Do you drink alcohol at all? I think you got some great suggestions upthread, and I would just add that cutting out all alcohol (even just the odd glass of wine) could support your mental health goals too. Alcohol always makes me anxious now that I am older. Hate it!

I have generalized anxiety disorder. I have been on both Lexapro and Zoloft. Both helped in different ways, and I would recommend trying either of those or Prozac if things are really bad (sounds like they are). I was prescribed them by my OBGYN in my early 40s and I went from not wanting to live (just wanting to sort of disappear due to the pain of my anxiety) to feeling like life was pretty good and generally “light.” Of course there are sucky side effects, but none as bad my anxiety was. I have also tried therapy many times, but have never had success with it for whatever reason.

All that said, in my late 40s my OB encouraged me to try HRT. I stopped the Zoloft (I’ve never had trouble stopping) and went on the estrogen patch and progesterone. I since have added testosterone.

It’s been a few years and I feel pretty good. Maybe not as good as the Zoloft—but I also don’t have the side effects of Zoloft to deal with. I still have anxiety some days, but not every day like before, and I’m able to manage it with exercise.

Would you ignore any other type of illness or seek out a qualified health professional ? I think you are being shortsighted.

You might have generalized anxiety disorder. Either way, this is no way to life. And it can’t be great for your kids TBH. You are their role model.

Start therapy (seek someone with CBT skills). They can help you decide if medication would be helpful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you drinking alcohol?

+1. Alcohol can numb the misery if you drink enough of it. That's why they sell wine in boxes.

This is an idiot's approach, as the aftereffects of alcohol include increased anxiety.

Treat the problem, not the symptoms.

Yes, the problem is being sober.

Anonymous wrote:Do they make non addictive anxiety medication?

Yes, lots

Intense and regular exercise. Get outside. Get off screens.

Anonymous wrote:You sound like you have untreated depression and anxiety. See your PCP.

+1000

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you drinking alcohol?

+1. Alcohol can numb the misery if you drink enough of it. That's why they sell wine in boxes.

This is an idiot's approach, as the aftereffects of alcohol include increased anxiety.

Treat the problem, not the symptoms.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you drinking alcohol?

+1. Alcohol can numb the misery if you drink enough of it. That's why they sell wine in boxes.

🤣

Just get the medication and HRT. If you have insurance, the copay is minimal.

HRT and testosterone can help with mood. Increasing anxiety is a common symptom of perimenopause.

LEXAPRO.

My DH has this and has found vigorous exercise (running), meditation and yoga to be the cornerstones of managing it without medication.

He also cut out all sugar, caffeine and alcohol - and that helps hugely

Also, I have been prescribed a low dose of gabapentin off label for anxiety/mood stabilization/sleep and it has been very helpful. Cheap drug.