Is medication right for my situation?

Question

My husband is in the military and he's leaving me for 8 months in August. We have 3 small children. I recently started a new job. For the last couple of months I've been having frequent panic attacks. I stay up later than I ever used to at night because my brain won't "shut off". I'm worrying, thinking, planning, praying... I have a hard time doing my work and even day to day things because I'm so focused on the things I'm worried about. I've thought of going to the doctor, but worry she'll prescribe me anti-depressants or something. I don't know if that's what I need? I really SHOULD be anxious and scared.. but I do hate how it's taken over me so much.

Answer 1

meds might help, but they're only a crutch. you should probably talk to a mental health professional. you have a lot on your mind (understandably) and having someone to talk through your worries/fears would be highly beneficial.

Answer 2

Don't see a doctor and describe what you just described. If you do there is a good chance they may actually give you anti-depressants... while those might not hurt you, the fact is you will now have the life long stigma of having been on anti-depressants. This fact will haunt you when you try for any type of health or life insurance in the future. And while the pills might help you, you could easily use other things that would give you the same benefit.

For the sleep, try and over the counter sleep aid. Plan your night so you have ample time between dinner and when you plan on sleeping. Watch a funny movie and take a warm bath then take your pill and go to sleep. You should also consider trying to find a support group where there are others with husbands off at war, you need to talk more about what your feeling than simply trying to mask the feelings with pills.

Anti-depressants are really only worth while for someone that is depressed and your not depressed.

Answer 3

Hi! I’m so sorry to hear you are feeling bad. Although your anxiety is natural, you need to try and stop it taking over your life. Try the following tips and you should see your anxiety and panic attacks greatly diminished:

1. Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about doing a course or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear... It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

Although meds have their place with some people, I only found lasting change through CBT. Hope you feel better soon. Best of luck.

Answer 4

I sympathise with you. I am a full time Mum with 4 kids and I'm worn out by the end of the day. I go to bed and ping, miy brain goes into overdrive thinking about everything and anything and I cant make it shup up. I get up the next day feeling like death warmed up.

You are under an awful lot of pressure, I actually feel guilty for moaning about my life as in comparisson I have a lot less to worry about.

Have you got a good friend that you can talk to, have you told your husband how you are feeling? If you went to the doctor he might not prescribe tablets, but he may offer you support.

Make sure you take time out for you, relax, do something thats fun just for you! Get someone to look after the kids and have some good grown up times and try to take the pressure off yourself.

I know we women are good, but we arent god! You cant take the weight of the world on your shoulders, please look after you, then the rest of it will all fall into place......

Good Luck to you and your husband and your children xx

Answer 5

I say if you need it, that's what it's there for. Hopefully it'll be temporary until you adjust to all the changes. You probably just need a mild anti-anxiety medication so you aren't so overwhelmed you can't function. Talk to your doctor about the medication. Or, talk to a family member or friend, if possible. Maybe someone to confide in about all this is all you need. This happens to everyone at some point in life. If you're thinking about it chances are you would benefit from them. Hang in there, things will ease up. Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 6

What you are feeling is totally normal, your husband is in a tough situation and I comend you for trying to do your best. Before you try any medications, why don't you pray and truly as the Lord to take your anxieties away, trust in Him, I know it won't be easy, but if you just put ur worries on Him you'll begin to see that you'll be sleeping alot better and things might seem a bit easier then before.

Answer 7

You are perfectly normal feeling the way you are with all the things happening or going to happen in your life. Anti- depressants could work but they have side effects and you don't want that with 3 babies at home. Try exercise first to burn off the excess energy, that might work for you. Good luck

Answer 8

Dont be scared of anti depressent or anti anxiety pills there not that bad and youll see itll make you better. My sister was in the military and when she went away i turned really depressed and from there everything got worse. I am now on anti-depressants and am very happy with it. There not that bad really. By the way am 15.

Answer 9

I don't think you should see a medical doctor. I think you should see a therapist and see what is causing the panic attacks. If you can find the root of them and work through the issue, then you might be able to extinguish them altogether, without meds. However if you can't then please go see a psychologist. There a regime of therapy and meds should help you a lot.

God Bless and good luck!

Answer 10

i too have troubles falling to sleep and have had panic attacks its nothing to be ashamed of. MY doctor has me on celexa which helps control your moods and a 8 hour xanax for sleep at night cause my mind wont stop thinking these two really help me its not a long time cure but it would help you till your life takes a turn in the right direction so please see your doc and tell him everything and i wish you the best of luck and god be with your husband

Answer 11

You should be anxious and scared, hon. Sounds like you either need to talk to a specialist to help ease the feelings you feel inside. Anti-depressants will help steady you so you can cope better. You probably won't need to take them for the rest of your life -- just for the immediate issue.