Looking to control ruminating thoughts

[Crissy1000]

I've had GAD all my life but never knew I had this disorder until 2 years ago.  I just thought I was a chronic worrier and since I had been in a bad marriage (to a man who became an alcoholic and was later diagnosed as bipolar..imagine that) I never took care of myself because everything centered around my husband.  I am now divorced and taking care of my mental health.  Since being layed off 3 years ago and don't have medical benefits I've decided to look into alternative therapy.  I'm reading "The Worry Cure" by Robert Leahy which is amazing, and want to try L Theanine and Ashwagandha together.  I suffer from migraines and also take medications for it (not imitrex or any other of the triptans).  Hopefully my headaches go away with these other meds.

My ruminating thoughts keep me from being productive at work and at home.  I wrestle with uncertainty which makes me procrastinate for a long time when i should be starting a project.  I worry too much about my relationships because I always seek reassurance and of course, it turns men off.

How long should I try L Theanine and Aswagandha before I try a prescribed medication?  After reading the forums it seems like these herbal remedies work but want to be informed.  how about Seredyn?  I want a somewhat normal life.  thanks!

[bryan3000]

I'd suggest trying a few things, one being meditation. Don't just read a few things online and try it, but really immerse yourself in
understanding the power of meditation and why people do so.  Podcats by Dr. Robert Puff are a great place for beginners to start.
You can also listen to things on Youtube by Jon Kabbot-zin.

There's also a podcast by a guy named Gary Van Warmerdam called "Pathway to Happiness" that's free, though he does sell a course.
I've been doing the free versions of his course and it's EXTREMELY intriguing with regards to taking control back from your mind and realizing
what power you do have, and what your mind gets up to when you leave it to it's own devices.

I also love Meditation Oasis on iTunes... great guided meditations with good principles for living, relaxing and creating mindfulness. Also free.

I think you're on the right path with the reading your'e doing. As for medications, I'm sure they can help in many cases. But, imo... they're a temporary
fix. You may as well get to work on the core issues, meds or not.

Exercise also has to be mentioned. Sounds cliche, but it does take your mind off of things. Getting outside as much as possible helps me, too.

Remember, humans didn't evolve to sit in artificially lighted, climate controlled boxes all day. Just being outdoors can be amazingly refreshing.

[Crissy1000]

Thanks so much for your awesome suggestions!  I have checked into Mindfulness Meditation and am practicing it but I'm having a difficult time "sitting with" these emotions, especially in the last week.   I read it's supposed to get better the more you sit with uncomfortable emotions but it's been hard.  the best part is that I haven't acted impulsively but I think I do need a little help by taking L Theanine at this beginning stage so I can get some work done in between meditation and practicing the exercises in The Worry Cure.

I'm listening to a podcast by a guy named Gary Van Warmerdam as I'm writing this.  The teachings of Pema Chodron also help me.  Thanks again!

[Crissy1000]

Sounds like another great book to read which I'm going to order in a few days.  Thanks for your suggestions.  I also decided I'm not going to beat myself up about slipping the past two weeks and will just keep working on myself.  Thanks again.