[Ash89]

I've had absolutely no luck studying lately. I've put so much pressure on myself that I'll forget what I just read and have a mini meltdown. I'm going to talk about this in counseling, but I'm preparing for maybe being put on an anti anxiety once I talk to my doc. (I don't have a pdoc, just a regular doc and counselor.)

What has worked for you? Oh and I'm currently on wellbutrin and lamictal.

[gayleggg]

I've taken Xanax in the past and it worked well but tended to space me out and make me sleepy. I now take Klonopin and it has been helping but not spacing me out. I take it 3X daily.

[Ash89]

Thank you for that. Is the klonopin just as addictive? My doctor won't prescribe me xanax regularly because of how addictive it is. She says if I need it more than twice a week that my current meds aren't working, and I don't want to go through a complete med revamp.

[Alokin]

I think you may find some luck if you commit to getting over your anxiety. I have had issues with it on and off for years. Usually it starts up again when I do not use my skills. When I get in a situation like you do I pause, feel the anxiety, just let it do it's thing. It may take a while at first, you may not experience success with this the the first few times either. You have to stick with it and keep trying little by little it will get easier.

Once the anxiety subsides continue with your task. Consider reflecting briefly on what just happened, but do not judge the experience as good or bad. I will usually note to myself that 1- This situation has caused me anxiety in the past. 2- I have coped with the anxiety. 3- I have been able to get through it. Acknowledging you success makes it hard to not judge the experience, but I do not necessarily think this is a bad thing.

However, if you are not successful with coping with your anxiety I suggest maybe 1- Noting the situation that caused the anxiety. 2- Noting what happened and what you considered an appropriate success to coping with the anxiety. 3- Set a small goal for how you will do things differently next time.

It is a lot of work, but it is worth it. I have never used medication for my anxiety because I have been so dedicated to coping with it on my own (also I loved my job and using medications would put me in a no fly status and I did not want that).

[Ash89]

Thanks Alokin. Some good advice. I've actually come a long way with managing my own anxiety. I have never been on a consistent anti anxiety medication. It seems most of my anxiety is more phobic. My counselor hit it pretty well when he suggested perhaps I'm afraid of failure. I'm working through it but right now it's really getting in the way of my studies and deadlines are fast approaching. As with anything though consistency is key. Perhaps I should get myself on a schedule again and squeeze meditation time in there.

Still though, it's something I'm going to mention to my doctor. It's getting in the way and changing learned thought processes does take time. Again thanks for your tips. A breath can do wonders.

[Alokin]

I hear you on fear of failure and having deadlines. I am in school as well. If you have not already, consider making a list of everything you need to do.
FREAK out!!!

Then allot time each day to complete tasks. I try to only look at each day's tasks so I keep the overwhelming feelings down. When you start crossing stuff off the list boom, success, success, success. Focus on those. It will still be stressful, but it helps to manage it.

I hope this helps. It took me nearly 10 years to complete my undergrad. I have become pretty good at balancing my time and stress, working 10+ hours a day depending on where I was on my deployment schedule is more art than science!

It can be done, you just need to take it one day at a time, looking at everything will make you crazy!! We both know that doesn't help an already stressful situation!

[wotchermuggle]

I have lorazepam (Ativan) and use when needed. Sometimes I'll go a month without needing it. I only take it for emergencies really, because it works and I don't want it to stop working by taking it every day.

[gayleggg]

Klonopin - I don't know if it is addicting by I do know others have had to wean themselves off slowly to avoid side effects. All I really know is it stopped the merry-go-round in my head. i will deal with getting off when and if it comes to that. Meds don't usually scare me. I've taken so many different ones in trying to pull myself out of depression and anxiety.