I suffer from service related PTSD and Social Anxiety. It usually begins to manifest itself in what I call "Input Overload" where the normal stimuli around me will send me into a panic or worse, sometimes an anger driven state of mind which I take out on those around me. I have taken/tried a combo of Prizac, Paxil, Zoloft, and therapy since 2001 to try and manage my "behavior" if you will. I did find Paxil to be helpful but the side effects are painful and quite odd including IBS, Severe weight gain, the overwhelming urge to stop taking my meds, and drastically lowered inhibitions.
I finally found a therapist who is an old hippie and he suggested I try MJ. I had been smoking off and on since I was about 15 but never tried it as a medication. The withdrawals from Paxil were a nightmare, the worst was the shocking feeling that ran up my spine into my head....and yes I tapered off as recommended. Now I was unable to get a medical recommendation but here is what I have found from "self medication". The input overload still happens but while using MJ I am able to recognize the trigger before or just prior to it affecting me. In other words the racing thoughts are slowed just enough to allow me to rationalize what is ACTUALLY happening or about to happen. It has been such a relief and my wife although not a total advocate, appreciates the
good things it does for me. She has always stood by me but she now says its
easier to do knowing that "I'm mellow" and wont have a negative reaction to a
door slamming or sitting in a restaraunt full of people...although I still have to
have my car parked nose out and sit with my back to the wall (For a quick
exit should a "situation" arise)
I know it sounds crazy but if you met me you probably couldnt even tell I carry this burden.
Thank (your) god for old hippie therapists and for Cannibas Sativa.
I finally found a therapist who is an old hippie and he suggested I try MJ. I had been smoking off and on since I was about 15 but never tried it as a medication. The withdrawals from Paxil were a nightmare, the worst was the shocking feeling that ran up my spine into my head....and yes I tapered off as recommended. Now I was unable to get a medical recommendation but here is what I have found from "self medication". The input overload still happens but while using MJ I am able to recognize the trigger before or just prior to it affecting me. In other words the racing thoughts are slowed just enough to allow me to rationalize what is ACTUALLY happening or about to happen. It has been such a relief and my wife although not a total advocate, appreciates the
good things it does for me. She has always stood by me but she now says its
easier to do knowing that "I'm mellow" and wont have a negative reaction to a
door slamming or sitting in a restaraunt full of people...although I still have to
have my car parked nose out and sit with my back to the wall (For a quick
exit should a "situation" arise)
I know it sounds crazy but if you met me you probably couldnt even tell I carry this burden.
Thank (your) god for old hippie therapists and for Cannibas Sativa.