A never ending cycle....

December 2, 2005 11:36 AM

How do I survive Christmas, control my anxiety, maintain my sanity and find a good therapist? (Very long inside)

My entire life I've been plagued on and off by two problems: stomach issues and anxiety. It would probably be safe to argue that each is a product of the other. Lately, it's been getting much much worse. Not so bad that I'm not leaving the house, but in most high-pressure or unfamiliar situations I'm usually very uncomfortable with stomach cramps and/or diarrhea. (But strangley, sometimes I'm completely fine.) So, I've been seeing a GI doctor, and after a battery of tests, my stomach problems have pretty much come down to diet or stress/anxiety. So, nothing's PHYSICALLY wrong, so I've started to look into psychological solutions.

Adding to the stress of this is my girlfriend pressuring me to attend Christmas with her family. Not only would it be my first Christmas away from home, a stressfull event in and of itself, but her parent's house is one of the places I feel my most uncomfrotable. I have absolutely no problem with her family, and enjoy visiting with them, but I just have yet to feel comfortable visiting there. It's just being in an unfamiliar place mixed with uncomfortable sleeping arrangements (air mattress) and the fact that I just don't travel well all collide into me feeling like crap and not sleeping/eating well.

So, on the one hand, I certainly would love to spend Christmas with my girlfriend and I would hate to disappoint her. She's very understanding about my problem, but I still know she will be sad if I do not attend. (Plus, add to that the fact that we're getting to a point where her parents will think it's weird if I'm not attending some family holiday with them, especially since she's spent a few Thanksgivings with my family.) But all my mind keeps returning to is last New Year's Eve at her parent's house, where I was in such agony all night that I literally did not sleep, and, since the house was so full of people, all I could do it just lay on the couch, staring out the window hoping the sun would rise soon. The thought of spending Christmas like that, then having to return AGAIN the following weekend for New Years (her parents are having a party again) both depresses and terrifies me. This comflict has left me in an emotional funk since mid-october.

This, of course, all leads back to me trying to find a therapist to help me deal with all this. I've been calling ones in our area, and so far, I have only found one that is taking new appointments before January. I went last night, and just didn't get a good vibe. Mainly because he immediately suggested medication. (Liprexia (sp?), to be exact.) Now, I have no problem with mood-altering drugs, in theory. I understand that some people have imbalances that require medication, and that I just may be one of those people. But at the same time, I'm just a little wary of taking these drugs, each with a myriad of side effects (some of them sexual), when recommended to me by someone who's only talked to me for 45 minutes, especially when it's presented as the only option. (He basically said "Therapy won't help you. Just take the drugs and I'll follow up with you in a month.") That just doesn't work for me (I'd prefer to have therapy in addition to any medication), but my options are wearing thin. In theory, if I started to take the drugs now, they could start to work by Christmas.

So, anyone, possibly who's been through something similar, have any advice about what I should do? Am I being irrational about taking the drugs? If not, then what do I do about Christmas? Grin and bear it? Or cut my losses and assure them I'll be there next year? If I do decide to find a new Therapist, what's the best way to go about it?

Really, any help would be appreciated.

posted by emptybowl to Grab Bag (39 answers total)

You just described my life. I had the same problems with my SO's family and after four years still do. They don't get my "issues" and make me feel like a hypochondriac...which is how many people react to these things.

I could go on and on outside of the thread, feel free to email or check out my blog where I discuss this in great detail.

I am currently in a place where I think I need to change my meds but let me say this...when my stomach issues (IBS) got so bad that I became agorophobic SSRI's were the only thing that changed my life. Though, I still have some issues and my recent move to NYC hasn't been the best, I at least have coping mechanisms in place without them I don't.

Avoid the stigma. There is a reason for advancements in medicine.
posted by Lola_G at 11:48 AM on December 2, 2005

I think you are being irrational about not taking the drugs and I think that when you do take them you will see this. The situation you describe sounds highly painful, traumatizing, and not at all normal or rational. To get to the bottom of why this is happening you very may well need to take the drugs in order to being even confronting the root causes in therapy. When you said the doctor immediately recommended drugs, I was going to say this is the reason why, until you further noted that he said 'therapy won't help you'. I think that is bogus. It very well may be that your condition is so severe that therapy alone can never succeed at eliminating the root causes, but when and if you take the drugs, you will at the very least need someone to help you navigate the ABSENCE of the anxiety (which can sometimes be just as scary as the anxiety..after all, the anxiety exists to protect you from something). Talking through what has been happening to you and your feelings about addressing it with drugs is important. I fully believe that you shouldn't just take psychoactives without also talking to someone in a theraphy situation - there are myriads of intricacies to a personality that are opened up by these drugs. You shouldn't have to navigate that on your own.

So, my advice, take the drugs, but find 1) a better and more connected psychiatrist and 2) find a very good therapist - someone you feel you can trust and who will work with your pshyciatrist. But above all TAKE THE DRUGS. It sounds like you will not solve this on your own, and you owe it to yourself to feel better.
posted by spicynuts at 11:48 AM on December 2, 2005

Can you compromise and stay in a hotel with your girlfriend? Even if you're on a budget, the expense might be worthwhile.
posted by footnote at 12:01 PM on December 2, 2005

good suggestion from teh footnote.
posted by By The Grace of God at 12:04 PM on December 2, 2005

How will that help him addres the statement that 'my entire life I've been plagued by stomach ailments and anxiety'?
posted by spicynuts at 12:07 PM on December 2, 2005

FWIW, listening to you talk for 45 minutes and prescribing whatever drug seems most useful is what psychiatrists / clinical social workers are trained to do, from my understanding. Many are not big hand-holders and could have better bedside manner. Which is off-putting when you're in crisis. They can still be very good at what they do and could help you. The mind-body thing is powerful. Therapy and a psychiatrist in tandem might be in order in the long-term. I think your instincts are good, maybe you just need a more client-friendly service-provider eventually.
posted by Marnie at 12:07 PM on December 2, 2005

I suffer from anxiety episodes, although relatively minor compared to some people.

Here's a list of the things I personally have found to be effective with their pros and cons. I am not a doctor and I'm sure you know you should consult one before using any of these:

• Exercise - Pros: Cardio does wonders and almost all of its side effects are good. Cons: Time consuming, requires motivation, doesn't work instantly, harder to do in the winter.
• Meditation/Breathing Exercises - Pros: No side effects, easy, free. Cons: I don't find it works that well.
• SSRIs - Pros: Works well for me, non-addictive. Cons: Lots, including sexual effects, some report severe side effects with use, others report severe discontinuation syndrome, numerous anecdotal reports of personality changes and loss of motivation. If your doctor does put you on it, start with a very low dose.
• Benzodiazepines - Pros: Works on almost everyone, works well, and works fast. Cons: Cause drowsiness. Highly addictive if used for any extended period.
• Alcohol - Pros: I find a small amount of alcohol (less than 1/2 of a normal drink) can temper an anxiety episode. Cons: Obviously not recommended for anyone with any history or risk of alcoholism. Doesn't work for serious episodes.
• Kava Kava - Pros: Herbal non-prescription treatment that actually works. Cons: There's some concern (probably exagerated) about possible liver risks. Only available by mail in the US. Duration of action is pretty short (~ 1-2 hours).

If I were you, I'd go with a long acting benzo for the time you're at your GF's parents, taken as needed. When you get back, start exercising and/or therapy.
posted by justkevin at 12:10 PM on December 2, 2005

Response by poster: Just to clarify, I don't have that big a problem taking the drugs as long as its accompanied by some therapy. I would have even been WAY more comfortable if he had even just said "I defintely think you're a candidate for medication, but I'd like to meet with you next week and evaluate more." I don't know, it just seemed like a write-off to immediately move to the drugs and say to make an appointment in a month.

So the question about the drugs is more should I start taking them now, expecting to find a therapist in January when hopefully more of them are accepting appointments, or wait until I can find someone I trust before starting. I just have the feeling that taking them virtually unsupervised would make me just as anxious as if I wasn't taking them at all, and would be much more comfotable starting everything at the same time. But then, if I'm not taking them, how do I handle Christmas? It's all a vicious cycle that's been killing me....
posted by emptybowl at 12:13 PM on December 2, 2005

Also, if you experience what seems like fight or flight where even though you mentally know there is nothing to be anxious about but then your body sends you flying for the nearest bathroom, you will be amazad at how this can be remedied.

Don't give up if the first prescription doesn't work for you. It takes some trial and error too.

My biggest problem is worrying about what people are thinking when I am off in a bathroom for seemingly ever. The truth is that people are really understand. Most are at least and those who aren't should just f' off.

I know it isn't especially glamorous or cool to spend a trip in the bathroom but (and I hate this expression) it is what it is.

The stigma is the fact that you probably overthink things as I do and you are probably too hard on yourself. So, when you are embarassed by being in the bathroom you grow more anxious and never feel right.

Let me tell you that this can get better.

Like I said, I could talk about this from now until the end of time...so feel free to write me if anything I say seems helpful.

Footnote: I had begged my SO to stay in a hotel but his parents would have been so offended and I couldn't do deal with that additional pressure!!
posted by Lola_G at 12:14 PM on December 2, 2005

I agree that you should see a psychiatrist and start medications if they are indicated, but you should certainly also see a therapist. Furthermore, you should have a follow-up with the psychiatrist very soon to evaluate the medication.

Don't be too quick to rule out meds. It's true that anxiety often has a largely biochemical basis, and changing your body's functioning, whether through drugs or behavior changes, can be nothing short of miraculous. You can effect changes through chemical and physical means that would never occur through talk therapy. BUT anxiety has repercussions in relationships and in general mental health, so I'd agree that therapy is also warranted here.

I'm not a doctor, but I have suffered from anxiety. I addressed mine without meds, but with therapy and exercise. I must say that your anxiety sounds pretty extreme, perhaps bordering on agoraphobia. Find a doc you trust, and then at least be willing to try meds if they are indicated. You have nothing to lose, since it sounds as though your behavior is narrowly constrained by your present condition. If the meds disagree with you, you can go off them. You owe yourself a solution -- try all recommended treatments and give them a chance. If those don't work, try others. Don't give up -- life gets a lot better as you get these problems solved, and you can.
posted by Miko at 12:15 PM on December 2, 2005

If you don't want to take drugs, you can take up a strenuous exercise regimen. Maybe try to hit the gym 10 times between now and when you leave. That's supposed to be a good way to clear up minor (situation related) depression, and I know it helped me out.

Taking drugs would be a lot easier, though. Also, when you're there you can bring a book, do some reading.

Also, are you taking any medication for your stomach problems? Try eating less, and more bland foods. Maybe you can get your GI doctor to prescribe some opiods. Just keep popping those on your trip and you'll be walking on sunshine the whole time :P
posted by delmoi at 12:15 PM on December 2, 2005

Also, sorry for the typos I forgot to preview.
posted by Lola_G at 12:17 PM on December 2, 2005

Your condition sounds like its to such an extreme degree that medication ought to be seriously considered. If it doesn't work, you can stop taking relatively easy, especially if early on.
posted by xmutex at 12:20 PM on December 2, 2005

Marnie writes "FWIW, listening to you talk for 45 minutes and prescribing whatever drug seems most useful is what psychiatrists / clinical social workers are trained to do, from my understanding."

This is not true, or shouldn't be. Clinical social workers are trained as psychotherapists, not as medication referrers.

Look, every time this comes up on AskMe there are the same answers re medications versus therapy. People who have been helped by meds are adamant that not wanting to take them is part of the problem being described, and people who think meds are bad (of which I am not one) insist that they are a horrible idea. I'm a psychotherapist, and I have an awful lot of experience in this area, and I'd suggest that you go with your gut (no pun intended). If you don't want to try meds, or don't want to try them right now, then you have every right to explore treatment without them. The research (not the anecdotes) is quite clear that even for severe mental distress medications are no more likely to help sufferers than is therapy. (See The Great Psychotherapy Debate by Bruce Wampold for meta-analyses of treatment modalities. The conclusion is that no modality is more effective than any other, but that individual therapists and prescribers can be more effective. See the website for the British Medical Journal for some of the newest studies and positions advocating caution in the presribing of psych meds.)

What is most effective in counseling (and this includes psychiatry) is a good relationship between the clinician and the patient, which it seems was absent from your interaction the other night. You should SHOP for a therapist, someone you feel comfortable with who seems as if they work in a way that intuitively makes sense to you and adequately describes your problem. Don't let the desperation of your current situation rob you of the right to make that kind of informed decision. On the other hand, if the doc is willing to prescribe benzos (lie valium or Klonopin), they are relatively short acting and do wonders for anxiety and you can take them only when you feel the need. It could be a way to get through the holiday.

As to your current situation, if it were me, I might suggest a compromise with my gf such that we would go to her house for either xmas or new years but not both. Would that be possible for you to do?

My email is in my profile if you want to talk further. Confidentiality guaranteed.
posted by OmieWise at 12:21 PM on December 2, 2005

How will that help him addres the statement that 'my entire life I've been plagued by stomach ailments and anxiety'?
posted by spicynuts at 12:07 PM PST on December 2 [!]

I think this comment was in response to my hotel suggestion. I’m not saying that he shouldn’t also try medication, therapy, exercise, etc. But I do think there’s no shame in finding practical, short-term solutions to eliminate the source of anxiety, as long as he keeps working on the long-term solutions. Some times you do have to face the source of your anxiety, but you don’t have practice self-flagellation.
posted by footnote at 12:22 PM on December 2, 2005

justkevin: I want to present a different point of view on one of your "cons" for exercise -- that it requires motivation. It really doesn't. This misconception is responsible for a lot of people never taking up an exercise program. If you sit on your couch and wait for the day you feel "motivated" to go for a jog, it's likely that day will never come. All you need is a decision, not motivation. Don't expect yourself to want to exercise -- just decide you are going to whether you want to or not. At first, no one wants to. You've just got to set aside the question of motivation and get into the habit.

I've never taken meds. When I went after some help for my anxiety, my therapist referred me to a psychiatrist to be evaluated. He offered me the meds and I told him I was reluctant to take them. He then told me that exercise can be equally beneficial in many cases. The results of exercise in my life were remarkable. That's my experience. I wouldn't want anyone with anxiety not to try it because they think they need some kind of internal motivation. I just looked on it as necessary treatment, just as if it were 'taking my medicine.'
posted by Miko at 12:32 PM on December 2, 2005

Omiewise is right, I misspoke about Clinical MSW's. My point is that psychiatrists will sometimes diagnose and prescribe within 45 minutes, so that is not unusual.
posted by Marnie at 12:32 PM on December 2, 2005

True, footnote. I guess his actual first line question on the FPP was specifically related to Xmas. In which case I agree with you. I had just thought you were advocating ingoring the deeper question of whether he should get on drugs. I think we're both on the same page.
posted by spicynuts at 12:33 PM on December 2, 2005

I have a bit of anxiety from time to time, and footnote has a very important point.

Obviously emptybowl has some deep issues that may take years to overcome, but they won't be solved by Christmas, and so I started thinking about practical ways to deal with the immediate crisis.

When I'm in a situation like that I ask myself, "what changes would allow me to deal with this situation with less anxiety"? Often there are simple things you can do to make the situation quite different. "Why not stay in a hotel?" was my first thought. You might have other ideas, like limiting the amount of time there, or bringing your own more comfortable air mattress.

Think of a few practical things you (or your girlfriend, or someone else) could do to remove some of the anxiety from the situation. Not only does this have a direct effect, I find it also gives me a sense of control that helps the overall anxiety, since feeling like things are out of my control is often a contributing factor.

One thing is for sure: don't let lack of sleep magnify your anxiety. You have a doctor, and while the antidepressant question may not be one you want to answer right now, you could certainly ask for a prescription for something to help you sleep during the stressful times. A few nights of good sleep might make a world of difference.
posted by mmoncur at 12:38 PM on December 2, 2005

Do you take medication already to deal with the diarrhea? If not, get thee to the store and purchase some Imodium, pronto. I have ulcerative colitis that is often accompanied by cramping, etc. and my maintenance level is one tablet of Imodium a day, in addition to my meds that deal with the colitis itself. (I prefer the one combined with the anti-gas stuff. It comes in white pills or chewable tablets.) Try taking one or two of these before you go into the stressful situation. Knowing that the diarrhea will not be a problem, or that things will at least be slowed down enough to allow you to make an unobtrusive exit to the bathroom (as opposed to the frantic cheeks-clenched dash) will do absolute wonders for decreasing your anxiety level. You can try this out before the holiday in a situation you're likely to be stressed by to help you figure out the right dose, and to help you have confidence that the medicine works. This can be your short-term coping mechanism for the holidays. It's not fixing the root cause of the problem, but it will cut significantly into the feedback loop of worry about whether your symptoms will show up in the midst of the family dinner.
posted by MsMolly at 12:49 PM on December 2, 2005

Echoing mmoncur and Footnote: For right now, it may help to figure out practical ways to reduce your anxiety about this specific event. It sounds like you're looking at your girlfriend's request as an all-or-nothing -- you spend *all* of Christmas at her family's, on their/her terms, or you don't go at all.

Given that you're going back the next week for New Year's, it sounds like you might be geographically close. Can you stay at home for the overnights, but join them during the day itself? Or is there some other "Everyone wins" scenario that you and your girlfriend could brainstorm? I'm sure her family would understand having to schedule a bit around your medical problems (making dinner a bit earlier to allow you to travel home afterward, etc).

(I would also say that, given you're spending New Year's with her family, you're not obligated to also spend Christmas with them if it's causing you this much stress.)
posted by occhiblu at 12:50 PM on December 2, 2005

In terms of looking for a therapist, I would strongly suggest finding one who does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. I am prone to anxiety, and CBT really helped. Since it teaches techniques for dealing with the anxiety, as opposed to drugs or the digging in your past talk therapy, it has continued to be effective even after the sessions have ended. I had excellent results with only a few sessions, and now when I become really anxious, I have the tools to deal with each occurrence; that is, I don't have to try to treat each problem separately since the symptoms are the same. Also, I found that the Cognitive-Behavioral therapists I researched were way less likely to jump to drugs first. That is, if medication was necessary to begin work, they would prescribe it, but they would try to work without it. And generally, they did not consider medication a long-term solution.

I have a good friend with somewhat similar issues who did medication + some other talk therapy. Personally, I think she is worse off. And she has been slowly transitioning off meds, because she hates them so very much: a frustratingly maddening process from what I understand.

So I am very biased, but that is what worked for my anxiety. And exercise. Glorious exercise.
posted by dame at 12:55 PM on December 2, 2005

Oh, I meant to explain: I think my friend is worse off because after years, she is better, but not very much. After two years, with only a few months in therapy, I have progressed substantially. From what we've discussed, our anxiety is very similar, so I feel comfortable comparing. In any case, much luck.
posted by dame at 12:57 PM on December 2, 2005

Where are you located? What's your therapist referral list look like?

Unless you're in a rural area, I find it hard to imagine that there aren't any therapists who could see you before January. If you want to post, or email your state/city, I could see if I can track down a local state or city psychological association.
posted by jasper411 at 1:26 PM on December 2, 2005

This may not help at all, since my situation was different, but I was once briefy prescribed Xanax for situational anxiety. At the time, my doctor told me that if I ever started feeling very anxious and didn't have my Xanax with me for some reason, I could take a benadryl instead and that might help.
posted by amarynth at 1:28 PM on December 2, 2005

Response by poster: Thank you all for the responses. It is indeed very helpful. To respond to a few questions...

Like Lola_G's experience, I think the possibility of staying in a hotel wouldn't work. I don't think "offended" is the right word, but I think her parents would certainly find it weird. Plus, after the other aspects of Christmas, I doubt we'd even have the money for a hotel. Sleeping well would probably help a little, but not alleviate the problem completely. ANd as far as bringing "our own more comfortable air mattress", we *are*. It's one of those fancy Aerobeds. I hate it.

We live far enough away to have to stay there, but not so far that going to weekends in a row is that far. (3-3.5 hours) Even if we didn't, I wouldn't feel comfortable dictating their Christmas based on my freakitude, which they may or may not know about. (If they know anything, my girlfriend would have told them, because I don't even like pooping within aural/olfactory distance of her, let alone talking to anyone about it.) I just feel like I'd be ruining my girlfriend's and her family's Christmas if I dictated we could only be there for a short time. It's just not my place to make requests like that.

The party on New Years (actually called their "Christmas Party", but it just so happens it fell on New Year's the past two years) is a 20-some year tradition in their family, and think is pretty much on the level of importance as Christmas (Christmas day is family, the party is mainly friends), so my attendance is pretty much expected at both. It would be easier to not go to Christmas, since I conceivably have somewhere else to be (with my family), but not attending Christmas would probably still be seen as odd (especially, as I said, since she's decided to spend thanksgiving with me the past 3 years).

I do take Immodium, but only in extreme cases. I do not like taking it preemptively, since it usually leads to very painful gas and (solid) BM a few days afterwards.

dame's experiences sound very palatable to me, so as I continue to search for someone, I'll be sure to ask about CBT.
posted by emptybowl at 1:36 PM on December 2, 2005

As someone who was just served 3 cups of very strong caffeinated coffee by a waitress who insisted it was decaf, then apologized after I asked her manager about it: I can state with certainty that you should avoid caffeine. I'm tremulous, panicking for no reason, sweating, nauseous, and I've been to the restroom 4 times this afternoon - probably more information than you wanted.

This always happens to some folks when they drink much caffeinated coffee, so you should definitely look into avoiding that.

When I settle down I'll take a whack at the rest of your question.
posted by ikkyu2 at 1:38 PM on December 2, 2005

ikkuyu2, that's what happens to me when I drink a mere half cup of coffee, so since the UC diagnosis I pretty much had to give up on caffiene altogether. Sigh.

emptybowl, was the Imodium you took the regular kind (tiny little green pills)? If so, check out the ones I recommended that have the anti-gas stuff in them. It makes a world of difference. Popping a few Gas-X can really help too.

And good luck, man. If it's any consolation, I could probably top your most embarrasing bathroom story by a mile. But there are some things that should just never see the light of the Internet.
posted by MsMolly at 1:57 PM on December 2, 2005

My father has stomach anxiety exactly like you describe. After 20 years of vacations cancelled or cut short, holiday festivities ended early, panicked exits from every possible mode of transportation, and 15 years of on and off therapy, his doctor finally told him that he would be better off taking Xanax XR . Now he takes it every day and goes on cruises, extended vacations, and even airplanes.

I have severe agoraphobic social anxiety but no prescription or psychiatric coverage, and I desperately miss my anti-anxiety drugs. On the drug I could take lofty ski lifts and get on airplanes. Without it I am barely capable of driving my car.

My advice? Take the drugs now to get through this crisis and arrange for therapy for a more long term coping strategy.
posted by xyzzy at 1:58 PM on December 2, 2005

Response by poster: And good luck, man. If it's any consolation, I could probably top your most embarrasing bathroom story by a mile. But there are some things that should just never see the light of the Internet.

You probably could, since right now I don't have one. A lot of my axiety stems from wanting to make sure I NEVER have one.
posted by emptybowl at 2:19 PM on December 2, 2005

I think it's reasonable to not spend Xmas with them. Tell them that you're having some medical problems that will prevent you from being there for Xmas, but that you'll see them on NYE for the Christmas Party.

Actually, the easy way out is to go along with planning to spend Xmas with them, then call the day before and claim stomach flu. If it were me, I'd take this almost-true option to sidestep the need for embarrassing explanations, buying you that extra week to get yourself more stabilized.

I defer to those more experienced with GI problems regarding medicating your anxiety, tummy, or both.
posted by desuetude at 2:36 PM on December 2, 2005

This is how I found my therapist, emptybowl.
posted by dame at 2:43 PM on December 2, 2005

I wouldn't feel comfortable dictating their Christmas based on my freakitude, which they may or may not know about.

Oh, you don't need to see it this way -- you'll all have a better time if you take some steps to make yourself more comfortable, whatever they are. Of course you do have to compromise some, but you could also just accept your anxiety and the steps you take to manage it, rather than thinking of it like this giant imposition on everyone around you!
posted by footnote at 2:44 PM on December 2, 2005

emptybowl: I wouldn't feel comfortable dictating their Christmas based on my freakitude, which they may or may not know about.

footnote: Oh, you don't need to see it this way -- you'll all have a better time if you take some steps to make yourself more comfortable, whatever they are.

Footnote makes a good point. One of the basic principles of CBT (as dame brought up in her excellent post) is to change the messages that you send to yourself. When you tell yourself you're a freak (or whatever), this will engender feelings of self-consciousness, anxiety, shame, etc. -- all of which are unpleasant in and of themselves, but which can also exacerbate bowel issues.

Telling yourself that you're just a regular person who happens to have stomach/bowel issues, on the other hand, sends yourself a different message entirely -- you're not a problem, you just have a problem that needs to be managed. No one (no one nice, at least) will think less of you for that.

Good luck!
posted by scody at 3:13 PM on December 2, 2005

Not sure if this would help you, because I'm not sure if you're just having stomach cramps or something worse, but a male friend of mine found that Midol was extremely helpful when he picked up whatever gut-wrenching bugs one picks up as an American tourist in Southeast Asia.
posted by occhiblu at 3:33 PM on December 2, 2005

Google turns up no results for Liprexia--maybe it was Lexapro, an SSRI, that you were given a scrip for?

Anyway, since you're interested in CBT (and since you're having trouble finding someone to see you soon), I recommend getting a copy of the classic "The Feeling Good Handbook" by Dr. David Burns and make sure to actually DO the exercises in it--it's basically a CBT workbook. I found it really helpful for dealing with anxiety. FYI, the older editions of the book are basically the same as the new edition, minus the updated section on meds.
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:02 PM on December 2, 2005

(Also, in my experience, SSRIs make it easier to sleep, which sounds like it would be helpful in your case. I know being overtired makes me more prone to anxiety. If it were me, I'd start taking the meds now and see how it goes--it can take awhile for them to kick in, especially with anxiety. You say you've been worrying yourself into a funk about this since mid-October--that's a lot, and you might as well pull out whatever options you have available to try and help yourself out. And worse comes to worst, you can always just stop taking the drugs if you decide it's not right for you. IIRC Lexapro isn't known to be difficult to wean off of. )

Good luck :)
posted by needs more cowbell at 6:06 AM on December 3, 2005

Break this problem into short term and long term.

Short term you need to get through Christmas. Will the medication help you to accomplish this? Then take it.

Long term you need a therapist. Call around, make some exploratory appointments. Youll feel better for having begin the process, and you can keep in mind that almost nobody is meant to be on antidepressants forever. You will have done what you can to approach the underlying issues, while also bridging the gap through the holidays.
posted by Sara Anne at 8:20 AM on December 3, 2005

Emptybowl: I tend to concur with your therapist. The physical response to anxiety is learned, but it becomes really hard-wired because it reinforces itself. (Hey, I'm anxious. -> Hey, my stomach hurts. Wow, my stomach hurts, that makes me more anxious! -> Stomach hurts more. et c. ad naus.)

Medications can be very good at interrupting that process at the site of the '->' above. Rather than invoke a chemical imbalance or some crackypot theory based on incomplete understanding of a complex process, the question you need to ask yourself is, "does it work?" I think it can work pretty well for these kinds of symptoms; which medicines, how much and when to take them is between you and the expert you're consulting with.
posted by ikkyu2 at 7:47 PM on December 5, 2005