Anxiety

Anxiety or anxiety disorder is a common co-morbidity of patients sufferings from the Th1 diseases. Like all inflammatory diseases, anxiety disorder is caused by the Th1 pathogens and may temporarily increase during periods of immunopathologyA temporary increase in disease symptoms experienced by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed.. Cognitive dysfunction can be managed using the generic strategies for managing immunopathology, and should resolve over the course of the Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP).

Anxiety can be subtle or debilitating or both. Some patients may not possess the presence of mind to know they're suffering from anxiety. It often does not occur to Marshall Protocol (MP) patients, even in the midst of severe anxiety, that their emotional state is a product of the disease process.

Patients suffering from anxiety may wish to modify their dose of antibiotics or take an anti-anxiety agent.

The frequency with which patients of certain Th1 diseases also experience anxiety^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9} suggests a single underlying cause.

It is my opinion that early and prominent symptoms of Th1 disease are psychological which have been interpreted as anxiety, depression, insomnia, learning disabilities etc. These symptoms like physical ones are exacerbated during effective treatment of Th1 [diseases].

By understanding this, one can lessen some of the impact of those symptoms, just as one can with the physical symptoms. Not knowing why one is 'suffering' increases the stress of the situation which then, actually intensifies the problem. By understanding, one can remain more relaxed which lessens the intensity and supports recovery. Also, by accepting the temporary limitations imposed, it is again less stressful and more beneficial for recovery.

Greg Blaney, MD

Anxiety can and should be managed just like other symptoms. The following strategies and therapies may limit or help manage the anxiety a patient experiences

• Restrict light exposure. It is very common for MP patients to experience anxiety in the hours or days following light exposure.
• Modify doses of antibiotics.
• Take an anti-anxiety agent.
• Practice good sleep hygiene.
• Try relaxation techniques.
• Listen to soothing music.
• Try pet therapy
• Take breaks from work. Make sure to balance fun activities with your responsibilities.
• Spend time with people you enjoy.

Another option is to consider how one can manage stress.

Continued stress will… interfere with the restoration of health even on the MP. If one has endeavoured to manage stress better but one's condition continues to deteriorate than something else is going on. If other medical problems have been ruled out, then, a chronic infection is very likely….

Early on, distress can and does exacerbate symptoms. Patients with better coping skills and support do better. As one improves, one experiences less or no distress in response to stressors.

Greg Blaney, MD

Finally there's certain evidence that olmesartan (Benicar)Medication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor. may be useful against stress disorders. A National Institutes of Health paper says an important stress hormone, ANGII, and by extension stress disorders, could be managed by the use of ARBs, of which olmesartanMedication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor. Also known by the trade name Benicar. is one.¹⁰

When I am in the midst of herxing my emotions tell me that I have always been herxing, always will, with no end in sight. I know many of us have that psychological response.

John McDonald

The first few months on Phase Two were the most difficult for me. Anything connected with emotion was difficult and when it came to physical things, I felt sluggish - as if were doing everything in a swimming pool, working against the force of water. Mental confusion and despair may be better if you rest more and keep in mind that this is temporary like all other Herxing. You will come out of this dark tunnel to see better scenery at the other end.

Belinda Fenter

The physical stuff seems a bit more manageable than the anxiety stuff, as physical flares are tangible and come and go quickly by comparison. I guess the good news is that if you are hitting this aspect already, then you must certainly be working on healing there so it can't all be a bad thing.

For me, after working the minocyclineBacteriostatic antibiotic used by Marshall Protocol patients. brake/gas pedals as per MP, distraction is a great compatible non-drug tool that is easy to manage. Instead of allowing focus to remain in the areas that enlarge anxiety, respond with action that requires focus elsewhere when the claws of anxiety dig deep into your soul.

Experiment around and find what works best for you. Low energy/low risk/high return activities for me include games, puzzles, calling a trusted friend, curling up with a worthy book, handwork/crafts. Your list may be different. The main idea is to arm yourself with ample distraction actions and get adequate rest to help the MP medications and your immune system win the big battle.

Janet Foutin

Use the 'relaxation/meditation stuff.' I found that relaxing (sleeping) to loud rock music helped me through the darkest years.

Trevor Marshall, PhD

Doreen V. (patient's mother)

autism, ADHD, depression, severe anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Read the interview

Interviews of patients with other diseases are also available.