Posted by Willow on May 16, 2003, at 9:07:10
In reply to Am I nuts?, posted by toohighstrung on May 16, 2003, at 1:18:11
Are you nuts?? Not anymore than the other guy. Unfortunately, you've had some rough experiences that have left a mark. Anxiety disorders vary in intensity, but with help are manageable.
My life experiences aren't the same as your's but follow a similiar pattern. I've been seeing a psychologist to help me understand why I react the way I do, which includes why my body reacts in a manner similiar to your's I suspect. Last fall I started seeing a psychiatrist too. With the combined guidance from both, I am not just hopeful but sure now that I'm on the road to normalcy. Well, as normal as the next person.
I too am on effexor, have been for several years with dosage increases at different intervals. How long have you been on this medication? I kept noticing improvement even months after starting it, now even having been on it for years; though, I know my improvement wouldn't have been possible without the understanding of this disorder I've gained through therapy.
Getting a diagnosis you can expect to go through a process not much different from grief. You've survived much grief in your life already. You'll get over this, because it's not really a loss but a step toward the normalcy that you are craving.
I am also taking clonazepam at night, which helps eliminate the anxiety during the day. I believe the psychiatrist is thinking that through cognitive techniques she is teaching me that I'll be able to control the anxiety without this med. I'm not as confident about this or have concerns about taking it long-term because of it's benefits. I don't know if this medication is an option for yourself if you've had addiction issues.
The most important issue in my opinion is having doctors that will listen to you and ones that you trust enough to listen to their advice.
BEST WISHES
Wackie Willow
poster:Willow
thread:226991
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227017.html