Should I resort to medication for my anxiety?

Question

I always try to naturally fix my problems but my anxiety has been going on for over two years now and its getting worse. I exercise about 5 times a week which consists of weight lifting, running about 3 miles, biking, elliptical, and other gym equipment. I have been exercising regularly for 3 years. I have had no positive effects from exercise other than my body toning up and losing some weight. I do not feel 'happier' or have less anxiety at all which people suggested would be a sure thing to work. I tense up my muscles all of the time, grind my teeth, and having anxious or racing thoughts and a racing heart beat. What can I do to get rid of this!? is medication the answer?

Answer 1

Meditation and yoga are good for stress and anxiety, and so is biofeedback. Biofeedbback helps you to learn to calm your body's response to stress and anxiety down. Many psycologists can help you with that, and are always eager to help patients see the benefits from it.

If these dont work, you should consider medicines. I understand the reluctance to trying meds, but sometimes symptoms of anxiety can really interfere with everyday life and medication can really change that. There are many meds that can reduce your symptoms without causing sleepiness or unpleasant side effects. The key is tlaking honestly with the doctor, and trying a few to find what works best for you.

You obviously are hardworking and determined to try positive steps towards combating your anxiety symptoms I really think biofeedback would help you, because you are in tune with your body and probably willing to put effort into it.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

You can try lighting lavendar scented candles all over your house, listening to certain relaxing music, such as Enya. Believe it or not, drinking milk can relax you. One of the best techique that no one really takes seriously is deep breathing. It is clinically proven to change your body's chemicals. You must sit relaxed and take slow deep breaths in and out for about 5 - 10 mins... as many times a day as you need to. And if that all does not work, meds are NOT a bad thing. Keep in mind, some are addicting, such as Xanax and Valium. But, for some reason, anti-depressants are known to also relieve anxiety and those are safe to take for long periods. Cymbalta and others have very few side effects. NOW, I must say, the racing thoughs and heartbeat.... THAT is a clear sign of something else. Racing thoughts is one of the top signs of the "manic" side of Bi-polar. Again, nothing to be alarmed about, because there are very good medications that can fix this without bad side effects and you can be back to feeling great within a matter of weeks. Please tell a GOOD doctor all of your symtoms, especially the racing thoughts...and it is important to mention if these come and go... from day to day or week to week. It is the year 2006, no need for you to suffer.

Answer 3

For starters, don't stop exercising. It's a great health habit that will give you benefits all through your life. And how do you know it's not helping? How much WORSE might you be if you weren't exercising?

As for 'resort' to medication, would you resort to eyeglasses if you needed them? Or would you chose the natural way and not be able to see in focus? Your body chemistry may need medical help from time to time. What can it hurt to try? If it works, at least you will know that you have a choice of how to feel when you are anxious.

I'm all in favor of 'natural'. But there's a lot to be said for 'quality of life' too.

Answer 4

Exercise can increase one's happiness a bit, but it will not solve problems in your life or cure a mental disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder. Before you decide you want medication, though, remember that there are many other non-medical treatments that could help. I suggest you speak to a psychologist about your problem. (S)he will recommend what (s)he thinks is best for you. Usually therapists only recommend medication when the problem cannot be dealt with through less aggressive means, since medications usually cause unwanted side effects.

Answer 5

Meditation might be alright in the short term.

You do a lot to remove stress from your life.

Have you tried yoga 7 days a week and most of all meditation after yoga (ideally) or other exercise?

http://meditation.20m.com

My web page.
40 years ago when I started doing yoga and meditation I was anxiety ridden and depressive. HEY it left a long time ago.
I told several friends and of those that listened to me they came back to thank me a bit later, every one.

OK do yoga in a class with other people. Recomnend Kunalini, Hatha, Kriya. From my point of view anyway. I wouldn't do Bikram it doesn't have enough of the meditaiton that I believe would help.

Best wishes, you can change this, It won't be overnight but one day you could turn around a say WOW their is a difference

Answer 6

Have you tried deep breathing at all? I have anxiety and it's helped me a lot. There's one method called Square breathing and here's how it works....

Breathe in for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Release for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds

Keep repeating as necessary

I was thinking about getting on some kind of medication until I tried this and it worked for me. It might not for you, but give it a try. If not, there's nothing wrong with medication.

Answer 7

It sounds like you are really trying hard to try and curb your anxiety. You are to be congratulated for working so hard. However, try looking at it this way: should a diabetic "resort" to dialysis or insulin? Should an individual with HIV "resort" to AZT? If you have a medical condition that can be corrected by medication, you need to get the appropriate fix. Good luck sweety.

Answer 8

If it can help you, by all means, give it a good try. We have so many technological advances these days that can keep so many people from suffering needlessly.....and we're learning new stuff every day.....we would be remiss if we didn't at least try it.
It sounds like you are doing a pretty good job on your own, but if something added to that can help you even more, I say give it a shot.

Answer 9

Get a psychiatric consultation. You might benefit from psychotherapy. You might benefit from longer acting medications like Zoloft. Be careful about using an immediate acting tranquilizer—they almost always result in dependency.

Answer 10

You may try breathing exercises and meditation for your problems.Learn from a competent person so that you will get excellent benefits.For immediate results you may take medication prescribed by a psychiatrist