So, I asked for advice a few weeks back for dealing with this anxiety I'm dealing with. One of the suggestions was Ashwagandha, which I picked up and tried. It seemed to help for a bit, but now I'm back to feeling crap. I'm just soooo tired of always feeling on edge. I spend my life feeling either:

1. A sense of impending doom.
2. Always on edge/agitated.
3. Intense/extreme anxiety.
4. Some combination of the above.

Since I've likely been sick for more than 25 years, the majority of my life has been spent feeling this way. Though I had a brief respite for a bit after treating intensely with herbs/antibiotics for more than 2.5 years, a new tick bite this spring has re-infected me (CDC positive for Lyme) and re-established the psych symptoms.

Today I've just really, really had it. I do not react "normally" to things. I spend my life worried about anything and everything, and feeling uncomfortable in my own skin.

My questions:

1. What causes this? What has the Lyme affected? My thyroid? Thyroid levels are in the low/normal range. My adrenals?
2. What can I do, aside from taking (AGAIN) antibiotics and herbs to kill off the bugs? This is no way to live! So tired and disgusted!

Sorry, I was unclear. I AM treating the infection. Currently taking Amoxicillin, CSA, Houttonyia, Teasel, Cat's Claw and Japanese Knotweed to combat the infection. But in addition to that, what other things can I try? I'm also doing Cordyceps for inflammation. And Sweet Annie for babesia, which I tested positive for in the past, and my naturopath suspects is still on board.

I didn't read your 2nd post till just now. You're taking CSA and Houtty. Those are potent and are active against Bartonella. I wouldn't be surprised if they are increasing your psych symptoms. Maybe you can reduce the dosage a little on those and add more anti inflammatory support like fish oil and curcumin.

Re bart--my naturopath actually suspected Bart when I first returned to her after the bite, due to the symptoms I was experiencing. Most troublesome was the irritation/anger. Those have seemed to subside a bit since I began treatment again. But the anxiety/feelings of unease and impending doom--they are ever-present. I didn't test positive for Bart, but did test CDC positive for Lyme this time around. Of course, we all know how inaccurate the tests are, so I could be dealing with Bart, despite the negative test. Anyone up to date re the herbal protocols? WalkingbyFaith, you said Houtt and CSA are active against Bart? You say Gou Teng for neuro symptoms?

Jason, not familiar with GABA at all. I'll have to look into it.

Chinese skullcap, kudzu root, lion's mane, cordyceps are some of the main ones Buhner recommends for neuro symptoms.

I believe Passion flower, coral root, teasel root, and motherwort are others for the psych symptoms.

In the 2nd edition of Healing Lyme, he adds Gou teng to the core protocol to be taken along with knotweed and cat's claw in the case of neuro Lyme.