Posted by Snoozy on April 15, 2003, at 2:10:33
In reply to Help: next two days will be extremely stressful, posted by HelenInCalif on April 15, 2003, at 1:46:23
> After a month of stress at work I have good reason to believe I'll be laid off tomorrow or Wednesday. I know my stress will skyrocket, even though I'm trying to use cognitive techniques (ABCDE for example) to fight this.
>
> The work stress had already caused a light depression and made my ADD worse (for the former I've added fish oil, B vitamins, antioxidants, and a few other supplements; for the latter I've upped my dexedrine dose). Even though I've wanted out of the job, the lack of control of a layoff is already causing me to feel panicked, in a "fight or flight" mode, tonight. Two questions:
>
> 1. Is there anything doctors could prescribe to help with an extreme stress reaction? What I'd like to remain functional at work, rather than frozen in fear. Can any medicine help? Because I just changed insurance I'd only like to see a doctor if there's a good chance they'll prescribe something useful. (Currently the Dex and ambien for insomnia are my only prescriptions.)
>
> 2. Any suggestions on other diet or supplements changes to make in the face of a sudden stress spike (other than less caffeine)? More or less carbohydrates? Tryptophan from turkey?I'd go for turkey, a big ol' plate of potatoes and a bowl of pasta. Carbs usually slow one down, but you do still want to have adequate protein to keep the blood sugar from crashing. Perhaps avoiding sugary foods too (it's so tempting to scarf down a bag of candy or a bunch of donuts when you're really stressed.) Cutting back on caffeine if you can without getting withdrawl symptoms, should help.
As for medications, I'm assuming you want to stay away from the benzos? I have heard of using a beta-blocker such as propranolol (it's a generic) for stage fright/speaking anxiety-type situations. Maybe that would help for a short-term extreme anxiety bout? Just a thought.
Deep breaths and good luck to you!
poster:Snoozy
thread:219453
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030411/msgs/219458.html