What have you done?

[NatalieRegina]

Other than medication, what treatments/programs, if any, have you guys tried? With any success? Just curious- there seem to be a few recommendations of resources on here, but there still seems to be a lot of anxious minds out there.

[aprilmay]

Hi Natalie and welcome. I have had problems with excessive anxiety for most of my life, and it (understandably) developed into a full-blown disorder about 9 years ago after my mother passed away prematurely from cancer.

I have tried yoga, a "mind-over-matter" (positive thinking- like "I will NOT be intimidated by these feelings") approach, diaphragmatic breathing, the "bear-down" position, and Bach's Rescue Remedy. Rescue Remedy didn't work at all. The physical anxiety-reducing techniques help somewhat but are not always enough to prevent anxiety spells. When my anxiety disorder was diagnosed 6 years ago, I went on Ativan as an urgent solution, then tapered it off with Paxil and was on that for about a year and a half, then tapered off that because I was determined to cope without needing medication again. Now, over 4 years after relying on natural techniques, things are heating up again and I am back on Ativan on an as-needed basis, plus seeing a therapist again. I hope that I do not need an anti-depressant again, but that is to be seen.

[alankay]

April, I'm the same way. When the dynamics of life and work are less trying, I'm less anxious. It(anxiety) can and will ebb and flow and so it's OK to have periods where you are more or less anxious. Adjust meds for that period and don't feel bad about it. In time things will settle down and that's OK. Part of learning about anxiety and managing it. All the other lifestyle skills(relaxation, deep breathing, etc) are important too. PM me any time. Alankay