Has anyone ever overcome anxiety without medication? Mine has really escalated a lot in the last few weeks as I have suddenly got quite a lot of stressful things going on all at once. I’ve always been able to talk myself out of it and it would never last long. I’m trying my absolute hardest to calm myself, think positive, change the subject in my head or distract myself. It kind of works but I get so dizzy I feel like I’m going to fall over and nauseous. Plus the heart palpitations. I refuse medication as I have seen people get addicted and rely on it forever which is not what I want. I keep telling myself that this is just a stressful time right now and I will get over it…will I. I’m trying to use my brain as my best weapon if that makes sense?
7 Replies
Honestly I think you need medication. I have been on and off it for anxiety. Have I ever found it addictive? Absolutely not. I don’t even realise I am on it, apart from the obvious less anxious. I usually walk alot when I am anxious and that helps but it’s a temporary fix. I couldn’t have got through it without medication. Try some magnesium and also get your vitamin B levels checked as this can make you anxious also. I would go on medication in a second if mine got bad again but I seem to have it under control at the moment. Some times you actually need medication to make up for the chemical your brain is lacking, so don’t feel bad about taking it. You can also have a small dose, to help take the edge off.
I think you're mistaking the need to consistently medicate because of the way the medications work with addiction. Monitored properly, anxiety meds work well, but people will get withdrawals if they stop taking them suddenly. Coming on and off these medications must be done under the supervision of a doctor. The right medication should make you feel like you, but those thoughts won't spiral and build.
That said, you could definitely try therapy - see your GP for a mental health plan which will give you 10 (maybe 20, I can't keep up and there's a lot of conflicting info now) Medicare-subsidised visits with a psychologist. See if you can find someone who specialises in treating anxiety with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) which should give you some strategies to combat the anxious thoughts. Talking about what's making you anxious will probably help too, especially with someone who is not emotionally bound to you and isn't going to react emotionally to your words.
Mention your concerns around medication to your GP. Put the possibility on the table for a later date.
Is that true? Is it just a stressful time right now? There’s an end in sight, you can put it on your calendar and that’s when things will be ok again?
I'm in the exact same boat as you right now. I've just paid and joined the Charles Linden program. It's been amazing. I'm also not interested in medication, counselling , Dr ect....
The program offers email and phone support and live webinars all week where you can ask questions and they'll answer. Have a look at his website it's hand down made the biggest difference and is worth every penny !!!
He also had many free videos on you tube if you want to have a look
Anxiety loves boredom and we can be busy bored as in the same thing over and over that our brain can just be on auto pilot. This allows anxiety to creep on in at times like this. Try listening to things like podcasts when you are feeling anxious or bored , in the car driving ect... Really listen though don't just hear the words it needs to be something that interests you. Maybe do a short course to learn a new language even ? Just something that you'll find interesting that takes the focus off.
You can manage anxiety without medication but you need to practice coping skills and learn to recognise triggers/symptoms. Psychologist may help.
I’m on medication. It feels nice to have that crippling feeling every day ☺️