Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
I have had chronic anxiety for the last few years. About a year ago I was prescribed Xanax and take it 3 times a day. It is a horrible feeling knowing that I am dependent on this addictive med to help me get through every single day. I wonder if I'll ever be able to not take it?!? The worst part of it is that it still doesn't get rid of my anxiety. In many cases, you have to deal with the causes of anxiety instead of trying to cover up the symptoms. Until I can do that which concern toxic relationships with addictive partners, codependency, and general dread that I'll never rise out of my situation I know I am tied to anxiety.
Lately I've been trying to explore mindfulness and meditation. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for how to begin this? It was also suggested to me to try biofeedback sessions but they are expensive and I am worried it won't work for me.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I am sorry you have become addicted to Xanax. This is one of the negatives of taking prescription drugs for anxiety. The body becomes dependent on all of them and must be slowly weaned off of them. Some people, like my niece, never has been able to successfully go through the weaning off process. Who is your doctor? I don't know any doctors who would allow their patient to take Xanax for a full year and not try an intervention. Xanax is known to be a very addictive drug! You should immediately try to get in to see a reputable psychiatrist. Do online research to find a doctor who has good recommendations. Ask him to help you wean off Xanax. It will take time but if you, at the same time, try alternative ways to relax, you may be successful at getting off this drug. After you get the psychiatrist, then, find a PhD therapist who does Cognitive Behavior Therapy--talk therapy. Try to go to sessions with this therapist once a week or at the least every two weeks. Change your life to a healthy one. Eat only heathy food, no sugar, caffeine or alcohol. Sleep at least 8 hours and meditate. Find ways to relax. Do moderate exercise like walking. Keep a journal and write in it everyday. Socialize with close friends--get rid of toxic acquaintances. Read meditation mantras. You must become proactive in getting healthy and try not to make taking drugs your only or main source for easing anxiety!! Good luck!
Thanks again!!