Anxiety, please help

[andrew1life]

Please help me. I'm a 30 year old male, decent shape, weigh 180 lbs, height 6'3", caucasian.  I've been expierecing anxiety now for about 3 years. It has progressivvely gotten worse.  My heart rate shoots up to >150, dry mouth, nausea, panic, difficulty swallowing.  I've been trying L-Tryptophan for about 3 weeks, but all it does is make me tired.  My doctor wanted me to use beta blockers but I have since had to change my insurance because of school and taking any medications increases my anxiety.  I have multiple triggers now, i'm scared, have no one to talk to...please help me.

[cj29]

Anxiety and panic really can strip us of our self identity and be very confusing and scary in my opinion.  Why not go seek counseling?  For me, that was the most important step in confronting my anxiety.  It gives you the knowledge to deal with it in a systematic approach and makes a seemingly impossible task much more in reach in my opinion.  There is a reason why people say, 'knowledge is power' in my experience when dealing with this....keep us posted!

[mammo]

Hi Andrew, you always have us to talk to and we're happy you found us!  You don't say what medications you have tried, but I'm sure there are ones which would help you.  Most of us suffering with anxiety take an anti-depressant along with an anxiety medication with great success.  Are you seeing a psychiatrist?  They are the most knowlegable when it comes to these types of meds and their side effects.  They can also refer you to a therapist which can be a big help with anxiety. They teach you how to cope better, to think differently, and if your anxiety has a root cause (something traumatic from the past which you never truly dealt with, or have forgotten) they help you sort thru all of this. But that can be a lengthy process and you need something so you can function now. Talk with a psychiatrist so the two of you can determine the best course of treatment for you.  This is like any other medical condition that requires medication to control the symptoms, we rarely can overcome this on our own.  There are many generic medications that cost $8-$10 for a months supply, so this is an alternative if cost is an issue.  Exercise helps with anxiety, deep breathing exercises, keeping your mind occupied with other things, staying busy with friends, and family.  Doing things you are passionate about as well.  But with this interfering with your life on a daily basis, you really need to talk to a psychiatrist about alternatives to what you're taking.  There is a lot of help for you, and you can get your life back. I know it's very over-wheming and frightening right now, but you can feel better and will with the proper help. We're always here for you, and we understand and care. I hope this helps, and stay with us as others offer advice and support.  You're never alone!  I wish you all the best and hope you get some relief real soon.

[tonyob]

Hi Andrew, sorry to hear about your situation.
I personally am quite new to all this so unfortunately I can't offer too much in the way of advice but if there's one thing I've learned since visiting this site its that you are definately not alone, there is some really great people on here who will be glad to help you, even if its just for a chat.
Take care and God bless.