Gad

[tom219]

My doctor told me that I had GAD, I have had it for about 6 months now and still feel the same as when the anxiety first came on. I get little relief from the 20mg of lexapro and the .5 mg of xanax I am taking. I just really need to know how long it will take before I start feeling better because this is really affecting my life in more ways then one. I am going to school full time and comute 90 miles a day which stresses me out alot, So in other words when does everyone think I will get a little relief from GAD and maybe some possible ideas to help with the poor concentration parts of the GAD. Thanks to whomever read this. Thomas

[Ness_is_a_mess]

Its about changing the way that you think. If you are going to be negative then you will never see any improvements. You have to make an effort to change your frame of mind. Seeing a therapist will make a huge difference in your life. It will better direct and guide you toward the right direction.  Make some new friends, read a book, get involved in an activity. Do something that will interest you. Dont just lay around waiting for someone to do it for you. And dont feel sorry for yourself. Stop making excuses.

See your doctor to get a referral for a good therapist. ;)  That will def help you.

[tom219]

See  I really dont know what lifestyle changes I must make I am 19 years old and dont drink dont do drugs and always exercise so other than that the worst I do is smoke. I really dont know what I can do to get rid of this but I am trying to think on the positive side but nothing seems to be working for the long term. I just need some advise wether I should go back and see my doctor or maybe some tips which I can do to help myself get through this and not go nuts in the mean time. Thanks thomas

[AnxiousGurl]

Also, Therapy may help a great deal, do you know why you experience this anxiety, therapy may help you get to the bottom of it, and knowing may help you along with taking care of your body, breathing excerises, working out also helps me (aerobics). Whatever happens, I wish you the best of luck. There is no magic pill, it takes time and work on your part if you really want to get better, be optimistic, positive self talk helps as well.

Best wishes.

[lynn57]

You really need to tell your Dr. how you feel.  He can bump the Lexapro up another notch.  While Xanax is good for the occasional panic attack, it is not the best drug for GAD over the long haul.  Klonopin would be better for the long term control of your anxiety.  Most Drs prefer it over the Xanax anyways. If you have to keep bumping the Xanax you will end up on high doses and it will become extremely difficult to come off of.

[Ness_is_a_mess]

Medications work well for some people but a lot of your overall progress has to do with the individual and not just the pill itself.  You need to make necessary lifestyle changes other than just deciding to be on meds.  Find healthy alternatives to deal with the stress that you are experiencing.  If school is a far commute then why don't you make it a goal to transfer schools by summer. Set aside an hour for yourself everyday and use that time to read, take a bath, get a massage, watch your fave tv show...do whatever you like and just relax.  Have you ever considered seeing a therapist?

[tom219]

So do you believe in your eyes that I am on the wrong medications for gad because I still feel the same way i did when I first got diagnosed with it

[Jikan]

Thomas,

The medications you are taking are usual effective in the treatment of GAD, although an increase in your Xanax might be beneficial. You should consult with your mental health provider concerning this and be certain to explain the situation of your long commute because Xanax can really have an effect on your ability to drive.

And, if you have been on both these medications for six months your GAD should be pretty much under control. If it is not, again, its time to talk with your doctor.

I'm sure you can conquer this, as I suffer from GAD as well in addition to other issues. In addition to medication you might find some adjunct therapies helpful, some of which could be talk therapy, meditation and deep breating exercises. If you're really ambitious, yoga is an excellent release.

Regardless of what direction you choose to take, I wish you the best of luck and encourage you to let us know how you are doing,

Michael(Jikan)