my house,

my anxiety id=s o bad. I am not sad or depressed just very anxious, and do not know how to handle it. Yesterday the dr added medication back to the equation but told me it takes 2-4 weeks to work. I have been out of work now for two weeks and feel like I am going crazy. I am not having any crazy thoughts its just a constant feeling of nervousness and anxiousness to the point were I am in the bathroom ever ten minutes. Someone please help me.

[AGrace]

Hi nessy,

Its troubling when different Drs have different perspectives on medication. 

Its normal to have symptoms return,  even with greater force, when you cease medication. 2 weeks isn't considered a very long time frame to do this. Whilst it's normal, it's still very unhelpful. Im glad that you've been able to get back on some medication to assist. Sadly it will take a while to start having an effect.

As much as you may not feel like it, there are some things that can be helpful in the interim.

Mindfulness

Meditation

Small walks

Talking with someone

Reading to distract

Self Soothing with a bath, a hand massage, shower

Listening to music

Art/writing

Are you seeing a Psychiatrist/Psychologist on a regular basis? Do you have friends or family that you can rely on during this time? When you say you've been out of work, do you mean sick leave or unemployment? 

I hope some of this has been helpful, continue to post, we are always here to listen. 

AGrace

[Working_on_it]

Hi Nessy,

I have been dealing with generalised anxiety disorder for around 4 years. I was on medication for more than 2 1/2 years, and hated the side effects and fact that I was something of a captive to the medication. I resolved to stop taking meds. 

It was hard. Really hard. Tapering off the meds was one of the hardest things I've ever done. You can do it.

i tried a self help approach called 'the Linden Method'.  All the mindfulness and psychology stuff didn't really resonate with me until I tried this. I still wrestle with anxiety most days but I promise this will help you....google it and learn about it.

i really hope this helps, it certainly helped me, and I did all on my own....

all the best

Andy

[Onion33]

Hi Nessy

I also struggled getting on medication. I was given a secondary medication to help ease me onto the antidepressants.  It was an anti anxiety tablet which I could take for up to four weeks. Please ask your doctor what she/hd thinks. 

Remember, the anxiety is not you. It's the medication kicking in. Also try a hotline to get you thru the tough hours if you don't have anyone to call

[nessy120]

Thank you so much