by Tammy Andros, GA
You can bet if my doctor prescribes something to me for which stomach upset and anxiety are side effects, I’ll be reporting those symptoms. Not that I am a hypochondriac, but rather I am sensitive to those types of medications. Recently I was prescribed a drug for persistent neck and shoulder pain. I was happy to have a magic pill that took the pain away almost immediately. However, a few days later I noticed I was nauseous, irritated and feeling anxious. Yes, anxious! Not that I never experience anxiety - most everyone does at one time or another - but this was anxiety that was really bothering me, which has not been the case since I finished the Midwest Center’s program in 1998.Using Skills from the Midwest Center Program
So I used my coping skills from the program and began evaluating where this anxiety was coming from.1) Work was way too busy. True, but that had not gotten more so recently. It wasn’t causing my anxiety.
2) My sister had been suffering recently with some anxiety and depression, but I did not see that had brought this on.
Then I looked to the most recent changes in my life.
3) The new medicine.
Finding the Opportunity to Exercise Skills for Coping with Anxiety
I read the package warnings and there it was in black and white - depression, stomach distress, anxiety. Being the sensitive person I am to these types of medicines, I normally steer clear of them, but I did not read about this drug first. There were some other symptoms that soon developed by the next morning that prompted me to call my doctor. He told me to stop it (the medication) immediately and to come in to see him to make sure it had not caused an ulcer (another possible side-effect).Already feeling anxious, and then hearing that, before the program that kind of information would have sent me reeling! Not now. With my new coping skills I don’t even have to think about “staying calm” to deal with feelings of anxiety. I automatically do it and that is exactly what I did, remained calm and decided to be patient (a skill I am still working on-just ask my husband Perry!).
Using Coping Skills to Overcome Anxiety and Depression
After a few days, with the medicine out of my system, the nausea and anxiety subsided. I still had some other problems, but they were all gone within a week. With my coping skills, I stayed on an even keel and before I knew it all the anxious feelings dissipated. Before the program, an experience like this would have set off an anxiety episode that would have lasted weeks or even months. The negative and scary thoughts would have taken over and then I would get stuck in the vicious cycle of anxiety and depression. It could have created a period of anxiety and depression that makes life feel impossible.Lucinda and the rest of the good folks at the Midwest Center have taught me to cope with the symptoms of anxiety and depression well though. When I come across times in my life that you would call a “growth spurt,” which is what I consider this to be, I sail right on through and take it in stride. It is a learning experience as well as an opportunity to practice my coping skills for anxiety and depression. As I said earlier, my coping skills are second nature now. I don’t have to think and try to remember what I learned on tape 4 or 10; I just know it and live it.
Life is good......
Tammy Andros , GA
