[Shandar]

After many years of trying to handle my anxiety, anger and excessive worrying on my own, I finally trusted a physician enough to ask for help. He thanked me for trusting him and asked me if I would be open to treatment by medication. I agreed and he put me on an SSRI. After 3 months I asked him to increase the dosage as I was still having problems. It helped to start then seemed to decrease in effectiveness. That increase took place about a month ago. I was hoping that the SSRI would be the fix all. But it does not seem to be the case.

At work my boss was recently let go. I went into a tailspin at that time. I am worried that I will be next. I worry that my immediate supervisor has it in for me and it telling lies about me. I am also a supervisor so I worry that my team members do not have faith in my capabilities, that they do not respect me. I occasionally have to talk with the president of the company and I always manage to jumble that up. I get so nervous and can feel the heat raise in my cheeks.

I also have always had problems with anger and aggression. I used to be a hitter and liked to throw things. I have worked real hard on controlling that. But, when I am spinning out of control I have such a hard time controlling it. However, one day I will not be able to and I fear just what I might do.

So why am I telling you this? Telling people I have never met? Telling you things that I have not ever told anyone? I am hoping you guys might be able to help me with ideas on how to handle all of this. I feel lost in all of this, like I am losing my mind.

[pegasus]

Hello Shandar,

Drugs are helpful but ultimately therapy is the answer. It's about getting as many tools as you can into your toolbox so that you can deal with those stressful times. You have meds, good but you also need ways to cope with those stressful times psychologically. In therapy you will gain confidence in being able to deal with the stress. Keep writing, it helps...

Hugs

[Shandar]

The sad part, Pegasus, is that I have a master's degree in experimental psychology. I know therapy should be the answer but I have a difficult time convincing myself I need to go.

[pegasus]

You know the saying, "Just do it!"

Hugs

[BlessedRhiannon]

I'm gonna second Pegasus' comment. For me, medication alone was not enough. Therapy alone was not enough. I've made a ton of progress in dealing with my anxiety by combining the two.

Working with a therapist can help you learn the skills to deal with emotions, be they anger, anxiety, whatever. You may know the skills in theory (I did), but putting them in to practice for yourself is a whole different game. It helps to have someone to help you figure out how to put theory in to practice.

With anxiety, I know how hard it is to reach out to someone and ask for help. Do it anyway! Just screw up a few moments of courage and make a call or send an email. If you look on Psychology Today, some of the therapists listed there will allow you to send them an email to request an initial phone conversation. That's what I ended up doing, because I just couldn't pick up the phone and call. I sent an email and the therapist I wanted to work with called me instead. By the end of the call, I had an appointment to meet with her.

[Shandar]

Thanks for the feedback. I have sent out a couple of emails this morning to some local psychologists.

[iwalkwithjesus]

Hi

I seen your post and I want to tell you that family doctors only want to give out SSRI'S. I went to see a psychiatrist after debilitating panic and anxiety attacks. He is the only one who understood tat an SSRI by itself would not work. With what you said about anger, throwing things etc., I will bet you might also have bi-polar. but I am not a r. So you need to get evaluated correctly. Big polar and anxiety are treatable. Don't suffer. Even if you don't have insurance there are places that will test you. Don't depend on a regular Dr. Good luck. god bless!

Originally Posted by Shandar

After many years of trying to handle my anxiety, anger and excessive worrying on my own, I finally trusted a physician enough to ask for help. He thanked me for trusting him and asked me if I would be open to treatment by medication. I agreed and he put me on an SSRI. After 3 months I asked him to increase the dosage as I was still having problems. It helped to start then seemed to decrease in effectiveness. That increase took place about a month ago. I was hoping that the SSRI would be the fix all. But it does not seem to be the case.

At work my boss was recently let go. I went into a tailspin at that time. I am worried that I will be next. I worry that my immediate supervisor has it in for me and it telling lies about me. I am also a supervisor so I worry that my team members do not have faith in my capabilities, that they do not respect me. I occasionally have to talk with the president of the company and I always manage to jumble that up. I get so nervous and can feel the heat raise in my cheeks.

I also have always had problems with anger and aggression. I used to be a hitter and liked to throw things. I have worked real hard on controlling that. But, when I am spinning out of control I have such a hard time controlling it. However, one day I will not be able to and I fear just what I might do.

So why am I telling you this? Telling people I have never met? Telling you things that I have not ever told anyone? I am hoping you guys might be able to help me with ideas on how to handle all of this. I feel lost in all of this, like I am losing my mind.

[BillyG]

I've found that cognitive behavioral therapy has helped me quite a bit. You may try researching that.

[Shandar]

The t that contacted me back has bumped my appointment up from next Tuesday to tomorrow. After the day I had today, and seeing the concern in my husband's face, i am almost glad he did. Now I just have to let him in.

Iwalkwithjesus, I don't know what I have but I can tell you, something has to be done. I cannot stand it any more! The SSRI have helped, but not enough. Something else has to help. I am losing control.

[Cyran0]

Shandar, you're doing the right thing but don't put too much pressure on yourself for this first visit. This, like the meds, takes a bit of time. You and your T have to sort of figure each other out.

Best of luck, I hope it goes well!

[1SadGypsy]

For myself, I have been on medication for some years now (which I really want to get off)-I finally made the step to go to therapy. My therapist is helping me with Cognitive Behavorial Therapy-I have only been to one session but I am going to be very receptive to it. I just want to get myself better. I'm glad to see that you made an appointment. I'm like Cyran0-just don't put too much pressure on yourself. Sending {{hugs}} your way. I believe in taking baby steps

[Shandar]

I see the t tonight. I will try to keep an open mind and not to put too much pressure on myself. But honestly, something has to change and change quickly. I am not holding it together to well and each day it is getting harder and harder. I really am fighting to stay in control.