[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.

[ECHOES]

Hi and welcome. You have a great knowledge of yourself!
I'm glad you have a therapist to help you with this. I do the same things and my relationship with my therapist is helping me feel calm and helping the fears and worries and misperceptions too.

[gimmeice]

Hello greysparkey, it's nice to meet you. Welcome to psych central.
Have you talked about this anxiety with your therapist? There are some meds that can also help with anxiety or you could try some relaxation techniques. For me taking deep, slow breaths can really help when my anxiety gets out of hand.

[Pomegranate]

I need meds for both my depression and anxiety. I agree with gimmiece, tell your therapist about how you are feeling. If that doesn't help, speak with a psychiatrist yourself. Many people don't like meds and are able to get by without them. That's really great for them.

Like many others, I am not one of those. The difference between me on meds and me without meds is night and day. Some of us just need the chemistry that medication brings to our bodies and brain. It's not a weakness, it's a medical necessity. Like insulin for diabetics.

[greysparkey]

Thanks to all of you. I know this too will pass. It's nice to know there are others who have experienced the same feelings. I called my doctor today and he is starting me on a non addicitng antianxiety drug (Buspar). It worked years ago, so maybe it will work again. See therapist in a couple weeks and doing lots of deep breathing.
Mary Jo

[theotterone]

You will find much support here! Many of us have gone through it and are happy to help you share the burden to get better!

[reader1587]

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.

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])