I have had anxiety forever. Psychologist suggested meds. How do I know when I should give in?

Question

I really don't want to take medications but I am tired of feeling like this. I have had anxiety since I was born. How do I know my anxiety is severe enough that I should try medication?

As I said, I am currently seeing a psychologist (therapist) who is doing talk therapy with me. I have tried about 5 since I was 14.

Answer 1

You are not giving in, as in giving up. Medication is not a bad thing. If you had a heart condition, you would take meds for that right? If you broke your arm you'd get a cast and pain meds right? So, your brain has a chemical imbalance, its a medical issue that's easily helped with medication. Do it, take it regularily, and take your life back!!

Answer 2

I know where you are coming from, I dont care to talk about my issues either. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that takes care of the physical side of anxiety/depression etc. They prescribe medications. They do not necessarily make you talk about your issues...that is what psychologists are for. They will write down what you say but I swear it seems your psychiatric file is near impossible for anyone to get. As for how long you take medication, it depends on what you are diagnosed with. A psychiatrist once told me that depression is like fingerprints; no one has exactly the same experience. That same psychiatrist told me that with some people it is a temporary thing, some people have it off and on and some people have it forever. Even though mine appears to be lasting forever, it has gottten significantly better than it had been and I take much less medication now. Hope this helped some. Oh and in the 8 years since I was diagnosed with anxiety/depression I have never once went to therapy.

Answer 3

The research consistently shows that about 40% of people respond well to medication or psychotherapy, however, about 60% respond positively when they receive both. I strongly recommend a self-help book on anxiety called "When Panic Attacks" by David Burns, M.D.

The book is not just about panic, but anxiety and depression as well and offers useful tools you can begin using immediately to help reduce your suffering. Anxiety is very uncomfortable and limiting. It is also one of the most treatable problems. Psychologists believe that psychotherapy is the way to treat mental health problems, so when they recommend medication they tend to be right about your need for it. You could always stop the meds if you didn't feel they were helpful, or if you had any problems taking them.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

It took me 26 years to finally admit that this is not something I can help with talk therepy alone its a big step to take but the sooner you start trying the better youll feel... I suffer from extreme anxiety I tried talk therepy alone didnt work tried medication alone didnt work.. try them in combination you will feel soo much better. I know axiety can be a big burden on life I hate it as Im sure you do as well try what I suggested I wish you well and hope you find whats right for you alos if you try one med and it dosent work dont give up, diffrent meds for diffrent people it takes time.

Answer 5

How should you know when you should give in to Medications for Anxiety? Well When you ahve exhausted every other option of Therapy. That when!

I say that because I would not recommend Meds unless there were absolutely no other option for you. And I am sure you have not tried everything, in fact I am sure you probably not thought of many of your options, yet.

Like:
Meditation Practices - help to clear your mind of negative thoughts and help to build your thinking process

Proper Breathing techniques -buildings your air capacity, and aids in your energy levels

Pilates, and yoga -aids the body and mind coordination

Tai-Chi -helps also with mind and body coordination

Massage Therapy
a). Swedish -for relaxing soft tissue
b). Shiatsu -for rejuvenating your chakras, soft tissue, energy levels
c). Acupressure -relieving trigger points, and tense muscles
d)Reiki -this Balances chakras,

If none of these work seek professional help

Answer 6

As someone who's been through this. I find that medication and counseling work well together. The anxiety makes thing easier for me to handle. The therapy helps with the week to week things.

Answer 7

Try the meds, It can make such a differance for you, it sure did for me. I fought taking anything for years, when I couldn't stand it anymore I decided to try it, I was amazed at the differance it made. It just seemed like I slowly started to feel better, every day was better than the day before. It took a couple of weeks for me to start to be able to feel it working, but then it just kept getting better & life felt good. You really should try the meds! Good Luck!!!

Answer 8

You need to go to a therapist who will show you alternatives to medication. I firmly believe that doctors are too quick to hand out medication for depression and anxiety.

I used to have terrible anxiety, and then I started going to acupuncture. Within 2 sessions, my anxiety completely disappeared. You might want to give it a try.

Answer 9

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 10

Not to sound "glib" but never give in, and avoid drugs if at all possible. Anxiety is literally all in your head- it's not a chemical imbalance or illness, it's a thought pattern gone off the rails. You can over come it by changing you subconscious thoughts. Like learning a new language, you can re-think how your brain processes stress.
http://www.panic-anxiety.com