Am I doing something wrong

[I'mdave27]

I've been on 40mg citalopram for a year now. I'm taking it for depression and anxiety , anxiety more , but I still get extremely anxious to the point where I feel like I'm losing my mind I also get really tense which as you already may know is horrible , wouldn't wish it on anyone. However the doctors put me on 15mg mirtazapine because I wasn't sleeping so he thought I might be anxious due to lack of sleep but I stopped taking them because the side effects where just horrible , felt even more tired. The only thing that helps is alcohol which is bad , I know , but it really does help so I only drink one or two beers. Is there anything I can do without havkng to go doctors ? I've tried therapy twice but it didn't work.

[HoneyLove]

Ae you doing anything else to manage the anxiety Dave? There's lots you can do in your life apart from the meds, it's important to work on it yourself too.

I know you say that you tried therapy, but have you ever tried CBT? This one is particularly good for anxiety.

The beer might help you sleep, it in the long run it's a bad idea, it's not good for your body and brain, and you'd be much better off trying to get healthy sleep by yourself. Have you tried anything else to help with the sleeping difficulties?

[Greg17]

Hi Dave,

Sorry to hear about your struggles, it sounds like you're going through the ringer!

There are lots of self help guides out there, and many useful resources here on this site. However, your doctor being part of your recovery is a really important thing for most people. If your current GP isn't giving you the time and attention you need, maybe you could ask to see someone else.

The same goes for therapy. It took me a number of attempts to find the right person, someone who specialises in a particular area, and simply someone who you 'mesh' with. So don't fully abandon the idea.

Look after yourself :)

[I'mdave27]

Yes I tried cbt but me being me I thought it was ridiculous , I'm sorry to sound rude. I have tried books , meditation , relaxing music just about everything and alcohol never fails me sad I know but I can't help what helps me , can I ? I get bored really easy which is bad because I get obsessed with things and my fiance says I get addicted to things too easy. I always do things in excess so could it be that anxiety is an obsession for me or could it be just how I am ? I think it's just how I am because growing up I was an anxious child always worrying about something , I'm still the same. However I must admit I don't worry anymore but I do get struck with anxiety that comes with a feeling of dread and panic which isn't nice , aas you may well know already.

[HoneyLove]

CBT is one of the highest recommended treatments for anxiety by medical professionals, what makes you think it was ridiculous?

Do you have an understanding of how anxiety works and how treatments for it work? I mean the science behind it all?

[Volvoman50]

Try to stick with the CBT its better in the long run than beer. I know how sometimes it can feel like your obsessed with anxiety because you actually want it to go away CBT will help with that.

---------- Post added at 21:36 ---------- Previous post was at 21:09 ----------

I also wanted to add that I too feel that I am obsessed with anxiety and was an anxious child and my wife says I obssess about it trying different ways to deal with it. That's only because I want to go away where if I can accept it and let be it will be better. So don't be hard on yourself and use the cbt.

[BrownCow]

I've been on 40mg citalopram for a year now. I'm taking it for depression and anxiety , anxiety more , but I still get extremely anxious to the point where I feel like I'm losing my mind I also get really tense which as you already may know is horrible , wouldn't wish it on anyone. However the doctors put me on 15mg mirtazapine because I wasn't sleeping so he thought I might be anxious due to lack of sleep but I stopped taking them because the side effects where just horrible , felt even more tired. The only thing that helps is alcohol which is bad , I know , but it really does help so I only drink one or two beers. Is there anything I can do without havkng to go doctors ? I've tried therapy twice but it didn't work.

Do you eat healthy or exercise regularly? Try a gluten free or milk free (biggest food intolerances) diet and see if there is any difference.