SSRI vs relaxation techniques

[Trillipse]

Now then. Having recently been diagnosed with an acute anxiety disorder, and subsequently prescribed an SSRI antidepressant (Paroxetine) by my GP, I am, during my days off work, trying to find a simple and effective relaxation technique to make things a little more organic and so on.... The anxiety (heart pounding, ridiculous pulse, soaring BP, shaking, etc.) often occurs before i'm meant to be going to work.

[trionam]

What about meditation I dont practise this myself but my mother is big into relaxation techniques and she swears by regular meditation and there are many books out there you could buy on the subject and lots of info on the web,good luck in whatever method you choose.

[helster]

i've been taking omega 3, 6, 9. it's meant to have a very calming effect as I used to suffer from panic attacks. I've been fine for ages and it's good for lots of other things too. x

[FP]

Trillipse,  is your work causing you anxiety?  I suffer as well and have just given up a job because of the symptoms you describe.  Some days I couldn't even get into work because of it.  Being a long term anxiety sufferer who does have to take medication, I am slowly trying to get to grips withall the things that cause me anxiety, and if possible eliminate them - not easy when it's your job, I know. 

Exercise is extremely beneficial.  A long brisk walk works better than any medication.  I also listen to music a great deal and have a good disco dance (all by myself) this really helps.  I have also completely given up coffee.  Soothing music whilst I go to sleep at night also helps.

[Kay]

Trillipse, I use " Relieve Stress and Anxiety" by Barrie Konicov. You'll find it on Google. Im also on Paroxetine/Seroxat 20mg daily but Im reducing my dose very slowly. Im a member of [email protected]. We have over 1,000 members,why dont you join us? Take care.

[Marvin84]

I totally understand your condition.... Mine anxiety can get out of hand, but I was shown a few different techniques of relaxation. These are things that you need to do over a course of weeks and not just every now and then. The thing is, they have to be right for you...

The first thing I learned was to slow my breathing down from 13 breathes down to 4 per minute..... after about a week of doing this morning and night, I found that this started to benefit me...  After this, it started to get easier for me to begin relaxing. I also used soundscapes or music to go thru some breathing excercises. 

From here, I am learning about self hypnosis to control pain (this is how all this started....) and this has also helped with calming those adrenaline rushes that happen for no apparent reason... 

[Marvin84]

....These techniques, in conjunction with the SSRI's, have really helped. I also found talking to a counsellor was able to keep me on track as it gave me someone to both report to and talk to about my case.....

If you are looking for more information:

http://www.anxietypanic.com/index.html

Also, here is one link from a radio program about stress and its effects on the body - very interesting physical side effects.

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ss/stories/s51013.htm

(there are 3 parts)

And lastly, here is a website with info on depression and anxiety - if you go to the factsheets, you'll find some great info that'll definately help!

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx

(sorry it's such a long response!!)

I hope that this info helps you!! :-)

[Marvin84]

btw - Because of the excess adrenaline and cortisol in my system (due to anxiety). I was advised that regular exercise was a must to keep the panic attacks at bay and to reduce stress.... sorry if you are anti-exercise, but it actually does help!!

[Litchick]

As a fellow sufferer, I'd like to recommend two things.  The first is hatha yoga.  The second is a book called "Hope and Help For Your Nerves" by doctor Claire Weekes.  This book, in conjunction with the yoga, light meds and a good friend to talk to helped immensely!  Parts of the book are a bit dated (it was written in 1969), i.e., shock treatment and "wifely" duties, but overall VERY EFFECTIVE.  I felt as if she was talking directly to me.  Good luck and post anytime you need someone to talk with!!!

[Litchick]

Re-read my post and would like to clairfy "light" meds.  I take the smallest dose of Xanax, when needed.  Meaning, I do not take SSRIs....sorry for any confusion.

[calleach]

cognitive behaviour therapy is at least as effective as drugs fior your condition and probably effects a more lasting resolution.