It had to be done

[vaneramos]

I'm going to take some advice I read in trapezebear's journal recently: "Never complain, never explain."

Today with regret I trimmed my friends list from 103 to 78 and dropped my subscriptions to several communities. The alternative was taking a holiday from LJ. Whether or not I have removed you, you are welcome to continue reading or remove me as you wish.

I have also written a new bio.

Comments

Re: power to the people!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I don't feel altogether celebratory about the big slash, but relieved.

[e-musings.livejournal.com]

Hi..I read your bio-re: anxiety disorder--i am in 'the field' and also have an anxiety d/o myself-thanks to some excellent therapy and meds, i have been panic free for a long time. if you need info/support, etc, I am here! :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Here I am adding you in a day of cutbacks, but I have appreciated your comments before, and I would like your input on this issue. Sometimes I write about anxiety in public posts, but more often in friends-only. Thank you for this offer. I'll put together a short list of some previous posts to bring you uptodate.

I have been on a waiting list to see a psychiatrist since January, and finally it sounds as if I may be able to arrange an appointment within the next two weeks. What a relief!

not that you asked, but.....

[e-musings.livejournal.com]

Some quick advice: if you go on meds, go slowly. For example, if s/he prescribes paxil start SLOWLY like at 5mgs a day for a week or so....then increase gradually. Anxious people can get more anxious at first on these meds, but then they are WONDERFUL for controlling anxiety. Ask your doc for a benzodiazapine to go along with it, to help control possible increase of anxiety. 10% of peopel with depression get 'activation'(feeling realy wired like drinking lots of coffee) side effect; lots more people with anxiety get that side effect.Which is where a benzo comes in handy. I am not a doc but this is what I tell my 'people'.

Is it the Canadian medical system that is the delay? Here you could see a pychiatrist in about 4 weeks. A therapist even sooner. (me the next day or so, lol!)

Re: not that you asked, but.....

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I think I had the long wait because my g.p. was picky about who he referred me to. He said there were other psychiatrists I could see sooner, but none were as good. I probably could have seen a therapist sooner, but I have been intent on getting to a psychiatrist because I need a doctor to do paperwork so I can apply for other services like vocational rehab and possibly income.

I hope I don't have to go on anti-depressants again. I was on Paxil for five years (1996 to 2001) for major depression. No question I needed it at the time, but it made me sluggish and sleepy, which won't help me handle anxieties around getting back to work. Other anti-depressants, which made me jittery, were even worse.

I would like to do cognitive therapy, but my g.p. said it usually isn't covered by OHIP, our provincial health insurance. I might have to go to a therapist for that. But the priority seems to be seeing a psychiatrist.

[e-musings.livejournal.com]

There is a new antidepressant out--lexapro-this one has minimal side effects, etc. The people who are on it usually love it for the effectiveness and low side effect profile.
The best combo for getting over anxiety and/or depression is meds + therapy. One or the other works, too just not as fast.
Wow, the insurance companies I am paid by pay for cognitive therapy--good thing since most clinicians use this method. (I am eclectic--use what seems right at the time, and a jumble of different methods)

Good luck!!!
PS I was on paxil for a couple years and really liked it--but the sexual side effects and the sweating side effect did me in. I switched to luvox.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Good news: I have an appointment on May 21.

Thanks for the advice about Lexapro. I will ask him about it. Another thing I have heard recommended is SAM-e. Do you know anything about it?

I will ask him about cognitive therapy, too.

My anxiety isn't bad right now, but it gets worse whenever I try to take action toward getting employed again. That's when I feel I can't do it on my own, and need some kind of support.

[e-musings.livejournal.com]

geez --- * smacks self upside the head * I have a handout that I give to people with anxiety issues...do you want me to email that to you?
I haven't heard anything about Sam-e. I am a pretty conservative with medicines to treat people with person and this sounds beyond what I see with clients.

The 21st is not so far away! Yay!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Sure, I have some research already, in fact I'm reading a book from the library right now, but all info helps. My email is vanwaffle AT sprint DOT ca.

advances in antidepressants

[queenmomcat.livejournal.com]

There have been several new medications out in the past few years, and several more 'old' ones approved for new uses--Stephe would probably know better than I about that, though. (I think he's on Lexapro?)

Re: advances in antidepressants

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I heard the side effects from Lexapro aren't as bad.

[art-thirst.livejournal.com]

I've tried to keep my friends list short because I like to read every single one of them. I've always enjoyed reading yours. :-))

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Hopefully I'll be able to pay closer attention now, too.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

i like your new bio. it's much clearer. glad to have
made the cut, though i don't always comment, i always
read--and often draw from your estimable photos.~paul

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Your comments have been a great encouragement. I have had trouble keeping up with my friends list. Hopefully I can be more consistent now.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

so do i.~paul