Can you tell me more about reflexology. How often do you go and what do they actually do does it hurt. Is it expensive. Do you think it works? I really don't want to get into the drugs part of it. I am so afraid of the side effects. I am going to start seeing a counsellor. My first appointment is Dec 10. A while away yet.

Thats the catch, you never know how long you have to take the drugs for some people it is 6 months. As for myself it is off and on for the past 10 years. Don't be afraid to take medication - but before you do I would suggest that you see some type of psychologist or counselor. If talking doesn't help, try the drugs. But either way, let a trained physician prescribe the medication because sometimes MD's just want to get you out of their office.

How often do you people take these drugs daily and for how long?

I have been living with anxiety for years now. Over the past year it has gotten worse because I was unable to take medicatio due to pregnancy and nursing. When I was working I found myself obsessed with my work also, that if I didn't finish my work for that day I would get fired or the place would not run well if I didn't finish. I knew I didn't have time to finish and that made it even harder to concentrate. I started to get irritable and short tempered. I started taking things out on our clients and my employees. They thought I was on illegal drugs. I went to my doctor and told her what was going on and how I had fixed the problem before and she prescribed Paxil 20 mg for me. During the first couple of weeks I did experience some of the side effects but they eventually went away and my clients and employees started noticing a change in my attitude and performance at work. I found that without the fear of not getting the job done, I actually could get the job done and often left work early. I also started dating and having a social life and found that I could get along with people better. I'm not saying that Paxil is the right drug for you but all the friends I've had with this or similar problems have tried Paxil and loved how it worked after the 2 to 4 weeks of side effects started going away. I was told that these side effects happen because you body became so used to dealing with this disorder the wrong way that when the medicine interferes with that your body has to make adjustments to learn the right way all over again. I have had this disorder since I was about seven years old and was rediagnosed in my adulthood about five years ago. I am a self-analyst and have studied anxiety and depression through my symptoms and through written thoughts. I write in a journal everytime I feel an anxiety attack coming on, (Yes, I have them alot), or during an anxiety attack. I sit down at my computer and try to breath while I type exactly what's on my mind, regardless if I spelled it right or not and regardless if it mekes any sense. Then at the end of the week or sometimes the month, depending on the amount of events, I print out everything and read them over and analyze what I wrote. That helps me to figure out the whens, whys, hows and wheres of

I have the same overwhelming thoughts although I dont work. They have tried to put me on all these meds for generalized anxiety disorder but they make me feel horrible. I do ok on on the benzodiazepines(xanax, ativan, klonipin). I recently tried yoga and reflexology and they seem to help. Ive given up drinking and caffeine for the most part and am trying to heal myself with taking one thing at a time.The Ativan definiteley slows me down and makes me less in a hurry to get things done. Maybe it would help you too.

Hi I am so distressed. For I think almost a year now I have been feeling like this. I can't seem to take thoughts out of my mind. These thoughts pertain to work. Where I work they run on no staff which doesn't allow me to get my job finished and also the politics of this job is terrible. I can't quit as it pays a very good wage but it is making me so sick. SO sick that I get up every morning at the same time and get knots in my stomach and feel like throwing up. Today I phoned in sick and my head feels so I don't even know how to explain it. I have gone to the doctor but I am so afraid of starting any medication as I am afraid it will alter myself making me not the same person. I feel like I am going crazy. My dh says to do only what you have time to do and leave the rest for the next day at work. But I am not like that I need to accomplish things or it drives me nuts. What should i do. I need some advice. I feel so drained right now not knowing what I should do. Like should I go for a walk, go to bed, watch tv. It is like I can't make any decisions on my own. I hope someone replies.