Anxiety

Question: What is the best anxiety medication that works the fastest? I am about to go to my doctor and ask her to prescribe me some anxiety medication. I have been dealing with anxiety for so long that I can't take it any more. I wanted to know which anxiety medication works the fastest. I don't want to wait months for the medication to kick in.

Answer: MEDITATION and not medication is the answer; Combine good meditative practices with the medication that your doctor has prescribed. The response would be faster. Also, continue with your meditative practice without interruption life-long, just as you would not forget to breathe!

Question: What's the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder? I know what anxiety is, I just don't know when having anxiety becomes a disorder. Can anyone explain it to me?

Answer: Anxiety becomes a disorder when you start to worry and worry so much to where you just can't stand it. Like you really can't stop thinking about what you are worrying about! Mostly, shy people have problems with anxiety and it eventually becomes a disorder because shy people don't like being in the spotlight and talking to people and they worry about that. I should know I have an anxiety disorder! I take medication so I don't worry as much and so i don't have mood swings. So anxiety disorders are a big deal and they are where you worry a lot and can't really stop worrying about it, until it's over! Most people who worry too much shake and get all nervous in front of people like something simple like giving a presentation, or like getting so nervous to where they can't hardly think at times probably have a disorder. Like just the other day, I had to read my play in drama class and I was so nervous because the teacher was making everyone read theirs. My legs were shaking I was so nervous and afraid or rejection I could barely talk, but I tried.... Oh gosh. That's what it's like. It's to where, everyday you try not to worry about little things, but you do.

Question: What anxiety medication do you take and how did you first know you needed medication? What anxiety medication do you take and how did you first know you needed medication?

Answer: I take Zoloft for my anxiety. I know it is an antidepressant, but it also works as an anitanxiety medicine. I first discovered that I needed to take medication when I was in seventh grade and I realized that I had a bunch of irrational fears about dying. I didn't tell my parents, and my anxieties took over my life. My grades started dropping and I quickly became depressed. Then, the next year in eighth grade, it was even worse. I almost failed eighth grade because I couldn't concentrate. Still, I didn't tell my parents. My parents yelled at me and I felt even worse about myself. My self esteem got even lower, and I was determined to fight my anxiety and pass high school. In night grade, I tried my hardest to push away my anxieties, and I found that I thought that I could fight them by doing certain rituals which I would perform when I felt anxious, like pulling my hair, squeezing my skin, among other things to get my mind off of it. I managed to pass 9th grade with C's, but I wanted to do better than that. Then, in 10th grade everything came crashing down when I had an awful biology teacher who triggered my anxiety and I basically broke down. I would cry every night, I would have about three to four anxiety attacks a day, and I wouldn't do my homework at all. I felt like I was in a funk that I coudln't get out of. Then, on the last day of the second marking period, I faced my fears and went to my guidance counselor about my anxiety. She called my parents and my parents got me help. After about three weeks on Zoloft, I felt so much better. Now, my anxiety only comes up everyone once in a while, and I know who I can talk to about it. If you are having any problems with anxiety, catch it before it gets worse. My anxiety took over my life and it got way out of hand. I got help though, and you can too. Talk to someone close to you and they will get you help, if you need it. I hope this helps!

Question: How to beat anxiety and depression without seeing a psychiatrist ? I have been going through a lot my whole life and I finally have an appointment with a psychiatrist on Wednesday but it's really making me nervous. I am starting to have doubts on whether or not I should go. Should I still go or should I try and beat this depression and anxiety on my own ? What are things I can do on a daily basis to make myself feel better ? Any advice ? I feel like I should go but I have anxiety just thinking about going .

Answer: Take a deep breath and go to your appointment. Nothing ventured , nothing gained. Proper diet and exercise will help as well.

Question: What are good meds that treat anxiety and not depression? I have VERY bad anxiety. To a point where going out of the house is IMPOSSIBLE. I have to self talk myself before I go out if that doesn't work I leave it in the hands of God. If I am depressed I am only depressed because I can't control my anxiety. What is a good drug that treats anxiety and not depression?

Answer: Ativan and xanax are antianxiolytics, but are extremely addictive. They work very well to quell anxiety but you build a tolerance that requires a higher dose in a very short period of time. Any good doctor will only prescribe these meds for short term use and will suggest you get some counselling help to learn how to control your anxiety. Long term that's your best bet...it seems if you are self talking already, that's a start. The antidepressant paxil is good for social anxiety and might be what you need. It's not addictive and I've seen it make a huge difference in a few of my friends lives who were becoming rather reclusive because of post menopausal anxiety. Best of luck to you.

Question: How to overcome the anxiety of leaving home for college? I'm leaving for college in about a month and a half and the anxiety is rather overwhelming. I've never left my parents for long periods of time in my life, and the thought of seeing them only 4 times a year is just depressing, even though the school is around 6 hr drive from home. I keep imagining the moment when we wave goodbye to each other on move-in day, and my mom starts tearing up. (I'm tearing up right now as I write this.) Is there anyway to overcome this anxiety?

Answer: I can only answer from experience. Coming from a small country area, and moving to a big new city was a huge change for me. For the first 3 months I went from being a big fish in a small pond to a small fish ina big pond. It was overwhelming, and I am typically a confident male (now 36, graduated, got a great career and love it). I'd say these things... 1. Try and go to where you will be going to college for a couple of weekends if you can before you go there. Maybe take a friend or relative your own age so you can orientate yourself with respect to "being out on your own". It will also help that you have some local knowledge to begin with, so you are not totally overwhelmed with the newness of everything! 2. There is heaps to take in, and it always seems like everyone else is managing 10 times better than you. Take the time to cultivate friends, and maintain a healthy social life as well as keeping up with your studies. As an engineering student, our schedule was full of both study and beer, but in the early days I didn't keep up with either and felt the stress. 3. Typically the friends you make at college/university are the ones you carry through life. They are the ones who are most formative in your 'adult' stage. 4. Take the opportunity to engage in a new pursuit. You will never be so able to make so many choices with the time, flexibility and variety (as well as relative cheapness) available. 5. Anxiety, you either control it or it controls you. Make it your friend, recognise it for what it is...a healthy adrenaline reaction to an uncertain situation. Try not to make the 'parting' such a huge insurmountable object. Initially, I would not hesitate to say that you should stretch the wings before you jump out of the nest. Make a definite date when your folks can come and see you or you can go see them. Even better, make a weekend of it where you can take some new friends out to see where you come from. Remember, it's all new to everyone else too. You take some home, and soon they'll be taking you off for a weekend. 6. Maybe examine whether you would not be better off deferring for a year until you feel more emotionally independent? Get a job with some exposure to the field of study you intend to undertake, and gain some independence and confidence for a year before college. I wish I had done this!! 7. Best of luck, follow your heart. Be proud that you have a relationship with your folks that you cherish. Imagine how it's going to feel for them when their fledgling flies :) I survived...and so did nearly everyone else I went to college with. The only ones that didn't were the ones that liked drugs or beer too much...remember, everything in moderation....and jeez I realise that I've turned into my dad :)

Question: I suffer bad from anxiety, are there any other meds except for diazepam and antidepressants that can help me? I take diazepem and citalopram, (40mg), diazepam helps, but the more i take it, the less effects it has. I recently tried taking beta blockers, but they only hide the external effects of anxiety like sweating. Are there any food diets which allieve anxiety, any remedies, like herbal tea? I've read somewhere that certain food increase the level of seretonin.

Answer: Medications are not the way to solve anxiety. The best way to solve anxiety is learning from the inside out how your feeling about these things that cause you anxiety. I found that the best site with the best products is http://stopanxietyhq.com . Their products help to make you realize what is causing you all these anxiety problems and how to deal with them. Good luck and hope you feel better!

Question: How Should Deal With Stress and Anxiety ? Stress is life. Stress is anything that causes mental, physical, or spiritual tension. There is no running away from it. All that matters is how you deal with it. This article does not deal with the factors of stress, anxiety, and depression, nor is it a clinical advice. If you feel depressed, you are not alone. It has been estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians in America are for stress-related problems. This is why it is wise to consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, here are some tips that can help from a spiritual perspective. Torture. Beatings. Loss of property. The death of loved ones. These were just some of the enormous challenges the Muslims of Makkah faced in the seventh century following their acceptance of Islam in fiercely tribal and polytheistic Makkah. Detention. Harassment. Beatings. Discrimination. Loss of Job. Profiling. Hate Crimes. Constant media attention. Surveillance. These are just some of the challenges Muslims in America today face, post-9/11. Like our predecessors in Makkah, we have begun to face great stress, anxiety, and pressure, more than ever in our recent history on this continent, although Muslims who were brought here as slaves faced worse than what we can even imagine. 1. Ask Him. He Listens: DU`A Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi). The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God's forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari). Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah for exactly what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi). "Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56). 2. Tie your Camel: DO YOUR PART One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi). Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face. Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state of the world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part of the peace movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination? If your answer is no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share of time and money in finding solutions to the problems you face. "Verily Allah does not change men's condition unless they change their inner selves" (Quran 13: 11). Turn each worry into a Du`a and each Du`a into an action plan. That will show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right direction. 3. Remember that human responsibility is limited While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not. Once you have done your duty, leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played. However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept of Barakah (blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha Allah will expand them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for the right path. 4. Leave the world behind you FIVE TIMES A DAY Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair. When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you. Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations) are talking Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda article...ramadan page) 5. Seek help through SABR Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45). This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focused struggle to achieve one's goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds. Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. 'We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances' is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check. 6. Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, HE is. It is important to remind ourselves that we don't control all the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend His wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah in Arabic) towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind God's decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him. "God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Fount of All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that could intercede with Him, unless it be by His leave? He knows all that lies open before men and all that is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save that which He wills them to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens and the earth, and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly exalted, tremendous." (Quran 2:255). The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Once Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, approached the Prophet during a difficult time and he found the Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating "Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum", words which are part of this verse. 7. Birds Don't Carry their Food Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider). "How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60)." By reminding yourself that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a job or providing for your family in these economically and politically challenging times, when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired, is in God's Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran: "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3). 8. God controls Life and Death If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran: "Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!" (Quran 4:78). 9. Remember that life is short It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective. This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are, Insha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us for it. 10. Do Zikr, Allah, Allah! "... without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find tranquility" (Quran 13:28). If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the Tasbeeh of "Subhana Allahe wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem" 100 times as I drive. The Prophet taught us these two short phrases which are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale of good deeds in the Hereafter. When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran. "And your Lord says: 'Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)..." (Quran 40:60) By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely to gain acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty. We are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties. "Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not" (Quran 2:152). 11. Relying on Allah: Tawakkul When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah' (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips. Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the All-Knowing. "When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159). Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When you lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one of the recommended supplications before going to sleep is "with Your (Allah's) Name I die and become alive". 12. Connect with other human beings You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds. These are people who have supported us, individually and collectively, post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we are safe. These are individuals and organizations who have spoken up in defense of Muslims as we endured harassment and discrimination. We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety. 13. Compare your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari, Muslim). Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of others who don't have even half as much. The Prophet's Hadith reminds us of this so that we can appreciate and thank God for all that we have. Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what we do. 14. Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood. Year ago, I remember calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago after sunset as the water gushed against my knees. I was calling it for myself. There was no one else accept the waves after waves of water with their symphony. It was relaxing and meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. 15. Pray in congregation (Jamat) Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others. If you are away, establish Jamat in your own family. During the Prophet's time, even though the Muslims endured great persecution, including physical beatings, they would sometimes meet on the side of a mountain or valley and tried to pray together. This is a great morale booster. 16. How is your Imam's Dua? Does the Imam at your local mosque make Dua silently or out loud? Ask him to supplicate with the whole congregation. Suggest Duas for him to make. Ask him to make Dua for other people. 17. Work for the Unity of Muslims Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through. Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids other than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after thanking him for his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity. Ask Imams to make Dua for this. These are just small ways you can help yourself and the Muslim community. 18. Sleep the way the Prophet slept End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity. For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good, restful night. 19. Begin the Day on a Positive Note Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return). Invest in an audio tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the melody of the Quran. Or Let Dawud Wharnsby's joyful notes put you in a good mood. Sing along if you like. Develop your to do list for the day if you didn't do it the night before. Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest. (Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal Alee ul Azeem).The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib prayers. 20. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you listen to the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to Muslims nowadays, you feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down media time to reduce your stress and anxiety. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your mood. (similarly, when you are in a sad mood, refrain from wallowing and listening to sad songs) 21. Pray for Others to Heal Yourself. The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims, and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases love. 22. Make the Quran your Partner Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use it to recite portions of the Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries. Invest in different recordings of the Quran and their translations. "O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men's hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57). 23. Be thankful to Allah "If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7). Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others, whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of our life. And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily. 24. Ideals: ONE STEP AT A TIME Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time. 25. EFFORTS not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah. He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah! http://www.imanway.com/en/page.htm

Answer: i just started 2 read ur question, ill answer u 2ur question may be in my next birth. until then dont lose hope. some great guy might answer u. *ALL THE BEST*

Question: What is the link between anxiety disorder and rapid weight loss? Is it possible/plausible that those with anxiety disorders can lose weight without decreasing appetite if they tend to pace, run long distances and fidget? I suppose what I'm asking is; are you more likely to burn calories in prolonged time periods of high anxiety? Curious due to seemingly hemorrhaging weight lately in the face of stress.

Answer: Stress can cause two effect to our body the massive loss of weight or gain weight. In short they are unhealthy to our body. The Only thing that can stop that is doing some exercise and eat regularly then sleeping in the exact sleeping ours. As for your question they are totally related to each other.

Question: What is the difference between anxiety medications and anti-depressants? I have anxiety disorder and depression, and my psychiatrist mentioned that it may be good for me to get on medication for my condition(s). I was wondering what is the difference between anxiety medications and anti-depressants? Can they be taken together or would they interfere with eachother? Would it be wise for me to take medications for both conditions?

Answer: Why ask us? Ask your doctor.

Question: ........Anxiety? I get really worried about some considerably stupid things. It gets to a point where it affects other ppl, and i hate it, Any tips to relax and loosen up? And begin to act even slightly normally. Any things that have worked for you in the past? Things that dont take months of planning or anything, little things that can help that are realistaclly achievable, thanks x

Answer: Deep breathing when you feel anxiety coming on. Walk away from the little thing that is bothering you (even mentallly) and count to ten. Also take time out to think about things that are important to you and make you happy and when you feel yourself starting to panic about the little things, take a deep breath count to ten and concentrate on what is important to you. You are on the way to making things better by admitting what you do. If it doesn't get better then would suggest you see a doctor.

Question: What is a good generic medication for anxiety and depression? I have been taking Lexapro for three years now, and it does help tremendously, however, I can't afford $110.00 every month. I need the medication more because of the anxiety, so prozac or zoloft isn't exactly what I'm looking for. I want a medication that I can get a generic for because $4.00 or $5.00 looks a lot better than what I've been paying.

Answer: Ask your MD to write a prescription for generic Celexa (Citalopram). Celexa is vitually the same as Lexapro.

Question: Whats the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack? I suffer bad anxiety and always have panic attacks...well at least i thought they were panic attacks. Someone mentioned anxiety attack to me today so i thought it was the same thing, but someone told me otherwise?

Answer: Anxiety attacks and Panic attacks are the same thing. There's no difference. However, scientifically speaking, it is impossible for your body to maintain a state of panic for more than 30 minutes. That is because the parasympathetic nervous system will kick in and stop the flow of adrenaline through your body. Your sympathetic nervous system is what creates that "fight or flight" response in your body. Regardless of how horrible and vulnerable it makes you feel, and believe me, i've had panic attacks before, ones which are just terrible, they will end. Keep that foremost in your mind, and tell yourself, "I will live through this". You will pull through. Im still dealing with my own, and its a long, uphill journey, but every day is a victory. Keep your chin up!

Question: How can I cure separation anxiety in my dog? My beagle has severe separation anxiety. I cannot leave him alone without him howling nonstop for hours. It causes me stress because I feel like I spend as much time as can with him, but I have a life and have to be away from him sometimes for work and school. I am reluctant to get another dog as many people say because I don't want to risk doubling my problems. What are some good ways to help cure him of separation anxiety, or at leas keep him from howling so frantically?

Answer: you can't cure it, but you can help control it. make sure before you leave you take him outside on a strenous walk. get a crate and get him accustomed to it. once he's comfortable it will give him a place he knows is safe and you'll return. make the crate a safe and fun place to be. put things he finds comforting in it, as long as he won't eat them. and don't leave him in the crate for long periods. you're best to put him in the crate in a room where you can dissapear from. don't make a sound while he's howling. once he stops even for a second return. do not make a big deal out of it. act like it's the most normal thing in the world for you to be doing. keep doing this for longer periods until you get the desired reaction from the dog. consistancy goes a long way. make this a several times a day thing at first. start small and work up to longer periods. do not make a big deal out of leaving. just place him in the crate and leave. because it's no big deal. hopefully soon he'll settle down and be on a routine with things and know what to expect. and you are right, adding another dog is going to double your problem. the new dog will learn this is what you do when the owner leaves.

Question: What kind of anxiety medicine works for anxiety? What kind of anxiety medicine works for anxiety? I was diagnost with anxiety and tomorrow i go to my doctor to get medicine for it. I always have racing thoughts, I always worry, I am very irretable and I stay tired all of the time.

Answer: That's the worst s h i t you can ever take. Anxiety is normal, everyone has it. It's how you deal with it that matters. No medication is going to teach you how to deal with life, overcome fears, deal with worries, stress, etc. Even depression can be a factor with anxiety, and often it's because of the way we think that ends up in a cycle of depression. How we think ends up in how we feel. It's the habit of thought process that ends up in the negative emotions. How you learn to deal with your thinking, your outlook, your attitude (positive or negative), your level of faith, confidence, etc. I would far more recommend counseling than medication (even group therapy). Also, relaxation exercises, physical exercise, yoga, spirituality, relaxing music, taking time out, play time, etc. Anxiety medications especially the ones in the family of valium, Xanax, Librium, Attivan, etc are all from the same chemical structure. Once you get it on them, they actually cause a syndrome of anxiety that can increase 10 fold. You've heard of housewives that become addicted and end up having psychotic or mental breakdowns. It's a nasty rebound affect, the medication that was suppose to help in the end is the disease. That kind of stuff is only good for VERY short term. Never stay on it for long term, look for other answers I’m not a big believer in alcohol. But honestly, you would be BETTER off taking a glass of wine 2-3 times a day than taking a valium 2-3 times a day to relax a little. I wouldn’t recommend the wine necessarily either, but it's a better option than anxiety medication. By the way I was on it from age 16-21 and I ended up with an anxiety disorder and ended up spending 21 days in the hospital to get off the stuff and get my mind back. It took a long time before I ever felt normal again. My boss’s son is in his 30's and he's a MESS from Xanax, so is his wife. They wonder why they can’t overcome their anxiety disorder. The mother started it because of travel anxiety. She recommended her son for mild anxiety attacks he would have. Now their both 10 times worse off being on that crap. They don't realize the medication is what's crippling them. Millions are going through the same thing right now on the same stuff!

Question: How to overcome severe social anxiety, when you got it after stopping anxiety meds, and have a stutter? I get very very nervous around people i don't know, and I would really really like to be more social but i end up getting anxiety about it, due to my stutter, as i do have a severe stutter. I never had social anxiety till after stopping the anti anxiety meds, in which i was on for general anxiety disorder.

Answer: Hi B, I am so glad you got off the meds. All the things I have read about meds for anxiety and other disorders will just add other medical problems, like RLS. It is not easy, but make your self get out at least three times a week,, in a mall, movie, park, just get out. Everyone has some kind of problem, and remember you are very smart. By typing this in here shows me you are brave. This place people are so judgemental, so if you get dumb responce in here just tell your self that person has a problem or he or she would not put you down, that should make you feel better knowing you are not along. Good luck!!