Hi! I need some advice - I stopped taking Paxil a year ago for anxiety and now I'm really feeling it! I had started taking a natural supplement - 5htp - after stopping my medicine, but it doesn't help much at all. My problem is that I want to start back up on my prescription medication, but I get no support what so ever! My family, my husband and a couple of my friends are totally against it. They're worried about my safety - long-term effects - but they don't realize what I go through on a daily basis. I also struggle with the decision myself, because I'm not sure what the Lord wants me to do. I pray for my symptoms to subside, but they seem to come and stay for days - at their worst. Would Jesus want me to take this medication that I feel I need or should I rely only on Him to help me through this? I know I'm not the only person suffering from anxiety and taking medication, but it would be so helpful to hear a person's opinion that has the Lord in their life and still deals with this! Thank you!
Anxiety medication advice
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Dreamer
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Wendyz, I pray that you go to your doctor and talk to him or her about this. It would be really good if you could find a Christian doctor or Psychologist that would understand where you are coming from on this issue.
Wendy, I have taken anxiety/depression medicine for the last 8 or 9 years. It's not a choice; it's a necessity. The Lord has taught me not to be ashamed of this. I have spoken about my meds openly and honestly in a thread that Chad started. The name of the thread is "Medicine or Jesus", and it is in this Health and Fitness Section of the forum.
I hope that I can be a friend to you. I understand how you feel about meds and similar things. Lots of people used to tell me to go off my meds too. But it never worked. Jesus tells me not to be ashamed of my weakness, to rely upon Him and to take the medicine that my body needs.
God bless you, wendyz, and make His face to shine upon you and bless you.
Wendy, I have taken anxiety/depression medicine for the last 8 or 9 years. It's not a choice; it's a necessity. The Lord has taught me not to be ashamed of this. I have spoken about my meds openly and honestly in a thread that Chad started. The name of the thread is "Medicine or Jesus", and it is in this Health and Fitness Section of the forum.
I hope that I can be a friend to you. I understand how you feel about meds and similar things. Lots of people used to tell me to go off my meds too. But it never worked. Jesus tells me not to be ashamed of my weakness, to rely upon Him and to take the medicine that my body needs.
God bless you, wendyz, and make His face to shine upon you and bless you.
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Faithful Son
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Good advice sister Dreamer, I will pray for you sister Wendyz!
God bless you
Much love
teraside
God bless you
Much love
teraside
Thank you, Dreamer - your reply gives me comfort in knowing that I'm not alone in this! I have been to 3 doctors and all of them have told me the same thing - take your medication! It's just hard knowing that so many people that I love and care about are against the choice that I make. Especially my husband. He won't even talk it over with me. He's worried about it affecting my brain! If he only understood how my brain feels right now! I'm to the point where the physical symptoms are just awful and I worry even more about that which is increasing my anxiety - I know you know what I'm talking about! To know that you've been taking you medication for so long helps me to know that it's okay and thank you for that!
And thank you, teraside, for welcoming me and for your prayers - I really appreciate it.
And thank you, teraside, for welcoming me and for your prayers - I really appreciate it.
Dreamer
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Wendy, it doesn't sound as if your husband has your best interests at heart.
Perhaps he does not understand the deepness of your physical and emotional suffering.
However, Jesus does!
I would suggest that you re-visit one of those 3 doctors. Pray about it first, of course, and then choose the doctor that the Lord leads you to. I pray that you will go back on the meds until your doctor says you don't need them any longer. I think this would help you to cope with your family and situations around you that are too overwhelming right now.
I really do understand where you are coming from, dear sister. I'm also going to be praying for you.
Wendy, this is just personal opinion....but I wanted to add this. I was on Paxil once for a very short time before I switched to a more mild medication. Paxil is very strong. The milder medication on less miligrams worked better for me, and I've been on it for several years.
They may want to start you on higher miligrams, and then taper off to a lower dosage, called "maintainence dosage", that keeps you from going back into clinical depression or having panic attacks. ( I experience unpredictable panic attacks when I try to go off my medication.)
Perhaps Paxil is the right medication for you. I know a lot of women say it works for them. It made me feel like a zombie, lol. Nothing seemed even funny, I couldn't even laugh. Couldn't cry, couldn't laugh...didn't feel anything. Felt like a walking dead person. Too high of a dosage, I guess.
Then, when I had to go off the Paxil.....major, major withdrawal symptoms. Horrible dizzy spells.
Sweating spells. Had to stay confined at home just so I could go off meds! Then I did some reading of medical books at our Public Library and I requested to my doctor that I could try _______.
I won't specify it here.
This other medication worked much better for my body and mind, and it was a much smaller dose.
Sometimes the doctors have to try a few different things for you until they find what works best.
Alot of professional people that I know....School teachers, Legal Secretaries, etc. take anti-depressants. It's not that these meds are a cure-all. But they can be of assitance at times.
I can't wait for the day I can go off my meds. But that day isn't here yet. I tried going off meds a few months ago. It was a disaster, and my husband and children suffered the most for it. It was Christmas holiday time, and I was just stressed out over everything instead of being merry and bright.
Perhaps he does not understand the deepness of your physical and emotional suffering.
However, Jesus does!
I would suggest that you re-visit one of those 3 doctors. Pray about it first, of course, and then choose the doctor that the Lord leads you to. I pray that you will go back on the meds until your doctor says you don't need them any longer. I think this would help you to cope with your family and situations around you that are too overwhelming right now.
I really do understand where you are coming from, dear sister. I'm also going to be praying for you.
Wendy, this is just personal opinion....but I wanted to add this. I was on Paxil once for a very short time before I switched to a more mild medication. Paxil is very strong. The milder medication on less miligrams worked better for me, and I've been on it for several years.
They may want to start you on higher miligrams, and then taper off to a lower dosage, called "maintainence dosage", that keeps you from going back into clinical depression or having panic attacks. ( I experience unpredictable panic attacks when I try to go off my medication.)
Perhaps Paxil is the right medication for you. I know a lot of women say it works for them. It made me feel like a zombie, lol. Nothing seemed even funny, I couldn't even laugh. Couldn't cry, couldn't laugh...didn't feel anything. Felt like a walking dead person. Too high of a dosage, I guess.
Then, when I had to go off the Paxil.....major, major withdrawal symptoms. Horrible dizzy spells.
Sweating spells. Had to stay confined at home just so I could go off meds! Then I did some reading of medical books at our Public Library and I requested to my doctor that I could try _______.
I won't specify it here.
This other medication worked much better for my body and mind, and it was a much smaller dose.
Sometimes the doctors have to try a few different things for you until they find what works best.
Alot of professional people that I know....School teachers, Legal Secretaries, etc. take anti-depressants. It's not that these meds are a cure-all. But they can be of assitance at times.
I can't wait for the day I can go off my meds. But that day isn't here yet. I tried going off meds a few months ago. It was a disaster, and my husband and children suffered the most for it. It was Christmas holiday time, and I was just stressed out over everything instead of being merry and bright.
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nzdaughter
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I have fought and overcome depression and social anxiety, with the help of the Lord, assistance from others, and my own steely determination, for the last 8 years. I'm not so ashamed or surprised about any such weaknesses like I was when I had a break down 5 years ago. I have recently gone back on aropax which I take daily, as well as propanalol for highly anxious moments, since November last year. I receive this in conjunction with psychologist therapy, as well as Christian counselling and Biblical studies at my church, and I have also increased my Christian fellowship (I was struggling with anxiety, and feeling tired, sad, and alone, and with a lack of peoples' understanding before. Now that I am putting God at the centre of my life more now than before, I have learnt to rely only on God)!
I've just reduced my intake of propanalol too, and am working towards going off it completely. I find comfort now in the truth that God's strength works during my weaknesses, and I like to remind myself that this problem is just 'for a season'. I now replace any defeatist thoughts with The Word. This journey has been making me more stronger, knowledgable, and has given me understanding towards others in this situation. I might even learn to deny self more and any pride; in fact I may grow in areas like gaining increased perserverence, and reliance on God, and potentially make some much needed changes of the heart perhaps. I also learnt to discern any lies from the enemy. I'm getting through this, although its been 'trial and error'. God will get you through too. :girl_hug:
[PS: Thankyou Wendyz and Dreamer for your encouraging and kind words and bless you in your journeys].
I've just reduced my intake of propanalol too, and am working towards going off it completely. I find comfort now in the truth that God's strength works during my weaknesses, and I like to remind myself that this problem is just 'for a season'. I now replace any defeatist thoughts with The Word. This journey has been making me more stronger, knowledgable, and has given me understanding towards others in this situation. I might even learn to deny self more and any pride; in fact I may grow in areas like gaining increased perserverence, and reliance on God, and potentially make some much needed changes of the heart perhaps. I also learnt to discern any lies from the enemy. I'm getting through this, although its been 'trial and error'. God will get you through too. :girl_hug:
[PS: Thankyou Wendyz and Dreamer for your encouraging and kind words and bless you in your journeys].
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Thank you for your encouraging words - you're such a blessing!
And, nzdaughter, I completely understand what you said about understanding others in this situation - I now have such compassion for others who are going through anxiety! I pray that God will bring anyone suffering out and put peace into their life - anxiety is horrible, and those who haven't gone through it, just can't understand it's severity - physically, mentally and emotionally. It wreaks havoc on your body and can last for years.
I have done a lot of research about anxiety these past couple of months, and I've found that medication is not my only alternative - for me, it's not even a choice anymore. I've spent quite a bit of money on books and programs about anxiety, looking for answers, and what I've finally figured out is that the only book I need for answers is my Bible - God's Word!
He is my strength, my fortress, my rock, my deliverer, my physician, my comforter - my everything.
Instead of medication, I've decided to make life changes which includes watching what I eat (no sugar, caffeine, etc.), drinking plenty of water, exercise, and above all - I now pray to my Lord and read His Word daily- something I was very lazy about before.
Everyone makes choices to do what what he or she feels is best - for a long time, I thought taking a pill was what I needed - it's not. I now have to work very hard at getting through anxiety - it's not as easy as opening a bottle anymore - for me, it was just not getting me to the point getting better, just more and more dependent on the meds. I have finally realized that the Lord is allowing me to go through this struggle, for reasons that I don't understand, but the awesome news is this - He's right by my side all the way through it! And now instead of thanking the maker of the little round pill - all of my thanks and praise can go to my sweet Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ! That's what he's wanted from me all along. And maybe, because of what I've been through, I can help others, too.
Please understand that I would never judge anyone taking medication for anxiety - that is each person's decision - and I know that our Father is here for each and every one of us - we're his children.
I just want everyone to know that there are ways to get better - even if you take meds, there's things that you can also do to ease and lessen the attacks. Just the few changes I've made in the past couple of months has made such a difference! I still have my bad days, but I feel like I'm getting closer to becoming an anxiety-overcomer instead of staying an anxiety-sufferer - thank you, Lord!!!!
And, nzdaughter, I completely understand what you said about understanding others in this situation - I now have such compassion for others who are going through anxiety! I pray that God will bring anyone suffering out and put peace into their life - anxiety is horrible, and those who haven't gone through it, just can't understand it's severity - physically, mentally and emotionally. It wreaks havoc on your body and can last for years.
I have done a lot of research about anxiety these past couple of months, and I've found that medication is not my only alternative - for me, it's not even a choice anymore. I've spent quite a bit of money on books and programs about anxiety, looking for answers, and what I've finally figured out is that the only book I need for answers is my Bible - God's Word!
He is my strength, my fortress, my rock, my deliverer, my physician, my comforter - my everything.
Instead of medication, I've decided to make life changes which includes watching what I eat (no sugar, caffeine, etc.), drinking plenty of water, exercise, and above all - I now pray to my Lord and read His Word daily- something I was very lazy about before.
Everyone makes choices to do what what he or she feels is best - for a long time, I thought taking a pill was what I needed - it's not. I now have to work very hard at getting through anxiety - it's not as easy as opening a bottle anymore - for me, it was just not getting me to the point getting better, just more and more dependent on the meds. I have finally realized that the Lord is allowing me to go through this struggle, for reasons that I don't understand, but the awesome news is this - He's right by my side all the way through it! And now instead of thanking the maker of the little round pill - all of my thanks and praise can go to my sweet Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ! That's what he's wanted from me all along. And maybe, because of what I've been through, I can help others, too.
Please understand that I would never judge anyone taking medication for anxiety - that is each person's decision - and I know that our Father is here for each and every one of us - we're his children.
I just want everyone to know that there are ways to get better - even if you take meds, there's things that you can also do to ease and lessen the attacks. Just the few changes I've made in the past couple of months has made such a difference! I still have my bad days, but I feel like I'm getting closer to becoming an anxiety-overcomer instead of staying an anxiety-sufferer - thank you, Lord!!!!
Dreamer
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You are absolutely right, there are so many things to do besides taking that pill. The medication is only part of the solutions, and besides....our ultimate goal is to someday get off of the medication if it is possible.
For me it is not possible yet, but I keep in mind that: "With God, all things are possible."
Jesus is my healer! And God wants me to keep in touch with my thoughts and feelings. This helps to keep me healed and clean in my heart.
For example, say I might be mad at someone, but I'm not admitting it to myself, I'm just going along doing what I always do. Well, this will undoubtedly cause anxiety in me and other problems. So I have to stop and pray and read the bible. I have to be still and let God be God. Then God nudges me gently and says, "Are you angry with so-and-so?" And I say, "Well...yes."
And He says, "Forgive him/her"
That was just one example.
Your advice to cut down on sugar and caffeine is excellent! But I really do enjoy my coffee, lol But I should not drink coffee all day!
I like it that this subject (anxiety, medications, etc.) is being discussed openly. Many times, Christians push this kind of discussion under the rug, and people who are hurting need fellowship, prayer, and advice about the matter.
Thank you so much for participating in this thread, and God bless
Keep posting!
For me it is not possible yet, but I keep in mind that: "With God, all things are possible."
Jesus is my healer! And God wants me to keep in touch with my thoughts and feelings. This helps to keep me healed and clean in my heart.
For example, say I might be mad at someone, but I'm not admitting it to myself, I'm just going along doing what I always do. Well, this will undoubtedly cause anxiety in me and other problems. So I have to stop and pray and read the bible. I have to be still and let God be God. Then God nudges me gently and says, "Are you angry with so-and-so?" And I say, "Well...yes."
And He says, "Forgive him/her"
That was just one example.
Your advice to cut down on sugar and caffeine is excellent! But I really do enjoy my coffee, lol But I should not drink coffee all day!
I like it that this subject (anxiety, medications, etc.) is being discussed openly. Many times, Christians push this kind of discussion under the rug, and people who are hurting need fellowship, prayer, and advice about the matter.
Thank you so much for participating in this thread, and God bless
Keep posting!
anxiety med advice
I'm glad anxiety can be discussed openly here, too! Some people just don't understand anxiety, so they don't realize what we go through on a daily basis. I've tried talking to people I'm close to, but I get the ol' eye roll or a changed subject because they think it's something I can just "get over it" and move on. Handing my anxiety over to the Lord and being able to talk about it with all of you here is a wonderful step for me to be taking. I know that you all understand what I'm talking about. I'm not ashamed of what I'm dealing with - I know it isn't my fault - but I don't talk about it because nobody wants to hear it - I'm like this ! So...thank you for being here and being supportive and listening - I want to be here for others as well.
I know that for some, medication is helpful and I would never tell someone to stop what's working for them. I pray for you, Dreamer, and everyone whose goal is to someday be free of the meds - that the Lord will heal any imbalance and restore your mind and body - His love is so great!
Cutting back on the sugar and caffeine has made a huge difference for me! I check labels now to see how much sugar is in what I'm about to eat - usually if it's over 15g - I put it back! Decaffeinated tea and coffee has helped, too. From what I've read, all the sugar and caffeine builds up your adrenaline then if you don't use it, you go into overload and have anxiety attacks! That was one of my biggest problems! I wasn't exercising, yet I'd drink soda and tea all day long then try to go to bed at night in "sugar high" mode! My body was being tortured by me! Also, your body can turn certain fruits and vegetables into too much sugar and you get the same effect. I've become very aware of what I put into my body these days and it really makes a difference. Now I sleep better, have better days and I've lost weight - that's a bonus! I also have more energy, which is helpful with six kiddos!
There's so many things that I've found to be helpful - don't use decongestants is one - they raise your heart rate, you feel that affect, and that alone can bring on an attack because you worry about why your heart is racing! I did, anyway. I got obsessive about it! I thought for sure I had an unknown heart condition when actually it was a bad case of allergies that I'd been taking sinus meds for)! I was constantly checking my heart rate and blood pressure - at least 10 times a day! Then my little boy accidently popped the BP bag and I couldn't check it any more - maybe the Lord told him to do that, because after a few days, I stopped freaking out about it. The pharmacist I spoke to said that decongestants can cause the rapid heart rate, so I started calming down (because I then knew the cause) and didn't worry so much about my blood pressure (it only was up when my pulse was up) - such a vicious cycle our minds can put us in, isn't it? - well, I'm just thankful that it's over with, and my heart is just fine!
Little things can do so much - good and bad!
The Lord is helping me learn these things - He'll see us all through!
Love - wendyz
I'm glad anxiety can be discussed openly here, too! Some people just don't understand anxiety, so they don't realize what we go through on a daily basis. I've tried talking to people I'm close to, but I get the ol' eye roll or a changed subject because they think it's something I can just "get over it" and move on. Handing my anxiety over to the Lord and being able to talk about it with all of you here is a wonderful step for me to be taking. I know that you all understand what I'm talking about. I'm not ashamed of what I'm dealing with - I know it isn't my fault - but I don't talk about it because nobody wants to hear it - I'm like this ! So...thank you for being here and being supportive and listening - I want to be here for others as well.
I know that for some, medication is helpful and I would never tell someone to stop what's working for them. I pray for you, Dreamer, and everyone whose goal is to someday be free of the meds - that the Lord will heal any imbalance and restore your mind and body - His love is so great!
Cutting back on the sugar and caffeine has made a huge difference for me! I check labels now to see how much sugar is in what I'm about to eat - usually if it's over 15g - I put it back! Decaffeinated tea and coffee has helped, too. From what I've read, all the sugar and caffeine builds up your adrenaline then if you don't use it, you go into overload and have anxiety attacks! That was one of my biggest problems! I wasn't exercising, yet I'd drink soda and tea all day long then try to go to bed at night in "sugar high" mode! My body was being tortured by me! Also, your body can turn certain fruits and vegetables into too much sugar and you get the same effect. I've become very aware of what I put into my body these days and it really makes a difference. Now I sleep better, have better days and I've lost weight - that's a bonus! I also have more energy, which is helpful with six kiddos!
There's so many things that I've found to be helpful - don't use decongestants is one - they raise your heart rate, you feel that affect, and that alone can bring on an attack because you worry about why your heart is racing! I did, anyway. I got obsessive about it! I thought for sure I had an unknown heart condition when actually it was a bad case of allergies that I'd been taking sinus meds for)! I was constantly checking my heart rate and blood pressure - at least 10 times a day! Then my little boy accidently popped the BP bag and I couldn't check it any more - maybe the Lord told him to do that, because after a few days, I stopped freaking out about it. The pharmacist I spoke to said that decongestants can cause the rapid heart rate, so I started calming down (because I then knew the cause) and didn't worry so much about my blood pressure (it only was up when my pulse was up) - such a vicious cycle our minds can put us in, isn't it? - well, I'm just thankful that it's over with, and my heart is just fine!
Little things can do so much - good and bad!
The Lord is helping me learn these things - He'll see us all through!
Love - wendyz
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- 17,078
I had an anxiety attack two years ago during a horrible period in my life dealing with a particular person who deceived me. I felt like I was literally dealing with the devil all in all. Ever since I stopped dealing with that particular person for good, I never faced an anxiety attack since. As a matter of fact, not even before I met that person did I even understand what an anxiety attack felt like, let alone what it was.
The only thing I did at that time is pray and cry out more, in prayer. I'm sure you've done the same and you sound frustrated, hurt in your situation. I was going to mention natural supplements until I noticed you said youve' tried that already. For one, I say your main priority is to focus not on the natural, but the super natural amen.
I will pray for you and your healing sister. GOD is with you.
The only thing I did at that time is pray and cry out more, in prayer. I'm sure you've done the same and you sound frustrated, hurt in your situation. I was going to mention natural supplements until I noticed you said youve' tried that already. For one, I say your main priority is to focus not on the natural, but the super natural
amen.I will pray for you and your healing sister. GOD is with you.
anxiety med advice
Yes, I do get frustrated at times, but I have to remember that I'm always in the Lord's hands - He'll heal me when He says it's time - I've definitely learned patience, perseverance, and compassion through all of this. Thank you, Lord, for those things, because I need them to be able to help others going through the same thing.
I had my first major anxiety attack during the night. I woke up and it came on suddenly and scared me terribly. I thought I was dying and went to the ER. I couldn't believe the doctor when he said it was an anxiety attack! I had no idea that anxiety could cause such horrible physical problems! Of course, I turned to meds right away. I had been off of them for about 3 months and thought I was fine until that night. I was looking for a cure in all the wrong places. I got addicted to painkillers to ease my symptoms - that lasted until I had a seizure one night in the shower from over doing it and mixing them with the anxiety medicine. My husband and my children found me. It's taken me a long time to forgive myself for putting them through that.
I've struggled with major attacks since then - up to two months ago when I handed everything over to Jesus. The attacks are coming less and less and it's so much easier to get through them - big or small. I know I can't do this on my own and I know that the meds aren't for me. I told the Lord I would totally rely on Him from now on and not take the medication again.
His love and grace is so beautiful - He has brought me such a long way, and on the days when I don't feel so well, He is there to hold and comfort me.
Thanks, Chad, for your encouraging words, and you are so right - my main priority is to focus on the supernatural - God is definitely with me!
Yes, I do get frustrated at times, but I have to remember that I'm always in the Lord's hands - He'll heal me when He says it's time - I've definitely learned patience, perseverance, and compassion through all of this. Thank you, Lord, for those things, because I need them to be able to help others going through the same thing.
I had my first major anxiety attack during the night. I woke up and it came on suddenly and scared me terribly. I thought I was dying and went to the ER. I couldn't believe the doctor when he said it was an anxiety attack! I had no idea that anxiety could cause such horrible physical problems! Of course, I turned to meds right away. I had been off of them for about 3 months and thought I was fine until that night. I was looking for a cure in all the wrong places. I got addicted to painkillers to ease my symptoms - that lasted until I had a seizure one night in the shower from over doing it and mixing them with the anxiety medicine. My husband and my children found me. It's taken me a long time to forgive myself for putting them through that.
I've struggled with major attacks since then - up to two months ago when I handed everything over to Jesus. The attacks are coming less and less and it's so much easier to get through them - big or small. I know I can't do this on my own and I know that the meds aren't for me. I told the Lord I would totally rely on Him from now on and not take the medication again.
His love and grace is so beautiful - He has brought me such a long way, and on the days when I don't feel so well, He is there to hold and comfort me.
Thanks, Chad, for your encouraging words, and you are so right - my main priority is to focus on the supernatural - God is definitely with me!
For one, I say your main priority is to focus not on the natural, but the super natural
What is
amen?
Dreamer
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The first time I had an anxiety attack, I didn't even know what it was was. I thought I was dying. I told my husband of that time, to call the doctor or take me to the hospital. He just laughed and said, "You're having a panic attack." (He was studying counseling in college and thought it was just hilarious.) I had just found out he'd been unfaithful to me and I was scared that I had caught a disease from him.
Later on, I realized it was just an anxiety attack. I literally could not breathe, was sweating, and felt like I was going to pass out. The few anxiety attacks I've had since that one, have never been that bad.
I hope to not ever have any more anxiety attacks again. The last few times that I was on the verge of panic, I was able to pray and calm down and not have the anxiety attack.
Later on, I realized it was just an anxiety attack. I literally could not breathe, was sweating, and felt like I was going to pass out. The few anxiety attacks I've had since that one, have never been that bad.
I hope to not ever have any more anxiety attacks again. The last few times that I was on the verge of panic, I was able to pray and calm down and not have the anxiety attack.
anxiety med advice
I'm so sorry that you had to go through that, Dreamer. Not only dealing with your husband's infidelity, but a panic attack because of it - that's awful.
Prayer does get you through the attacks, that's for sure. Knowing that Jesus is with me helps me get throught it easier, and like you said, sometimes will even prevent the attack when you know it's coming.
The greatest advice we can give to others is to trust the Lord and He'll walk you through it - it might be difficult at times, but He's always there to put you back on your feet when you fall - He'll even carry you if you need Him to - what an awesome God we have!
I'm so sorry that you had to go through that, Dreamer. Not only dealing with your husband's infidelity, but a panic attack because of it - that's awful.
Prayer does get you through the attacks, that's for sure. Knowing that Jesus is with me helps me get throught it easier, and like you said, sometimes will even prevent the attack when you know it's coming.
The greatest advice we can give to others is to trust the Lord and He'll walk you through it - it might be difficult at times, but He's always there to put you back on your feet when you fall - He'll even carry you if you need Him to - what an awesome God we have!
sunshine307
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I hope that somebody can explain this to me!
is just one of the smilies that hasn't come out right, and Chad has been finishing with amen.
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nzdaughter
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I just came to the decision yesterday to stop taking aropax daily medication after experiencing side effects of the medicine interfering with my body. I'd been on the medicine for 6 months and it did have its use. However I shall seek counsel from people at my church about my anxiety, and I want to learn of other healthy ways to cope with it. I'm learning to exercise more, decrease caffeine, take vitamin supplements (incl B-complex) and herbal teas, and have a healthier diet. I am still interested in taking propanalol (as it is only taken 'as needed' on isolated occasions) for anxiety, but I now feel free to move away from a growing dependence on daily medication, and depend more fully on God who is the healer! I'll battle together with Him, on and on if I have to!...
[Update: Thankyou everyone for your prayers . Praise God for what He has done for me! Since stopping my aropax medication last week I have experienced God's peace (that surpasses all understanding!) Normally I revert to anxiety and panic whenever I go off any medication, but it did not happen this time at all, which is strange - and wonderful! I feel calmness in my heart which hasn't been there for a long time (we're talking years, here). Hallelujiah!]
[Update: Thankyou everyone for your prayers
. Praise God for what He has done for me! Since stopping my aropax medication last week I have experienced God's peace (that surpasses all understanding!) Normally I revert to anxiety and panic whenever I go off any medication, but it did not happen this time at all, which is strange - and wonderful! I feel calmness in my heart which hasn't been there for a long time (we're talking years, here). Hallelujiah!]
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Believe me, I know it's going to be hard to stay off the medication, nzdaughter, especially during the anxiety attacks - it would probably help to wean off of it slowly - but if this is what you really want for yourself then you can do it!
All the things you are trying, they're wonderful, and you're on the right path to feeling better.
The physical symptoms are going to be hard, feel almost unbearable at times, but you can make it.
Exercise is SO important! It'll help release the built up adrenaline in your body and reduce the anxiety - believe me, that has made a huge difference for me! Watch your sugar intake and simple carbohydrates - cakes, cookies, etc. Drink lots of water - I hardly ever drank water before, it was always sodas and tea, now water is just about all I drink all day long, and again, it's made such a huge difference.
Magnesium supplements help, too. It helps your muscles relax, relieving tension, helps you sleep better at night, and has other benefits as well, like for your heart.
Hormones play a big part in anxiety for women, so if your anxiety seems to be worse 1 or 2 weeks before your monthly time, the magnesium will help, and just knowing it's your hormones causing it, helps you not stress out over why it's happening. This is when my anxiety flares up to its worst, but now they aren't near as bad as before and I can deal with them sensibly.
It will take time, but with knowing that the Lord is with you at all times, the anxiety can and will get better. I'll be praying for you, nzdaughter, for your symptoms to ease up and for your mind and body to be restored. Be patient and you'll see the change.
I'm definitely not a doctor, but if there's anything I can help you with through this journey, please let me know. All I can tell you is what I've been through, what I'm going through now, and what has helped me through it all.
I know the Lord is walking with us - hand in hand - and on the days that you just can't walk anymore - He'll carry you!
All the things you are trying, they're wonderful, and you're on the right path to feeling better.
The physical symptoms are going to be hard, feel almost unbearable at times, but you can make it.
Exercise is SO important! It'll help release the built up adrenaline in your body and reduce the anxiety - believe me, that has made a huge difference for me! Watch your sugar intake and simple carbohydrates - cakes, cookies, etc. Drink lots of water - I hardly ever drank water before, it was always sodas and tea, now water is just about all I drink all day long, and again, it's made such a huge difference.
Magnesium supplements help, too. It helps your muscles relax, relieving tension, helps you sleep better at night, and has other benefits as well, like for your heart.
Hormones play a big part in anxiety for women, so if your anxiety seems to be worse 1 or 2 weeks before your monthly time, the magnesium will help, and just knowing it's your hormones causing it, helps you not stress out over why it's happening. This is when my anxiety flares up to its worst, but now they aren't near as bad as before and I can deal with them sensibly.
It will take time, but with knowing that the Lord is with you at all times, the anxiety can and will get better. I'll be praying for you, nzdaughter, for your symptoms to ease up and for your mind and body to be restored. Be patient and you'll see the change.
I'm definitely not a doctor, but if there's anything I can help you with through this journey, please let me know. All I can tell you is what I've been through, what I'm going through now, and what has helped me through it all.
I know the Lord is walking with us - hand in hand - and on the days that you just can't walk anymore - He'll carry you!
