CBT for anxiety???

**Aiyana25** · 10-04-2011 01:36 AM

Hi
I have anxiety and have had for as long as I can remember, however after the birth of my child(3 years ago now) it got much much worse.
I had a horrendous delivery so I think this may have triggered something in me.
I am a nervous wreck quite a bit, I still have an element of my humour and do enjoy talking to people but if I have a bad day its really really bad and I have to avoid people.

I want to try and get past this- to date I have had therapy, but I didnt connect with the therapist and couldnt speak honestly so I feel I tiptoed around my issues and insecutities, also I felt I was being judged so i didnt like it,
and my Dr only wants to prescribe medication which I have refused. Am i silly for this? Should I just give in and give my mind a rest because I am exhausted.
Every little ache or pain panics me as I will think its something awful! I am generally more jumpy than most people, I am afraid to fly at the moment also as I am too nervous, whereas before I would be going on nice holidays etc so now I feel kinda stuck.
I know my husband does love me but I imagine theres only so much of that type of stress one can put up it??? and I know I can be a real pain when I am at my worst I get so insecure and ask ridiculous stuff all day - am i ok- do you think this girl is prettier than me .....etc....etc, all total insecure and really draining..
Not sure if anybody has experienced this but if you have I would appreciate any advice
Really insecure and a bit down at the moment...todays not a good day.

any advice???

**lizzardb63** · 10-04-2011 09:28 AM

I have experienced bad anxiety also, and what I found to help was medication. I know you refused in the past, but I guess from MY experience it has helped tremendously. I was put on an SSRI antidepressant, which helps a lot of anxiety. I had it because I went off birth control and it made my anxiety spike with the hormone transition. I was successfully weaned off it after 6 months of treatment. Just because you start a med, doesn't mean you have to be on it forever. Anyway, I am not trying to push the subject of meds, but just letting you know what worked for ME in the past. Also, you're not alone. A lot of people feel the same axiety as you!

**Aiyana25** · 10-04-2011 12:58 PM

Thanks for your reply
I do HATE anxiety and absolutely want to rid my self of it - I too am on 'birth control' but I actually go a bit off the rails when I am not on it as opposed when I am .
Its very mild the one I am on though so maybe it doesnt affect me I really am not sure.
If meds is the way then I guess I need to look in to it!
Coz really somedays feeling so down and insecure you could cry really is no fun....no fun at all.
thanks for your advice

**eleni** · 11-27-2011 04:12 PM

therapy absolutely is great
but it doesnt work that well if you're too anxious to go to it/work at it/deal with the therapist
i'd suggest taking the meds for a while so you can really work on it in therapy
and then you can come off them when you get the hang of the therapy techniques.

xxx

**Magnetism** · 11-27-2011 04:47 PM

^As someone who has weaned off of meds several times, I crash. I tell myself I will use the active coping skills (breathing, yoga, etc), but the depression/anxiety can hinder motivation.

Medication helps boost up the serotonin to help you effectively cope. To the OP-you can try CBT first and see how you do. If it's still a problem, consider meds.

**lcexpress1975** · 01-25-2012 03:51 PM

From a personal and a professional perspective, medication and therapy is extremely helpful! I would do the combination and definitely try some behavior modification tools!