Question about beta blockers instead of anti depressants

[fatoneatthegym]

I'm going to my GP tomorrow.

I know beta blockers can stop the physical symptoms of anxiety, but do they also help your mind or at least give you more space to think? If not, I think I'd rather take St John's Wort as I'd rather not take ADs again if at all possible.

I've been under a lot of stress recently do please be kind as I'm trying to stay calm here.

Just talking to someone and talking through looking for a new job.

I would ask to see a different GP.

Is the anxiety work related? In fairness anxiety is usually a reaction to something that tells us the situation isn’t ok. Medication can help suppress the anxiety but unless something changes, the anxiety will still be there underneath all the medication. Are there changes you can make to your lifestyle to give you space to deal with the thing that’s making you anxious?

In fairness anxiety is usually a reaction to something that tells us the situation isn’t ok.

I know. I agree with this even with lot of physical illnesses tbh. But now I can't bring myself to do anything. I've cancelled work this week and staying at home. I feel scared to go out on my own anyway. I'm scared of what's happening.

Staying home for a few days, getting some rest and headspace, giving your body and mind space to heal a bit may be no bad thing. I’ve had issues with anxiety throughout my adult life and at times have just needed to give in to it a bit, scary though that’s felt. Are you worried you’ll always feel this way?

Yes I'm worried. I want it all to go away.

Do you have IAPT in your area? You could self refer for a course of CBT.

Beta blockers help me to avoid having panic attacks but the anxiety is still there. On ADs as well at the mo and doing OK.

We do have IAPT and I've used it before but wasn't impressed. I find CBT pointless and useless tbh.

Sorry to hear it wasn't more helpful.

Box breathing like someone posted below is really helpful. Calms down the sympathetic nervous system. Also do you have some one/thing/pet which you can cuddle? That can trigger some endorphins and calm you down. I use a dd or dh and my friend uses her cat.

Maybe have a read about some of the things I've put below and see if you would like to consider them. Like the magnesium etc.

Can you look up some yoga on YouTube? There will be some good yoga for anxiety sessions (try yoga with Adrienne, she's lovely). I would say a walk outside but I know you don't feel safe. Maybe a really energetic work out?

All of these are just ideas to help calm the immediate anxiety. They won't make it go away but they may make you slowly start to stop the physical side of stuff.

Which magnesium product should I buy?

Hi OP, up until a couple of years ago I was on ADs pretty much all my adult life. I'm on a small dose of Atenolol for anxiety and also blood pressure. I also began taking vit B and thiamine which are great for maintaining a sturdy central nervous system.

I also use CBD oil tincture and puff it in a vape. My blood pressure is now within 'normal'. I also found when I drink alcohol it affects my sleep terribly, leading to anxiety.

Also a friend has begun using Rhodiola Rosea for anxiety and depression with great success.

I do hope you can feel better soon.

I use magnesium glycinate - I got mine from amazon. But do check for yourself to make sure you think it's a good idea. I'm not a dr or anything so you need to feel happy with with you're taking

Go and see a different gp. They do help and without a physical reason for you not taking them the doctor you saw is being Jess than helpful.

Or get them online. There are plenty of legal online prescribing services. You answer some questions about your symptoms and general health, a pharmacist looks at them and then you'll be told if it's approved or not and if yes, then they'll be posted to you. You might need to know what dosage yourself and they might advise on this. Obviously not nhs prescription charges but honestly, if you can afford to, just do that.

Magnesium late afternoon, early evening and evening primrose oil mid-day helped mine too. Also cutting out all refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol helped massively.

The beta blockers were the key to breaking the cycle though. I cried with relief after taking the first one.

(Just one magnesium a day^)

I think I'll buy some magnesium.

My GP said to make another appointment for next week, which I did, but also to come back and see her earlier if I felt really awful before then.

I went back to see my GP again today and said I wasn't doing very well. So she's given me some 10mg tablets of propanolol. She did say that antidepressants would be better for me but I really want to avoid them if possible so I'll try the beta blockers. They're 10mg and I have to take two per day.

I have also bought magnesium, vitamin d and vitamin b12.

I'd be very surprised if 10mg help but it's worth a try. I take 40mg 3-4 times a day if needed. If they don't help ask her to up the dose.