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Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Mental health

Anxiety medication

18 replies

Stefka · 16/09/2008 07:50

I am really struggling with anxiety at the moment. Really not keen to go on medication but starting to consider it. Does anyone know if there is one that you can take as and when you need it or are they all ones you have to take every day?

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watsthestory · 16/09/2008 07:52

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Stefka · 16/09/2008 08:04

It's awful. I don't want to go on regular meds. I want to be working on healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the anxiety and I don't feel I can do that if the feelings are being masked all the time. I have been on meds before and they were effective but after I came off them I ran into problems again. I want to be able to deal with the anxiety not keep taking medication for it.

I like rescue remedy too! I had forgotten about that stuff.

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poshtottie · 16/09/2008 09:13

Have you tried yoga. Not so much a really physical class but one that has a good balance of postures and pranyama (breath control).

Also diet. Avoid caffeine.

pigleto · 16/09/2008 09:17

I would love to find something I could take when I am panicing to take the edge off. I too don't want to take something every day. If you find the answer I would love to hear it.

Stefka · 16/09/2008 09:20

I already drink decaff because of breastfeeding. Never tried yoga - always fancied it actually. It would have to be a DVD though as I don't think I would get to a class. I am sure there are some good DVD's out there though.

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cafebistro · 16/09/2008 09:23

I used to take a betablocker called propanalol hydrochloride. At first I took it every day and then just when I thought I would need it, if I was going to be in certain situations that I knew I would find difficult. They are non addictive and slow relase ones last for about 12 hours.

poshtottie · 16/09/2008 09:24

do you have sky? There is some yoga on the body in balance channel.

BiancaCastafiore · 16/09/2008 09:24

I use rescue remedy too and find it helps take the edge off situations which make me anxious.
I recently had hypnotherapy to help with anxiety and have found it's really helped, I'd highly recommend it Learning how to relax properly and breath calmly has been a big breakthough.

Stefka · 16/09/2008 09:54

No sky unfortunately. Was hypnotherapy expensive?

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BiancaCastafiore · 16/09/2008 13:29

It was pretty expensive, yes. I had two appts (although I think they'd recommend more ideally...) at £75 per 2 hour session. The difference it's made has been pretty huge though so worth it. I may have a couple of top-ups sessions if I have an event ahead which I need to relax for but it depends, I feel more able to cope already

Stefka · 16/09/2008 14:33

Wow. Beyond our budget for now anyway. Sounds really good though.

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BiancaCastafiore · 16/09/2008 14:42

shame. The lady I used was willing to spread the cost of payment over a couple of months which was kind of her. It may be worth you asking around.

cafebistro · 16/09/2008 15:48

Stefka- I also had cognitive behavioural therapy for my anxiety and panic attacks. I was referred by my GP and I had I think about 8 sessions free on the NHS. So it may be worth talking to to your Gp about the possibility of a referral. Its also worth pointing out that when I originally went to another GP with anxiety/depression I was refused counselling on the NHS as I wasnt seen as a serious enough case! I finally got referred when I went to a different GP wanting to stop medication as I was pregnant.

Stefka · 16/09/2008 17:07

I had something similar happen the last time I went to my Dr to ask for help with eating issues I am having. Told I wasn't a serious enough case. Luckily I was already in the system from my pregnancy so I called the hospital directly and managed to get in to see a dietician. If they would treat you when you were a 'less serious' case then maybe they wouldn't have so many serious cases!!

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PurpleLostPrincess · 16/09/2008 18:05

I don't know if this would be relevant but my DH has suffered from severe anxiety all his life but a few years ago was given Buspirone. The GP said he can take it as and when he feels he is likely to need it - he has agoraphobia so rarely goes out but if he has to, he takes one or two (can't remember the exact dose) beforehand and it takes the edge off it. In extreme cases (dentists etc), he has diazepam but that is very rare.

I totally admire you for going down the more natural route and hope you find something that works - I'll watch this thread to see if any more tips are given as it would be great for DH to try them. He's on the waiting list for CBT too...

Stefka · 16/09/2008 19:05

I think that CBT would do me a lot of good. Can't seem me getting a referral for it though. I tried the last time I saw my Dr to get referred but she wouldn't do it. I guess there are not enough resources.

It's good to hear that there are possible options. I really don't want to take meds but if I had to then I would prefer something I could take only when I really needed it.

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BiancaCastafiore · 16/09/2008 19:13

I was recommended this book too by my GP. I have to admit I've hardly looked at it yet though so can't say how good it is

Stefka · 16/09/2008 20:59

Thanks - I will see if my library have it or something similar

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