I was hesitant to start antidepressants. I started out on a very small dose of an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), called Zoloft and my psychiatrist said that it was the best antidepressant because it had the least serious side effects.
So, do you need medication for anxiety? Medication should only be used if you find anxiety is stopping you from enjoying your life in multiple ways. It took 5 months before I decided that I was done with anxiety and wanted to try medication. I did my best to use self help, so I would exercise. Medication, exercise, therapy is a triple defence against anxiety that I really like because I find all three methods help me out in different ways. You shouldn’t rely entirely on medication, it may not work the same for everyone.
Therapy has helped so much for me. Talking to someone made me feel appreciated and as if I could lessen the burden on my shoulders. After my first therapy session I left unable to get rid of the smile on my face. Every time I have my therapy sessions, I always run down the street beaming (drawing looks from passersby, but I always feel too happy to care). These past few weeks I have been feeling almost perfect, as if I had never been through anxiety. Something my therapist said and I think is important, “Some people give up on therapy and medication the second they feel better, and end up relapsing…” so even if you feel better, it’s safer to wait for a doctor to tell you to stop taking medication or for your therapist to tell you it’s ok to stop coming to sessions. Talking to a trusted friend helps too, I was terrified that my friends would see me as weak, but they all said they supported me 100% and were there for me. So, having a good friend to talk to can help you out.
Stressblog 