ANXIETY

[johnchurchill]

Hello all.

I am new to the forum, so please forgive any errors.

I have extreme anxiety, it is unfocused, so would come under the label of generalised anxiety disorder. Have been prescribed Lorazepam at 5 mgs daily. They have been a life saver but they can only be given for a short time, usually 4 weeks. I want to withdraw, gradually from Lorazepam and am seeking advice on what are the best mindfullness videos / resources for treating anxiety. My GP may offer alternative medication. However, I do not want to end up taking medication for the rest of my life.

Thanks in advance

John

[monkey]

Hi John. I'm sorry to hear about your anxiety. Can your GP refer you to a mindfulness course for anxiety (sometimes they're for anxiety and depression)? In some areas they can do that, or sometimes you have to go through your local Improving Access to Psychological Treatment service.

I think the main books that are mentioned most on here are the ones by Jon Kabat-Zinn (Full Catastrophe Living and lots more) and the Mark Williams books (Finding Peace in a Frantic World and there's one aimed at people who have depression). But they aren't specifically for people with anxiety, although Full Catastrope Living is about stress, so perhaps in wrong. Lots of people also do the eight week courses and say they benefit from having a teacher to talk to about it all. I hope you find something that helps.

[monkey]

Perhaps 'I'm' wrong.

[Jonaaaa]

As a starting point Headspace by Any Puddicombe is a good intro (though leave you wanting). Sharon Salberg's 'Real Happiness' is another excellent introduction.

I must admit, even as someone who has dabbled in mindfulness for around 10 years, I don't find Full Catastrophe Living an easy read. But it is a mine of info and, if possible, worth persevering with at some point. Though I think a lot of my difficulties is down to how my mind works, if I am being honest. I want analogies to be 100% applicable to the situations described and foibles like that.