I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and I want to party!?

I have just been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and I'm sick of it. I'm scarred to take any medication for it (was prescribed with Celexa on Wed and haven't taken it yet.) All I want to do is have fun with the guys again like I used to. You know just kick back and have a few beers. What should I do?

Instead of anxiety, or worry, downgrade them to "concerns". See section 6, at ezy build, below. "Worry is like a rocking chair - it gives you something to do, but won't get you anywhere." - Set yourself a specific time period for worrying about anything, (say; around three quarters of an hour, possibly when you get home, or after your evening meal, but not too close to bedtime) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even entertain the thought of worrying again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life. You will have had your "worry time" for the day, and can just write down any more thoughts that come to mind, and say to yourself: "Well, I'll just have to worry about that tomorrow, won't I?". Doctor Wayne Dwyer once said: "Negative emotions are preceded by negative thoughts". It is important to regularly monitor, and deal with a negative internal monologue (self talk), or mental process, such as disturbing thoughts, images, impulses, or emotions, by the process of (a): recognising it, and (b): challenging it immediately.

Technique For Re-Programming Negative Thoughts: When you notice something negative, such as: "I'm never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so pathetic/useless/such a loser?" or even: "I can't do this/will never get over this!", even an image, emotion, or a memory; recognise that this is being generated from the negative part of your mind. Having identified and labelled it, visualise a large, red, flashing, "STOP!" sign, and/or possibly a stern faced person wagging an index finger at you in a negative manner, then say to yourself as forcefully as you can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!" You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick", instead of "tactic". In the case of an image, visualise a large "STOP" sign, or your preferred version. Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary.

Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method. Try replacing a negative thought with a positive affirmation of your choice, like: "I am a unique individual, with my own set of skills, and good points", or "I may not be perfect, but I'm doing the best I can, right now". Practice one of the relaxation methods in sections 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. Alternatively, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind). Section 53, and pages 2, 2.q and 2.o at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also refer: "Even though I sometimes suffer from anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself." Neurofeedback treatment for anxiety is increasingly becoming available.

Herbal remedies, such as valerian, (which is not recommended for use if depression is also present) passionflower, or St.John's wort, are often effective, but the idea is (as with anxiolytic medication) to use them like water wings, or training wheels on a bicycle, providing initial support, and giving time for other treatments, such as therapy, and relaxation techniques, to take effect. Imagine, as vividly as you possibly can, that your concerns, anxieties, worries, fears, your self-recriminations, all the agonizing "I'm-so-Stupids," and "I'm-too-fats"; every painful "I-can't-I-have-it" or "I-can't-do-it"are huge raging, hurtful bulls snorting and charging at you. You see them coming at you and you hold out your red matador's cape at arms length and simply let them charge right by.

Every time they come at you, hold out your arm with the red cape and let them rage and snort and go right on past. An alternative for the 40% of people who are fairly suggestible is professional hypnotherapy, or autosuggestion; (self hypnosis) pages k, i, p, & q, in section 3, and anxiety script; page R, section 6, refer, or enter in the searchbar, at: http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/ "Overcome Fear and Anxiety Hypnosis Download" or, at: http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/h... - Alleviating Anxiety CD - MP3. A variant of EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety, is shown in section 42, on page i, at ezy-build. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over.

I have an axiety disorder and for the longest time i was prescribed stuff like xanax,klonopin,valium and i also drank alot of beer......i ended up really abusing this stuff and eventually got addicted.....this caused more anxiety and alot of trouble.....i have'nt used anything in a year and i for the most part been depressed and really anxious all the time...even on 60mgs of celexia a day...i'm not sure what to do any more....i really miss the days of the seditives....not so much to have fun but to be free of these messed up feelings...as long as you not going to get addicted a few beers won't hurt,but you gotta be careful you don't start abusing the stuff...do what works for you