Anxiety is a major IBS trigger for me. From my teens onward, I would get a bout of D three days before performing on stage. Now it's an immediate reaction to anything that causes me stress or anxiety (traveling, not getting enough sleep, work overload, an emotional outburst).
I've had generalized anxiety disorder since I was a child, which developed into panic disorder when I was put on Prozac. I've been on and off many different medications to treat it.
I took Clonazepam (generic for Klonopin) for over three years for the anxiety. I became addicted and decided it was better if I tapered off. I took it slowly, using a water titration method, and it took seven hard months of getting off that stuff. It's not easy; but taking it slow is doable.
Before I tapered off, I started using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for my anxiety and panic. This has proved to be the most beneficial to me. Kaiser Medical Center offers group therapy in CBT, as do many medical centers and hospitals. Doing it with a group is great, because you learn from, and support, each other. I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with mind/body issues (and who isn't these days?).
Medication is certainly helpful, especially when you're suffering from panic attacks. But becoming aware of your beliefs and thoughts, and how they affect your body, and learning to change them (and therefore change the groove in your brain that makes you anxious, obsessed, or panicky) can be just as effective.
Here are some books I recommend if you're interested:
"Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. This is a classic - you can find it in new and used bookstores and libraries. One thing she talks about is how, when you start to feel anxious, you can learn to stop from spiraling into second fear (caused by our thoughts about our symptoms, which causes them to increase into full-blown panic.)
"Mind over Mood" by Greenberger. This is a workbook - you need to do the work to get the benefit. It's the book we used in the CBT group.
"Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund Bourne. Another workbook using CBT.
"When Panic Attacks" by David Burns. Burns also wrote "The Feeling Good Handbook." Another classic on CBT.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not an oncoming train!
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Alternatives to meds for anxiety/panic
