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cocoloco1Contributor
Hey, I am anxious about tapering off a medication this week for anxiety. I’m worried that the panic attacks and the constant anxiety will come back. Even after I have put in good strategies to help. This is my first post as well and first time using a forum.
In response to: Anxiety
RiverSealModerator
Hey @cocoloco1, welcome to the Forums and thanks for posting!
This is a great question and you are being rally brave sharing your experience with the community. It's not easy to be vulnerable and share what we are going through so well done.
I can really relate to this as I have done exactly the same thing with coming of anxiety medications. It is really important to work with your prescribing doctor so they can monitor how you are going and pick up on anything that could potentially turn into anything more serious. Some anxiety medications can be dangerous to taper off if not done correctly and without medical supervision.
I realised that the medications I was taking were giving more side effects the next day which were harder for me to cope with than the reason I was taking them. So I decided that I would learn to cope with my anxiety in different ways instead of taking mediation and masking how I was feeling. I was easier to do this once I didn't have the mediations and had to face the issues head on.
I learned that distraction was a good way for me to cope and that could mean listening to music, watching Netflix, or calling someone like my family. I also would change my location like leave the house and go to the park or to the supermarket to by groceries for retail therapy. I would also cook as that was productive and gave me a reward at the end. And sometimes I would just sit with my thoughts and learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
I encourage you to take a good look around the Forums and see what threads take your fancy and maybe connect with a few Members. If you need a little guidance with the Forums we have this "How to" thread: https://saneforums.org/t5/Social-space/How-To/td-p/1562864.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences with the community!
Take care
RiverSeal
In response to: Anxiety
Lapis_AnteaterPeer Guide
Hello @cocoloco1
It makes complete sense to be anxious about stopping a medication for anxiety. Panic attacks and constant anxiety make it incredibly difficult to function in daily life. Do you have a healthcare professional you can talk to? They might be able to give you a PRN just in case you’re really struggling. It can help to remember that anxiety and panic attacks do pass even if they feel highly uncomfortable or dangerous. Do you have a list of strategies you can try for when you are feeling anxious? I really hope tapering off your medication goes well for you. This forum is here to support you!
In response to: Re: Anxiety
cocoloco1Contributor
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In response to: Re: Anxiety
cocoloco1Contributor
In response to: Re: Anxiety
cocoloco1Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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