Anxiety (Posting for Traffic)

[OceanMoon]

I know this doesn't belong here but need some advice regarding Anxiety. I was diagnosed with PTSD and GAD after being spiked on a night out. I have never been on medication for it (due to being too scared to even take a paracetamol!) and have only tried CBT but it wasn't effective. Does anyone have any medication advice, books, self help etc.? I haven't left the house for two months so I'm flat broke and I need to get my life back on track as time isn't on my side! Any advice appreciated

I really think you need to speak to a medical professional. Some GPs offer home visits if your agoraphobia is getting worse.

How are you managing at the moment? Is someone around to help you, go to the shops etc?

I second the suggestion to call your GP.

Also, have you looked at websites like Anxiety UK? I know a couple of people in real life who have found the information there useful.

As you posted 'for traffic' I wondered if there was something in particular on your mind right now?

Try "Anxiety and Depression for Dummies Workbook".

Lots of hugs to you!

I agree that you really need to access professional help.

I had, I think, three lots of CBT before I found a practitioner that I clicked with and it was only then it really helped so don’t necessarily give up on this particular avenue just yet.

I am currently not on medication for anxiety but take Valerium and Passionflower supplements in the evening and also keep a bottle of Rescue Remedy with me at all times which I find helps me. BUT I must say that I’m currently in a reasonable place with my anxiety levels at the moment and it took many years of trusting in medical professionals and all the various solutions they offer (including medication) to get there.

Can't say whether it works or not but I am just about to try a course of BWRT (Brain Working Recursive Therapy) for anxiety and other issues.

Like I say, I haven't started yet, but the information I've read about it, and the testimonials I've read make it sound really good. It's apparently not a talking therapy so you don't have to go over upsetting situations, but it works on changing the way your brain reacts. Try googling, it might be something that can help.

@fecketyfeck How did you find a BWRT therapist? Or is it an online course?

@DarkandStormyKnight I just woke up feeling particularly trapped and aware that my life is passing me by while I'm stuck unable to go out and live any kind of life. For months I've been waking and sleeping in the same room, getting groceries delivered. I'm not who I was anymore and my life has disintegrated.

hi is there something that you’re finding particularly triggering at the moment? I have recently been offered two different sorts of therapies for PTSD, one is CBT the other is EMDR. I understand from people on a forum I’m a member of EMDR has been v successful where cbt has failed. Is taking medication triggering for you (which is v understandable) or do you just not like it (I fall into this camp), if it’s the latter maybe try something and work out how long your happy to take it for to get you through until you access more help.

It is triggering, I usually have a panic attack thinking I've been drugged again when I take any kind of medication or sometimes when I just eat or drink, it is exhausting lately. It's also gotten worse in the sense that I don't trust touching things incase they have drugs on them etc. It's all getting very irrational and out of control

I actually found my therapist by looking for hypnotherapy. We've done some groundwork to work out the issues and determine which type of therapy is best. She is a qualified BWRT therapist. I think there is a website where you can look for registered therapists.

Firstly please don’t put yourself down apologising for postingbin AIBU. And your fears on taking tablets aren’t irrational to you so don’t minimise your fears over it. You just need some guidance on how to re rationalise it at some stage. I’m really sorry for the pain and distresss you’re experiencing at the moment. If you can’t leave the house please call either your GP or Mind to see how they can help. Have you got any RL support? When you say time isn’t on your side, do you mean about work or something else? If it’s about your employment right try calling CAB. I know calling people sometimes is v difficult with PTSD esp if you don’t know how the conversation will go. If you find it hard try writing down word for word how you want to start the conversation and list the points you want to make so you can tick them off. I know that your probably very anxious and frightened at the moment but it will get better. Big hugs op

Citalopram is my friend

I have severe anxiety and currently take Fluoxetine which has worked for many years but not helping at present. My doctor has suggested switching to Citalopram. Just wondering if Citalopram is effective for anxiety?