Anybody dealing with phobia-related GAD?

[LynzM]

Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with dealing with life-affecting phobia/GAD... tempting to not call it a chronic illess, as it's not yet been possible to pin it on a physical/chemical reason, but still disrupting my life an awful lot lately. Anybody want to talk?

[flamingyouth]

1. Yes.

I have pretty severe GAD that gets worse when my pain or health does (makes sense).

At my worst - about eight years ago - I could hardly leave to get my mail. Now it's somewhat better but I still have pretty bad panic attacks.

I'm sorry you're going through this. You're not alone. :pals:

[LynzM]

2. I'm sorry to hear that, FY

For me, it's specifically related to the possiblity of catching stomach viruses, since I (naturally) hate them, and have been hospitalized in the past due to contracting them. It didn't used to be like this, but in the last couple years, has gotten to the point where I feel dysfunctional for at least a couple days when it's possible that I, or my husband or daughter, has contracted one. :(

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

3. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry.

But considering your history of hospitalization, I can see why you'd have those fears. Consider talking to your doctor about this because there are several meds that can help.

Alternately, there's a good book called "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook," which I've found to be very helpful. Best of luck to you. :hug:

[LynzM]

4. Thanks, I'll check that out.

I've been on and off Lexapro, and I have Lorazepam to take PRN. I don't like pharma med solutions, much. I'm taking GABA amino acid, which seems to help, and self-medicating... :smoke:

I'll definitely check out that book, as my anxiety/phobia of vomiting seems to go way beyond what's justified, and I don't feel like the fear stems directly from the hospital bit, as hospitals themselves don't really scare me.

[bicentennial_baby]

8. I second that book!!

Helps my Hypochondria immensely. :)

[LynzM]

9. Thanks, bb :)

I also just found a forum linked from a very helpful FAQ about my phobia (which, I wasn't able to read all of it, was starting to make me too anxious, but even what I did read was good.) I'm hoping that I can throw enough coping mechanisms, plus some of other people's experiences at it, to get it to a manageable level. I'm so much better than I was last year, at least it's going the right direction...

And :hug: for you about what you're dealing with, too.

[BlackVelvet04]

5. I used to.....

At one time I was agoraphobic and had panic disorder along with GAD. I took xanax and deseryl and neither really helped. I did get hooked on the xanax and finally got myself off it.

I found that for me taking a good magnesium supplement along with coral calcium got rid of it. The magnesium also got rid of vertigo and sleep apnea.

Go figure.

if anybody is interested in exactly what I take I will be glad to share.

[LynzM]

6. I've been taking magnesium and GABA, which help

They help at least as much as the Lexapro and Lorazepam did, and I'm not worried about what they're doing to my body.

Do you have more info on coral calcium?

[BlackVelvet04]

7. The key to the magnesium is taking a magnesium the

body can truly absorb. I use something called Reacted Magnesium and since taking it have gotten rid of vertigo, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and anxiety.

Right now I'm taking the CVS brand of coral calcium. There is better coral calcium out there but it's expensive. The best I've taken is here: http://www.herbalab.com/viewitem.asp?ProductID=1&winClose=True#

Calcium is good for anxiety as well and it's a must for magnesium absorption.