Posted by jj on November 4, 1998, at 12:55:20
In reply to Re: depression and GAD, posted by Lisa on November 4, 1998, at 2:32:50
> > I have had panic attacks since 1980, so badly that I cannot leave the house (like now). I cannot >go to church unless my friend is there (I have other friends but she is the only one that will get >me there.) I don't want to go anywhere, but I am making myself do things and re-phrasing the >thoughts, but when it comes to returning to my job, my heart beats fast, legs are jello, palms >sweat (like now). These attacks have been on and off about my job since 1995, but I have just >made myself work. Right now, I couldn't go back. I've been off work for 3 wks.
> I had the same problems for years — recurring depressions and crippling anxiety. I came a long way concerning the anxiety. Klonopin has worked wonders for me and I have been completely housebound at times. If I remember correctly, you are on Xanax .5mg/day. With the amount of anxiety that you're struggling with, I personally don't believe your dosage is high enough. Get your doctor to increase your meds now. Without some relief, psychotherapy could drastically fail. After you stabilize somewhat, it will be much easier to work at cognitive and exposure therapy. You should *not* be suffering to the extent that you are now. If your doctor refuses to relieve your symptoms, find a new one but beware of doctors that can tend to overmedicate.
> > I got suspended from work for telling on myself for doing something wrong. My counselor told >me that I was asking for help and that I did not want to go to that job.?
> > help? jj
> It's very possible your therapist is correct. When something is causing considerable stress in one's life, the subconscious at times will seek to eradicate that stress. Of course you don't want to lose your job, but your mind, soul, and body do not want to hurt anymore either. I personally have sabotaged (unwillingly) many jobs or relationships in my life due to the inability to handle other stressors. I think your counselor meant that you were asking for help in coping with the anxiety, not with the job.
> LisaWhat I wanted to know about was medication? Could Wellbutrin increase my anxiety? What would I take instead?
Xanax worked before but my doc will not use but .50mg day for about another week. What else could I take?
Thanks Lisa and Toby.
jj
poster:jj
thread:1021
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19981101/msgs/1067.html