HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest An Effective Stress Management Therapy

default
Posted on Wed, 26 Nov 2014
Question: Hi, I'm feeling unable to function well due to stress.. what can I do about it?

Basically I'm always feeling sad / depressed and unable to feel happiness despite my life being OK.

It feels like my brain is very foggy and stuck which causes me to be unable to face life challenges such as going to work. Instead I prefer sitting in my room and have difficulty leaving the house.

I once was prescribed Xanax and felt that it works very well in a sense that I can function normally like head out of the house, play and talk to my kids without gettting agitated and more.

But I do not wish to depend on Xanax as people are saying it's not good in the long run as I might be dependable on it.

Also, when things get too bad, I get panic attacks especially when I'm stuck in traffic XXXXXXX or being in crowded places. My heart would start pounding and feel like I'm going to die.

I hope you can give me some advice or solution.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Mild depression

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

You are a 36 years healthy male with no significant medical illness. There is no significant stress in life still you feel low, not able to function normally even everything is ok. You have lack of interest and you are not able to face challenges or have poor confidence. You usually remain at home resulting in social impairment. There is history of panic attacks in some situations. Xanax helped in anxiety.

Now coming to discussion

From the available history it appears that you have symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Low mood, poor social and work functioning, anhedonia, lack of confidence etc are common symptoms. Panic attacks can occur due to associated anxiety.

Although alprazolam help in improvement but as you are aware of its dependence potential you don't want to take it. But the drug can be reserved for acute attacks on SOS basis.

For depressive symptoms consult a psychiatrist. Most of cases of mild depression respond to Cognitive therapy sessions.

Increase the diets rich in protein and carbohydrates and less in fats. This diet helps in increasing serotonin in brain and result in improvement of symptoms.

You can start Vitamin B12 supplements as low levels of this vitamin is common finding in depressive symptoms.

Omega 3 fatty acid supplements help to improve symptoms also.

If no response occurs to these methods then consult a psychiatrist for medicinal treatment. SSRIs are common anti depressant drugs. Fluoxetine, Escitalopram are antidepressant drugs that don't cause sedation and help in both depression and panic attacks. The drugs are free of serious side effect and are free of abuse potential. Usually 4-6 weeks treatment result in response.

Drugs like propranolol can be used to decrease panic symptoms of you want to avoid Xanax. The drug don't cause dependence and is free of abuse potential.


Hope this helps you, you can ask again if you have more questions

Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (15 minutes later)
Dear Dr. Seikhoo,

Can you please tell me more about using Xanax during acute attacks on SOS basis? At what situation is it considered as acute attacks and SOS basis?

As for Cognitive therapy sessions, can you tell me more about it? Can you help me with this now like tell me what I need to do?

I'm interested in SSRI / Fluoxetine, Escitalopram. Can I just buy this over the pharmacy?

Thanks, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Alprazolam

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Xanax or alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug. You can keep few tablets with yourself and can take one tablet in anxiety provoking situations like in car or in XXXXXXX Low doses help in relieving anxiety without causing sedation. If tablet is not taken regularly it is safe to use in conditions like crowded places or XXXXXXX

Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a psychological treatments. In this therapy individuals are interviewed and faulty cognitions which cause day to day symptoms are identified. Then individual and therapist act to correct faulty cognitions. A trained psychologist can help you. Behavior therapy mainly include relaxation methods. Symtematic desensitisation can prove useful in your case anxiety attacks in certain situations. Gradually increasing anxiety provoking stimulus is given and individual is taught to relax himself in anxiety.

Even light exercise and yoga will help you.

Escitalopram or fluoxetine are not available without prescription. You have to consult a Psychiatrist for evaluation and detailed prescription.

Thanks, if still have more uncleared things you can ask again.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Dear Dr. Seikhoo,

Thanks for your answers.

I proceeded to take some Vitamin B-Complex and it seems after taking it.. the last 30 minutes my feeling of sadness has gone.

Now I feel relaxed and sleepy.

Can you recommend when I should be taking it? Should it be first thing in the morning after food or after dinner at night?

Thanks, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Take in morning times

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

It is recommended that B12 supplements should be taken in morning preferably with plenty of water. Avoid tea or coffee at least one hours before and after tablets. You can take them at time of breakfast.

Increase animal food intake like milk, curd, yogurt etc.

Thanks, if you have more queries you can ask.

Wish you a good health
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest An Effective Stress Management Therapy

Brief Answer: Mild depression Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic You are a 36 years healthy male with no significant medical illness. There is no significant stress in life still you feel low, not able to function normally even everything is ok. You have lack of interest and you are not able to face challenges or have poor confidence. You usually remain at home resulting in social impairment. There is history of panic attacks in some situations. Xanax helped in anxiety. Now coming to discussion From the available history it appears that you have symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Low mood, poor social and work functioning, anhedonia, lack of confidence etc are common symptoms. Panic attacks can occur due to associated anxiety. Although alprazolam help in improvement but as you are aware of its dependence potential you don't want to take it. But the drug can be reserved for acute attacks on SOS basis. For depressive symptoms consult a psychiatrist. Most of cases of mild depression respond to Cognitive therapy sessions. Increase the diets rich in protein and carbohydrates and less in fats. This diet helps in increasing serotonin in brain and result in improvement of symptoms. You can start Vitamin B12 supplements as low levels of this vitamin is common finding in depressive symptoms. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements help to improve symptoms also. If no response occurs to these methods then consult a psychiatrist for medicinal treatment. SSRIs are common anti depressant drugs. Fluoxetine, Escitalopram are antidepressant drugs that don't cause sedation and help in both depression and panic attacks. The drugs are free of serious side effect and are free of abuse potential. Usually 4-6 weeks treatment result in response. Drugs like propranolol can be used to decrease panic symptoms of you want to avoid Xanax. The drug don't cause dependence and is free of abuse potential. Hope this helps you, you can ask again if you have more questions Thanks