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Originally Posted by greysparkey
I am being treated for generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I have some OCD traits and severe TMJ disorder. I am a recovering alcoholic since 1993. I recently went through 2 knee replacement surgeries (first on 10-08 and second on 5-4-09). The first surgery failed. I was on opiates for a long time and i am off now, but feel like i am addicted because they meds made me feel more calm in the evening. Now I have a lot of anxiety and unfounded guilt. I have always imagined others may be mad at me and read into there actions, non verbal language as something i have done wrong to diplease them. This has gone on for years. the opiates helped to take that away. I am on Prozac wich helps greatly with my depression. I wonder if there is somethingmore i coudl be doing besides attending 12 step meeitngs. I also see a therapist. I am always told i am bieng to hard on myself. I just want to stop worrying excessively. Thanks.
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I have similar issues but without the surgery angle. At this point all I can say is stuff that might seem mundane that you've already heard BUT exercise does help—but don't overdo it. Also make sure it's aerobic (I found that lifting weights makes it *worse*). Yoga is great, if there's a place near you.
Other people recommend journaling (which I haven't done) and avoiding caffeine is an absolute, especially later in the day. I don't even drink decaf because I can feel the up-to-3% caffeine decaf is allowed to have in the U.S. (also dark chocolate can have caffeine).
Also try meditation if you can--I can guarantee you it's not what you think it is (for some reason everyone [including me in the past] has a false image of what it actually entails—there's nothing to be afraid of [but of course use your own good judgment])