Anyone using Escitalopram for their anxiety?

[bluebomber]

I am using Escitalopram for 2 months now and I just want to gauge how people are doing with it on the long term and has it affected your treatment with HIV

[mecch]

I took it for depression for a year or two, about 6 months after I caught HIV.  The drug worked well for me and I dont think it had any impact on the antiviral treatment. 

Hope you find some relief!

[bluebomber]

It seems to be working. I think I lack social interaction and honestly I dont go out anymore. I think that would be the biggest contributor to my depression. I dont really like taking to many medications both for financial reasons and health. Its reassuring that its a treatment that works.

[mecch]

Its a popular treatment and thats because it works.  But you should figure out a way to socialize more. HIV can be isolating as can depression. The two together - well we have to do something active and concrete to feel good.  If you can't or don't feel like really socializing you could still just go someplace regular like yoga or fitness or some activity which will help change the air and your mindset.

[bluebomber]

I should really try meditation again. I guess I stopped because my android app subscription free trial expired. Im not sure I cpuld go out yet. Crowds and the outdoors trigger my anxiety. I am afraid of getting tetanus and rabies. I know its silly but I get stressed out.

[mecch]

The plot has thickened with that post.  You seem to be in real situation with the isolation. Do you have mental health attention to this? Any progress in the long term? I'm sorry to hear it.

[bluebomber]

I was advised to go out more often but going out seems to trigger my worries and it gives me something to think about each night. Like whether I stepped on something sharp, someone sneezed at me, did I bump into a flying bat. Silly stuff that hurts me because I know its silly but i cant shake it off. For the 2 months im taking Escitalopram, I was waiting for the thoughts to disappear but I guess it does not work that way. I need to go out, make friends, real friends and do something other than work at home.

My mistake is thinking escitalopram is something that while control my thoughts. As i learn it lessens the feelingbof of worry but it cannot edit my thinking. Thats why I am eager to find hope whenever I can like people who successfully used it and how did they cope.

It does not help at all that I am a former worker in the medical field, now everything i know about disease, injuries haunts me.

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Look sorry to hear the challenges you are facing.

If you worked in the medical field you also know to get a tetanus shot if that helps calm the nerves regarding that specific concern, and about the rabies it is really rare but look just don't put your hands in stray animals mouths and you should be fine. 

I think avoiding crowds is one thing, you can't just jump into this as it would be overwhelming but you probably do need to build up-to learning to cope with it and having social contact with people, real people in the real world. This would i suspect be one of the first steps to take to build that confidence level again.

Medication alone is not the answer BTW. Are you also seeing a therapist regarding your fears?

Anyhow wishing you well.

Jim   

[bluebomber]

I wanted to seek a therapist but right now all I can afford is a psychiatrist and medication. Therapy in our country is expensive and not covered by insurance. I am often left alone with my thoughts. But I do began starting to read self help books and it calms me a bit. And now I have this forum which is helping a lot.

[Ptrk3]

If you have trusted friends to whom you have disclosed, rely on them for discussions and chats that substitute well for therapy.  Really, that can  take the place of "formal" therapy and provide you the support you may need.

Of course, please continue to use these forums for continuing support.  Many talented and gifted people are here for you.

[bluebomber]

I dont really have friends just acquaintances but I'll try to make one

[mecch]

Just something I noticed in your words here - are you aware of this. It does not seem primarily people and contacts that give you the anxiety but irrational fears of safety and life fears.  That is what you mention more often.  So keep that in mind when you are ready to go out - even the little social contact of a commercial exchange or pleasantries at a fitness centre or stretching class might be reassuring in an environment that to you seems filled with dangers.