Positive input for Cymbalta relieving anxiety, depression and pain

@kathy513 There are a number of mindfulness practices that are helpful and it took me many times of practice to figure out what works for me. I now have a toolbox of mindfulness practices and coping skills so if one practice doesn't work then I try another.

It's important to practice these when you don't need them. Then you will have the practiced skill when you are feeling anxious because you've already learned how to practice these.

I figure it's like swimming. I learned to swim as a young child and I practiced a lot and took swimming classes. If I never fall into the water say from the side of a pool, pier or a boat I'd be less likely to drown because I already know how to swim and I have lifesaving skills I learned in these swimming classes. (this assumes the water is warm enough).

I have a practice where I combine mindfulness with cognitive/behavioral skills.

1) Aware - look around, be aware of your surroundings, look at what's around you and describe it to yourself.
2) Feelings - What am I feeling? This refers to emotions. Where am I feeling this in my body. I put my hand to the places on my body where I feel anxiety. This is most often in my belly because this is where adrenaline is released in the adrenal medulla stucture.
3) Thoughts - What are my thoughts? Pay attention to these thoughts? Are these thoughts rational? Reasonable? If not, how can I reframe these thoughts?
4) Breathe - I breathe at the end of all these steps however I am also taking slow breaths during this practice.

Here are some good mindfulness practices guided by Tara Brach. I learned many of my practices online from. her:

Tara Brach Guided Meditations:

-- https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/

I learned many practices on my own after first suggested by a psychologist I saw many years ago. I also do Yoga with Adriane and she incorporates following your breath.

Yoga with Adriene:

-- https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Does these help explain?

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I have taken Cymbalta for many years. I believe it helps me with pain sensations in my brain, where most pain originates. That is why it is given to people with pain, to my understanding. It is not a magic pill, as none of them are. It is a tool in my toolbox of things I do or take, to help combat my body wide pain. Progressive muscle relaxation, deep belly breathing, and tapping are more of my tools. I hope this helps you.

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I was on Cymbalta for 7 years. It was helpful for IBS anxiety & stomach pain. It made me always feel totally out of it. Even on low dosage. No sexual desire. Dizzy and lightheaded.
I had enough and got off. Even with recommendation of Dr faster tapering vs Pharmacist a much slower tapering which I went with pharmacist suggestions the withdrawal symptoms were horrible. I swore I would never go thru that again.
I have tried cognitive therapy, walking, mediation, exercise, registered dietician, now Transcranial stimulation. Hoping the pain and anxiety will go away.

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Thanks for your input! Did it require 60 mg for pain relief? Any undesired side effects?

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It is not a pain pill. It does not instantly provide pain relief. If you have Fibro, I believe we must find a "toolbox" of ways to combat pain. Finding a good support group is an excellent and much needed thing.

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