Every few days or so, Ill get really nervous..have that feeling in my stomach and just walk around completly nervous of something...i have no idea what, its just that nervous feeling....I constantly worry about my health, school, parents, etc.....I feel like its really holding me down......i live pretty carefreely, but when it comes to certain things i just get extremely worried and fixate myself on certain things...which really just bring me down even more....Anyone know any unconvential methods of relaxation? Herbs or anything of that sort....I dont think i need to go to a doctor and get presecribed something heavy, i just need help relaxing and not worrying about things..anyone have any help? thanks.

matt

Hi Matt - I have a lot of the same feelings that you have about general anxiety. My advice would be to get a self help book to read. There are plenty of them out there describing all different types of relaxation techniques. I find prayer, walks in the woods, exercise, and hot baths to help alot. Everyone is different, but I have been helped alot by a book called "hope & help for your nerves" by dr. claire weekes. If you can get to a bookstore, look through a couple books and see what you think. Also, I have taken anti-anxiety meds. on and off throughout some tough periods in my life, when I felt the self-help wasn't enough. I had no problems stopping the meds. because they were not heavy-duty. So, I guess what I am saying is that if you don't get relief from self-help, don't be afraid to go to a doctor. They don't (or at least shouldn't) automatically put you on highly addictive, dope-out meds. Hopefully someone else wll post with some advice on natural rememdies for you, I have no experience with that. Best wishes, Marirose

Finding a good therapist was the turning point for me. I tried 6 theripist and, was about to give up on life and, I prayed then I found a therapist I could trust and, talk too. I try very hard to stay on even ground and, its so much better now. Im new here, Im finding it helpfull.
I hope you do to!
Cynthia

Thanks for the responses...I think i will go to the barnes and noble today and check it out to see what they have....I woke up today with the same nervous feeling in my stomach....It seems my mood fluctuates pretty synomously with the weather...is this true for most people, or could this be a sign of a mood disorder??its really weird, on dark overcast rainy days, i have these nerves and on warm nice sunny days i feel incredibly happy...anyone know whats the cause of that..or is that just typical human nature?? thanks again.

Matt,

It's funny that I read your post today of all days!! I'm feeling the EXACT same way and I don't know why. I have been "shaky" all day and have this dreary feeling and I don't know why myself. I'm currently not taking anything, but I am in touch with a friend who has a degree in homeopathy and he is going to be getting me on some things...one he mentioned was 5HTP...the other was BACH FLOWER REMEDY...he suggested St. John's Wort...and also chamomile ...as a matter of fact, I might just drink some chamomile tea ;) I was taking Ativan...but it basically stopped working and plus I wanted to try more of a natural help. As soon as I get the information, I would be happy to write you and share the information I get with you :) Hang in there hon...and I'll do the same!! :)

Was it hard for you to stop taking the medication Marirose? I know that eventually my doctor will take me off the medication I'm taking, that's why I am afraid to take them in the first place.

Dear Anxious, No, not at all. I have taken Klonopin (.5 mg twice a day) during several emotional periods in my life when I felt self-help was not enough. I can think of four times off the top of my head that I have taken it for months at a time, and then just stopped and had no problems whatsoever. Most recently, I stopped taking it last week after being on it for two months. I could also go away for a weekend or whatever, and if I forgot to take it along, no problem (except I usually would upset myself so much about 'oh I forgot my meds" that I wouldn't sleep well :) ). I have never talked to anyone else who shared my GAD problems until I started reading and posting here, so I have no idea if my experience with klonopin is normal or not. There are addiction problems on both sides of my family, although I have never personally suffered from one, I know that my doc. chose klonopin in part because of the history of addictions in my background, so I suppose he felt that it was among the lesser addictive choices. I hope that when/if you have to discontinue meds. it is as easy for you as it was for me! Keep me posted & Best Wishes, Marirose