Anxiety disorder

[GONOLES1530]

I've developed an anxiety disorder, from a big panic attack about a year ago on weed. I never had any anxiety before this and am starting counseling tomorrow at my school. You think there's a chance I can recover from this without any medication? I have been getting lots of head shaking/nervousness/edgyness in social situations. Thanks.

[LRon]

That's GREAT that you're getting counseling. Way to go! IMHO the answer is YES. The more you overcome anxiety and transform your thinking regarding social situations, the fewer symptoms you will experience. I'm not saying it will all go away magically and never come back, but over time it will become less and less of an issue. Good luck!

[Paxiled]

Yes, you can.  If it doesn't work, the meds will always be there -- they aren't going anywhere.  But your problem isn't that severe right now, so it's also best medicine to start with the least invasive techniques first.  Also remember, drugs never cure anxiety since we don't know what causes it, they just tamp down the symptoms, but if your therapy is successful that might well cure you.  Give it a go.

[specialmom]

Hi there.  I'm sorry you are going through this.  Give a natural route and psychotherapy a go for treating this.  By natural, I mean things like exercise.  Don't underestimate that in terms of helping anxiety.  Your psychologist may get you involved in volunteering.  Sleep is essential.  Check your diet.  

Talk therapy is great.  

Now, in truth, true anxiety is usually best treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication and there are decent choices these days to go to with medication.  If you have to take it, you just do.  And one in four Americans takes antidepressants for either anxiety or depression or both.  You'd be in good company.  

I have low anxiety.  It can get worse at different times that are cyclic so it is tied to my hormones we've determined.  I do not take any medication.  But I'm mindful---  I do exercise which helps, I have self soothing strategies which help (I'm the queen of list making and do things on the list which helps me feel in control in an out of control world, :>)), I work on my sleep, I meditate, I eat right, etc.  But, my anxiety is not debilitating in any way. If it were, I'd seek treatment for it because I know it is treatable and I CAN feel better.

So, that's the goal.  Feel better.  Try things and monitor if it helps.  Add things if it doesn't.  Best of luck to you and keep in touch to let us know how you are doing.  

[RecoveringaddictFL]

If this was one of the first times you smoked marijuana anxiety is normal.  You're not used to the way you feel and many people have experienced anxiety during the first use or couple uses.  I'm very glad to hear you're in counselling but, in my personal experiences, marijuana (once you are used to it, try smoking a strain with a lower THC level) will calm you down and is MUCH healthier than any pharmaceuticals that can be prescribed for anxiety.
Exercise is great too, anything natural should be tried first.  Adding addiction to your anxiety issues isn't going to help you.

[RecoveringaddictFL]

Not sure why every I used an apostrophe it made a bunch of weird symbols but hopefully you understood what I said.  Sorry about that!

[GONOLES1530]

thank you guys so much. For your information I've never had anxiety before tht attack and workout all the time. I used to be a much more comfortable person in sociial situatoins, so I'm hoping wiht some therapy I'll get over it.

[GONOLES1530]

I also had been smoking for about 3 consecutive years  A LOT. so it defintely wasn't my first time trying it