It's no secret, but what do I do?

Question

It's no secret that I have obvious anxiety. I am constantly worrying about the silliest things and I am much more emotional than I used to be. I also get random spurts of violent shaking and shivering when I'm not cold. They'll last a while sometimes and it really makes my muscles sore. I used to take anti-depressants because I used to be suicidal, and I'm beginning to think that my past might be catching up with me and causing this worry for me. My life isn't exactly right at the moment, but I bear through anyways. I suffer from frequent headaches and sometimes I feel quite faint. I also get really twitchy. Could this be anxiety? And what should I do if it is?

I take no extra drugs, and I'd really prefer staying off anti-depressants.

Answer 1

You have a number of options. I'd start with #6 and as a last resort, try drugs.
1. The most popular (but damaging) option is to get drugs like Prozac. I suggest you read http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/ first before taking this option. Many times drugs don’t work and people get trapped in the cycle of trying different mind-bending drugs for years, without relief.
2. If you have an issue or problem with a certain event or situation or person, see a therapist and work through it, learning new coping skills. If seeing a therapist isn't an option, self-help books can help you to learn ways to cope with problems. Plus, there are many books on panic/anxiety and also a free online course that you take over a period of weeks at http://www.paniccenter.net
3. If you have irrational phobias in an otherwise balanced life, and can’t understand why you get anxiety/panic in a certain situation, try self-hypnosis-type programs like http://www.panic-anxiety.com
4. Calming herbs like valerian, kava-kava, chamomile or special formulas might help to take the edge off, but don't seem to eliminate the problem completely. Be wary of expensive on-line herbal formulas that promise to eliminate anxiety/panic: you can easily get the same herbs at most drug stores for a fraction of the cost.
5. Exercises like tai chi or yoga (many libraries have DVDs you can rent) are helpful to calm the breathing and mind. You can do these, and other things like walking no matter what treatment you decide on.
6. If you feel you have a more or less balanced life without any major issues, yet you're having both mental and physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, anxiety, feeling weak, mood swings, confusion, etc. you could have a hormone imbalance, which would take blood or saliva tests to determine. If you have a hormone imbalance (NOT a chemical imbalance) no breathing exercises or hypnosis or self-talk is going to help- the physical imbalance is in the adrenals, thyroid, and cortisol levels. This is easily corrected with bio-identical hormones. Many doctors/insurance don’t deal with this, so you’ll need a specialist. http://www.womentowomen.com/depressionanxietyandmood/anxiety.asp

Answer 2

Yes, this could be severe anxiety. You should talk to your doctor about getting a recommendation to see a counselor, you need to talk to someone because you're mentioning your past and I'm sure that is a part of it. Your doctor will of course want to throw more anti-depressants at your problem "the cure all".
You should look into a diet that stimulates your health. Exercise more frequently if you don't already. Even moderate exercise apparently raises levels of a brain chemical that improves a person’s mood. And take omega 3 fish oil as the research continues to grow, it is becoming evident that Omega-3 fatty acids, and particularly EPA, play a significant role in emotional and mental health. Scientists have determined that higher Omega-3 fatty acid intake is correlated with:

Decreased risk of depression
Decreased risk of seasonal mood changes

It has also been shown that those with depression are more likely to have lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. International researchers have examined Omega-3 fatty acids and found that it is the EPA in particular that has mood stabilizing effects. Research shows that EPA can:

Improve mood
Increase the production and prevent the breakdown of phospholipids (important part of nerve cell structure) in depression.

Answer 3

Are you in therapy or group counseling???

How long have you been off the anti-depressants? Sometimes it takes the system some time to get use to not having meds.

Did a doctor take you off the the meds or did you just stop?

Sounds like anxiety and depression.

See a doctor about your symptoms.

Answer 4

I dont think your "shaking spouts" are panic attacks unless you feel like you're hyperventilating or feel like youre gonna die. i actually go through the exact same thing. I dont think you have depression as much as anxiety, but you probably have both. try finding out what it is that makes you nervous and avoid it until you can get some professional help. for me, i need to avoid people because i feel like theyre looking at me and all that crap. i know its miserable, but you'll get through it :) just try to stay calm, take a hot bath, and listen to music or something you find enjoyable and relaxing.

Answer 5

It sounds possibly like anxiety attacks. Do you have a therapist? It would probably help you a lot to just be able to talk to someone, mine helps me a lot. Then he or she can probably recommend a good psychiatrist also, in case you do need meds. Good luck to you.

Answer 6

You should still be taking medication. Why did you come off of it? They have wonderful medications to help you feel better. Why suffer - go to the doc.

Answer 7

Well you should call your doctor and see what they say so they can put you on some type of medicine if you do have a problem

Answer 8

you probably need to go back on some kind of meds. talk to a doctor. good luck!

Answer 9

How much alcohol do you drink or other unprescribed drugs do you take? Maybe that is the problem?...

Answer 10

smoke some, eat some, either way, get some grass into your blood and enjoy life