tofu 20 Posted May 14, 2012 This past week or so, I've had some old obsession return and I'm pretty sure it's just my stress levels messing with me. It still sucks though to make so much progress and get things under control, only to have to deal with old shit all over again. Those who have known me for awhile will know that I have an irrational phobia of medications. I also have really bad allergies in the early summer and they're kicking in now, which also causes me anxiety. So I've recently gotten stuck in an anxiety spiral where I feel like shit and obsess over the decision to try an OTC med that would make me feel better. I've bought zyrtec and it's been unopened on a shelf for two months. I also bought a homeopathetic nose spray and I'm scared to use that as well. So I've sunk into an old pattern/cycle where I'm obsessing about all of the above and nothing is really getting done. I still don't feel well and I have two medications that would help me but I'm afraid to use either and find myself googling the hell out of every ingredient in them, which in turn makes me more scared. I don't usually post these types of things but I'm struggling to ground myself in the logic, which hasn't happened for a long time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JOYCICLE 654 Posted May 14, 2012 Tofu the homeopathic stuff will have NO SIDE effects of any kind. I use them all the time. It'll be ok. You're suffering for no reason. Another great tip for allergy time is to wash your bedding regulary and to shower a little extra to get the pollen and junk off of your skin. I feel your pain. I hate meds and don't like even the slightest of them. But if I get it at the herb store I have no trouble with it. You can boost your immune system's response with olive leaf extract! All safe and all natural. Logic vs. Panic, You know the outcome ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JOYCICLE 654 Posted May 14, 2012 DONT GOOGLE ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilly 1086 Posted May 14, 2012 Ok tof hun, number 1, STRESS. Like you said you have had a lot lately, wedding on your mind, lots to think about and do. That is indeed messing with you. 2, you have had these bumps a few times since I've known you, as you pregressed and progressed and got better and better. Honestly you have done absolutely amazing, you have made the most progress out of anyone of us imo. Don't let your stressed mind cloud your reasoning, this may feel like the worst but it won't be, its a bump like all the others, that you will overcome. 3. Bumps, a clear sign of recovery, you can't get better without bumps along the way, its the anxiety trying to fight back because you are WINNING. *spoken by the great Dr Claire Weekes* maybe with a little Charlie Sheen added there 4. Every single challenge you have had you have beaten, every one. Wow aren't you amazing? Yes, yes you are. Peanut butter, advocado, cutlery, cereal, almond cake (to name a few if I remember right) And I don't ever remember an occurrence of your fear coming true. So yes this is the stress messing with you, it's also memories of last summer and your allergies. You are not the same person any more, you are stronger, experienced, an anxiety ass kicking superstar!! Oh yes and this DONT GOOGLE ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaun 6 Posted May 14, 2012 I think your concerns about medications are valid and not totally irrational. It's good to be concerned about the drugs you are putting into your body. I believe most of these medications actually make us feel worse and cause more problems both physical and mental. You could try reducing your anxiety naturally though breathing techniques, exercise, meditation, positive thinking etc. What allergies do you have? I have hayfever. I hate it, but it doesn't make me feel anxious, it just pisses me off, haha! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tecca_Nina 3 Posted May 14, 2012 I think your concerns about medications are valid and not totally irrational. It's good to be concerned about the drugs you are putting into your body. I believe most of these medications actually make us feel worse and cause more problems both physical and mental. You could try reducing your anxiety naturally though breathing techniques, exercise, meditation, positive thinking etc. What allergies do you have? I have hayfever. I hate it, but it doesn't make me feel anxious, it just pisses me off, haha! Agreed. Find a technique that calms yourself down to the point of where you will be able to use the medication. When you use it and it (hopefully) works and does not cause any problems, hopefully this will make you more calm in the future! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kinser 3 Posted May 14, 2012 I'm sorry you're struggling with this - have you tried using a Neti pot? It is a sinus flush with saline-water. No medication at all, and I have found it to be really helpful in the past. Just make sure to use distilled water. You can find them at about any drugstore. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quirky Jessi 2 Posted May 15, 2012 You know the others are right and you already know it's irrational but sometimes it helps to hear it again, so I'll echo the words.... It's okay to rebound a little bit. Just know that it's merely a setback and you can bounce right back after.....you're not returning to all your old ways. It's only a little bump. Staying away from Google is a good idea. Yes, you should research a bit to begin with, but you've already read all that you should read, so no more. You're officially banned from there, hehe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twinks* 16 Posted May 16, 2012 Tofu, I have a med phobia also ...but it is mostly to psych meds because I dont like any mind altering meds. If you rationalize with your brain and say to yourself what harm came come from a pill that will clear my nose...Sometimes I compare my meds to others.. I have a friend that takes chemo on a regular basis and I take a med called Humira (which has a BIBLE of side affects) but i think to myself that his chemo meds are WAYYY worse and if he can do it I can too. Also...maybe instead of you googling you could have you fiance take a look for you and filter things . Anyway whatever you decide I know you will over come this in time..always baby steps with OCD !!!! Luv Yah 80's girl...oh btw there is a movie coming out in June called "Rock Of Ages" based on 80's ROCK!!! The only downer is Tom Cruise is in it...BLAH!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaun 6 Posted May 17, 2012 If I was precribed drugs for a mental or physical problem, I would research the ingredients in the drug and decide whether I want to consume the drug. I don't think this is an irrational fear, it's the sensible thing to do. I think drugs are generally overprescribed and natural avenues should be explored before medication. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites