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Discussion Topic: Happy Again ! No Meds just me!
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 BlondieUk |
10-31-2004 @ 7:12 AM |
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Member
Joined: Aug. 2004
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Hi Everyone
How goes it ? I just wanted to post something quickly as I'm about to go to the gym in a second!
I think I really need to let everyone know how much beter everything is for me now.
A few months ago I went to my doctor and after almost 2 years of agoraphobia/anxiety/panic attacks was ready to go onto paxil. I had been fighting against this for so long as I felt (like alot of agoraphobics) that taking medication would do something awfull to me and that I'd lose control, or become some zombie.
I came out of the clinic with a prescription for citrolopram, and a heavy sinking feeling - this was it.
I went home and sat for a long time just thinking of this journey that my 'thing' as I call my anxiety had taken me on.
I don't really know what but something changed and I decided that I needed to dig deep and find something more.
At this time someone gave me a copy of a book that I dare say has changed my life.
I never took the meds, I'm now back at work and at University, going to the gym. I feel amazing.
On the 17th of November Im going to a friends birthday party, it's in a nightclub in London and this has been one of my biggest fears for a while...having to go to somewhere with crowds and loud music.
But I think I can do this !
This may sound trivial to some people but for me it is a big deal.
Im not saying I'm cured ....but I think I'm on the way .
The purpose of this loooonnngggg essay is that I just wanted everyone to know that there is hope. And things really can change.
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| Ellie |
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10-31-2004 @ 8:12 AM |
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Joined: Sep. 2004
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Well done, i just have to say that it does sound like that you are on the road to recovery, you must be feeling elated. I am on in citalopram and its helping me a bit, i wish i could be as strong. Anyway Congratulations on your success.
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| Casey, Support Specialist |
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10-31-2004 @ 10:26 AM |
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Moderator
Joined: May. 2004
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Hi BlondieUK,
This is wonderful news! Your story is not trivial at all. It is a major accomplishment! Thanks so much for sharing it here with all of us. Your story will inspire many on this site.
Wishing you continued success and enjoyment in life!
Casey
_____________________________
The Panic Center Support Team
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| allyc4 |
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11-01-2004 @ 1:54 AM |
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Joined: Oct. 2004
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What was the book called??? Well done and keep moving forward!!!
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| BlondieUk |
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11-01-2004 @ 4:19 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Hi Ally
The book is really really old and its called 'Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway'.
I don't know why but it just really struck a chord with me. I even went to a group meeting two weeks ago. And let me tell you it was sooooo nerve-racking you know that thing they do making you sit in a circle, and then go round and introducing yourself and saying why your there?!
For me it was a really big thing because a sympton of my 'thing' was that I found it hard to look people in the eyes, or even listen to them talking without running away. To be able to participate in a group discussion was simply amazing and shocking to me!
I don't for one second believe that everyones problems are the same, and I think that we all respond to different treatments differently.
But I do think that everyone can benefit from the power of positive thinking, and thats's really what Dr Susan Jeffers teaches.
Everyday is something that I have to work on I'm not a naturally optimistic person anymore, so I really have to push through my fears everyday.
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| BlondieUk |
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11-01-2004 @ 4:19 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Hi Ally
The book is really really old and its called 'Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway'.
I don't know why but it just really struck a chord with me. I even went to a group meeting two weeks ago. And let me tell you it was sooooo nerve-racking you know that thing they do making you sit in a circle, and then go round and introducing yourself and saying why your there?!
For me it was a really big thing because a sympton of my 'thing' was that I found it hard to look people in the eyes, or even listen to them talking without running away. To be able to participate in a group discussion was simply amazing and shocking to me!
I don't for one second believe that everyones problems are the same, and I think that we all respond to different treatments differently.
But I do think that everyone can benefit from the power of positive thinking, and thats's really what Dr Susan Jeffers teaches.
Everyday is something that I have to work on I'm not a naturally optimistic person anymore, so I really have to push through my fears everyday.
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| BlondieUk |
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11-01-2004 @ 4:31 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Oh by the way, there was one other thing that worked for me which I'm still continuing, and that is Innertalk CD's.
I mentioned them in a previous post,the company I got mine from are american but they now have a .co.uk website.
They tell you to listen to the CD which is basicall either music or nature sounds(whichever you ask for), with subliminal messages thrown in (Yes I know it sounds really weird!  ) - for an hour a day for 30 days.
I bought the freedom from stress one and also soaring self-esteem. But they have lots of different ones.
I actually got a free one from them first called forgiving+letting go, just to see if it was worth spending money on.
I played the CD everyday and everynight on a loop, the day before I had to go back to work and I think it really helped.
But at the end of the day they might not work for everyone!
I hope everyone continues on their journeys and get where they want to be.
I will always be but a post away if anyone wants a chat xxxxx
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| amy
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11-01-2004 @ 8:50 PM |
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Member
Joined: Sep. 2004
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Blondie
I am so glad to hear things are working for
you...however, i do believe some of us do have to
take meds to deal with these problems. I am a
very strong christian and for 3 months i prayed and
prayed for an answer. Finally God sent me a
wonderful doctor and she has given me meds
which at first I DID NOT want to take. They have
changed my life. I am not cured but well on my
way. I do believe there are some of us with a
chemical inbalance in the brain and we have to
take the meds(at least for awhile) to be sane. I
think God have granted the doctors wisdom and
helped them come up with these meds for us!!!
Anyway just my 2 cents!!! Good luck!!
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| allyc4 |
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11-02-2004 @ 12:09 AM |
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Joined: Oct. 2004
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That is a great book, I've read it a few times and it really helps, especially if you follow on what she says!
Amy, Anyone can get through panic without meds if they want to. Sure we may have a chemical imbalance but the key to overcoming panic and anxiety is through learning to deal with it yourself. Meds may take the panic away but they do not cure you. I agree that they are very beneficial for alot of people but who wants to be on meds for the rest of their life??
Overcoming panic is a step by step process and it is something that will always be there, we just need to learn to cope with it by finding out what works for us!!
I use alot of techniques, reading, meditation, exercise, panic program on this site, affirmations, imagery, couselling, helping others...every little thing helps!!
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| BlondieUk |
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11-02-2004 @ 5:00 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Hi Amy
I didn't mean to belittle anyone with my post about no meds!
Meds obviously do help,and for some people when the depression kicks in too it's the difference between life and death literally. But I agree with Ally they don't cure us they just numb things and help us cope a little better.
I know how dark it can get.
Medication or pills can change your brain chemistry temporarily. But, medications has no power to change neural pathways or associations. There is no cure for anxiety in medication. There is a temporary, chemical change in your brain brought about by the medication. But it lasts only as long as the medication is synthesized to last, from four hours to longer periods. But it is never permanent. You always need to take another pill.
My best friend has been on citrolopram for the last year and for her it really helped with her panic attacks, but not with her depression. She said that i her opinion her depression is a sadness of the heart ! And she reckons they have yet to make a cure for that!
But it did help her - she's just stopped taking them and is having loads of panic attacks and having to go to CBT.
I think if you can use the meds as a crutch and a buffer to undergo CBT or therapy. Then thats a really positive thing.
It just seemed futile to me personally (and this is my opinion in relation to myself); because I feel that as soon as you come off them, you CAN be back to square one- and thats one heck of a risk for me!
For me it was having faith in myself not God,not doctors not anyone else, because at the end of it all it is only you who can pull yourself out.
Sorry I really sound like Im preaching ! I don't mean to!
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| mermaid |
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11-08-2004 @ 7:57 PM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Thank you for posting your positive message. I feel motivated to get going, unlearn my fears and live a happy life.
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| BlondieUk |
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11-09-2004 @ 6:39 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Dear Mermaid
At the risk of sounding like an idiot ! I know that there's light at the end of the tunnel. And I firmly believe that no matter who you are or how bad things are - you can change things.
I feel like i'm proof of that.
If you need me I am here and you can leave me your e-mail address if you need to talk.
Lots of Luck
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| amy
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11-09-2004 @ 8:23 PM |
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Member
Joined: Sep. 2004
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Just wanted to say that I have Mitral valve prolapse
and I DO need a beta blocker. Also the MVP it
makes my anxiety worse and I really need an anti
depressent at this time. I just don't want people on
this board to feel like they are failing if they are on
meds. I agree that you need other treatment
though. I have been in an out patient program and
have learned a lot about changing my thoughts!!
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| BlondieUk |
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11-17-2004 @ 4:31 PM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Hi amy
Well obviously you Do need them, but I think you'll find that most people on meds 4 anxiety dont have the same condition you do.
I'm not saying that people shouldn't take drugs if it helps.
I mean hey if i found out i had epliepsy or something that meant id have to control it with drugs 4ever, I wouldn't be saying 'Oh maybe I can sort it out with positive thinking'.
Im just sharing with you my personal experience !
I hope that the stuff your on keeps working and keeping you happy. Take care xxxx
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| Paredyshka |
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11-18-2004 @ 6:49 PM |
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Joined: Sep. 2004
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I have MVP also. Never taken anything for it. Does the beta-blocker help?
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Discussion Topic: Happy Again ! No Meds just me!
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