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September06 · Sep 11, 2006, 10:19 AM

25/f. So I've had 'anxiety' for about over 7 Years now. I've been off and on different medications. But over the past 3-4yrs I'm only on Klonopine and I'm just 'winging' myself off it. I'd rather not be on any medications. The severity of my anxiety is what bothers me. Because of the anxiety and/or side effects I am not able to do things on my own. The most important is driving. I do not fear driving. I know how to drive. But when I want to drive I get all anxious. Nervous. Mostly my eyes , as weird as that sounds.. it feels like my eyes hurt.. I can't have them focus. I get all shaky and I'd rather not drive... I haven't for YEARS. Yes, awful! I've tried councling, hypnotherapy but nothing seems to work. I relax, write down my feeings. What can I do to not feel like this anymore, it has taken 7 years of my life and I'm only 25 years old and a single parent! Image not being able to have your own transportation for your child? Maybe I can deal with the anxiety. I guess my most important thing I want to do is 'drive' how, who,where, when.. etc. HELP!

valinors_sorrow · Sep 11, 2006, 01:46 PM

If you aren't experiencing relief then please please take that up with the doctors involved rather than take matters into your own hands. They need to know that! Also some psychotropic drugs need to be stepped down from carefully too-- I hope that is what you meant being "winging"? Suddenly stopping can be very unpleasant, traumatic even. And should you find that you don't have a good enough rapport with them, please consider other doctors or therapists. Some are quite talented and others are not. I would guess, having overcome a lot of fears myself, that you'll need both medication and cognitive behavior therapy to affect this. It will be work. But fortunately hard work like this often pays off. I don't know of any simpler magic fix-- I am sorry.

September06 · Sep 11, 2006, 05:11 PM

Thank You, I know I need help in a lot of areas. I just need to not give up and keep trying. But every time I try I feel the same. But I have to think positive right. :-) Thanks a bunch! I will look into that.

positively01 · Sep 22, 2006, 01:58 PM

I, too, have been diagnosed with G.A.D. (about 8 years ago), but it is something I've learned to live with, that is, with the help of a great psychiatrist and the proper medications. In addition to your anxiety, you may have some depression, and it is very important to find a good doctor who really knows the meds and work with you to find the combination that works for you.

You are very young and have a child, so hang in there. It CAN get better, believe me. It will take a psychiatrist to prescribe the proper medications. I would strongly recommend that you don't leave this up to a general practitioner. Also, it helps to talk with someone, and you might need to shop around to find a good counselor, someone you feel comfortable with. I have sought counseling from time to time on specific issues, but I see my psychatrist about every six months, so that she can monitor my meds.

I wish you the very best.

September06 · Sep 22, 2006, 02:23 PM

Thank You 'positevely01'. It's a good sigh of relieve to know that someone out there has or is going through this. I'm glad that your G.A.D has got better for you. I would like to know more about your G.A.D if possible, you can send me a 'private email' please. Thank You again for all your words of advise.