please advise

[emerald1967]

hi im a 44 yr old female and  was diagonsed  with perimenopause 18 months ago and since i was diagonsed ive never felt as stressed as i am now. i get burning sensation in my chest and convince myself im getting a heart attack i take so many indigestion remedies over this i literally end up with the diarrohea.i get up in the morning and automatically tell myself something bad is going to happen. i suffer from dizziness fatigue chest pain panic attacks and get a stabbing pain in my left breast. pains in my left arm my neck and everywhere possible. i have a fear of getting a heart attack and my life is totally turned upside down.i had ecg done chest xrays blood tests and i went private to get a mri scan of my brain which was also clear every test was clear and my doctor diagonzed me with depression and anxiety she prescribed me with lexapro i havent started any medication because i refuse to accept that i have depression. i get pains out of the blue for no reason and it fills me with fear. i really dont know where i go from here i feel totally lost and every time i go to the doctor i feel as if she thinks im insane. can anyone tell me if there is a herbal treatment for anxiety or anything at all that i can do to feel better i would really appreciate any replys regards

[AnnieBrooke]

OK, then, as I said, exercise.  It tests very well against anti-anxiety drugs.

[emerald1967]

im more scared of taking the lexapro that was prescribed for me because i read about side affects and read that some people feel disorientated on them and ill after taking them

[AnnieBrooke]

If you are adamant on the drugs issue, at least begin the exercising.  

[emerald1967]

hi and thanks for comment i will look into some books and see can they help regards

[emerald1967]

hi and thanks for comment im not anxious at upcoming menopause i could have explained that better basically i was unwell for quiet a few months with ailments fatigue constantly getting flu and generally not feeling myself before i was diagonsed with peri menopause but since then my symptoms have got worse and is literally taking control of my everyday life i dont want to take meds i would rather try and beat this without going down the road of believing a tablet will make everything ok. regards

[DJ873]

lexapro can help with anxiety as well as with pain. I am 47 and a little further down the road, in March will be 1 year with no period, i hear it is supposed to get a little better after that!!@ I sure hope so.  It does sound alot like the anxiety that I deal with. there are alot of books out there on menopause and perimenopause that you might find helpful and reassuring

[AnnieBrooke]

It sounds like your problem is anxiety, not depression.  If it triggers on perimenopause, (or even if it does not), I suggest:  talk therapy (why are you so anxious at upcoming menopause, etc.), exercise (works better than anti-anxiety meds), and a medication (if you need to go there) that is for anxiety alone.