Terrible anxiety. I just don't know what to do.

[MyStomachHurts25]

Hi. Since I was about 15, I had always been told by doctors that I have anxiety problems. Well I'm almost 25 now, and I am now currently seeing a psychiatrist (at a thought disorder clinic). But, I'm diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (which, I don't think I have. I just think that I have really bad anxiety). Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, then it was later changed to paranoid schizophrenia. I am not on medication for anxiety, but I really think I need something. I guess my questions are, how can I ask the doctors at the thought disorder clinic about medication for anxiety?(I'm nervous to bring it up to them, because I'm afraid that they will think that I am just seeking medication. I am not). And what else can I do to relieve the terrible feelings of anxiety? I most of the time drink a lot of caffeine(soda), and I also smoke quite a bit, in hope to relieve the anxiety..but does smoking really help anxiety? Could it make it worse? I am just so stressed out and exhausted from all the anxiety I feel. It has gotten worse. I constantly fear..almost eerything. I always feel like I hae to do certain things a certain way or say certain things, or say them a certain way or repeat things over and over, if I don't I feel like something bad might happen. I have also been having strong urges to self-harm, which I used to do a lot in the past. I am constantly distracted and nervous and scared...I just don't know what to do.

[midnightt64]

Caffeine and smoking only creates  more anxiety....try to wean yourself off of both of them.   Cut down at the least.

[Schpier]

Finding a compassionate doc or therapist is sometimes difficult, but in all cases please try to be very direct with your concerns since if they don't know what you are feeling they cannot be expected to help you efficiently.
Stopping the caffeine is essential! You may find  green tea to be a good mood stabiliser without caffeine effects - read up on it.

[MyStomachHurts25]

Yeah, I could try that, I think I will. I have an appointment on Jan 5th, so I plan on disscussing it with them then. Yes, I am on Trazodone, to help me sleep. I am also supposed to be taking Latuda and Deplin(for the schizophrenia) and also Cardura(also to help me sleep). Thank you, I appreciate your reply.

[MyStomachHurts25]

Thank you. I do have an appointment on the 5th of next month, so I plan on talking to them about then.
Think it was two doctors that has diagnosed me with schizophrenia. But, I go to a thought disorder clinic where I see other doctors as well, and they have never said anything different. But, I'd still like to talk to them about it.
Thank you for your feedback, I really appreciate it.

[boognell]

First, if you are having that much trouble communicating verbally with your doc, why don't you write it on a piece of paper and hand it to him/her? If you need anxiety meds your doc should be made aware. Are u on any other antidepression or anything else? Keep me posted. Good luck and God bless.

[cj29]

I am sorry that you are going through this right now, but you can and will get through it.  First of all, there is nothing wrong with you; many people experience what you are going through and in my opinion, you are showing great strength by asking for help.  Give yourself credit for wanting to confront this...you are choosing to face your fears and that takes courage in my opinion.

I say to just be up front with your doctor(s).  There is nothing wrong with inquiring about medication.  I am on an SSRI and it has helped me tremendously in dealing with my anxiety.  Millions of people take them, and if you believe you need them, and they could possibly help, why not have a frank discussion with your health care providers?

As far as the diagnoses go, have you had mulitiple doctors diagnose you with schizophrania? Sometimes, getting a second opinion can help in my experience with this, but regardless, you know you have anxiety, so you can confront it.

Mulitple studies show that medication combined with therapy can help you attain long term relief from this.  Choosing to use/or not use medication is definitely a personal choice, however, it was the correct decision for me and I would bet it would be better for than smoking to try and cope with this...keep your head up and ask as many questions as you like!