Considering medication and open to thoughts

[Jbatten2]

I'm 31 and suffer from GAD and unspecified depressive disorder. I also have social anxiety although I've made a lot of strides in recovery with SAD. I go to therapy. I'm considering retrying medication, like an SSRI or something. I can't do Benzos as I also have a history of Alcohol Use Disorder (haven't drank in 9 years). Anyone have any thoughts about whether they have found medication helpful?

[AGALIE04]

I have also suffer from Major Depressive disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I have dealt with these illnesses all my life and I have tried most of the SSRI’s including: Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro. I experienced really bad side effects until I tried a combination of Prozac (fluoxetine) and Buspar. The side effects are minor if any and I can tell the meds are making a difference. I am able to get through the day without having terrible panic attacks and I feel more hopeful that I will get better. They have definitely helped to stabilize my mood and have made it possible to get through the day. I also see a therapist a couple times a month and feel like that is helpful as well. Meds aren’t a solution but they can definitely are helpful for many people once you find the right combination of meds that work for you.

Medication can be scary, for me it was absolutely necessary as I was getting to the point where I could hardly function from day to day. I think ultimately it’s a personal choice that only you can make based on your condition.

Hope that helps! Sending good thoughts your way. Life is hard but you can do this! 😊

[Jbatten2 in reply to AGALIE04]

Thanks. I'm gonna try it. I can function but am often Moody and sometimes miserable. Therapy is helping but not enough.

[Marc787]

Don't take benzo!!! You will dependent on it. It's addictive. And worse part is the many withdrawals you will have to deal with, it's very hard to get off it. Im on it, as needed for 20+ years. I'm trying to get off it.

[puddlediver]

I’ve taken benzodiazepines throughout my life but only when with severe anxiety for a couple of days only. Brings the episode down to manageable for me. As long as you don’t take it regularly it’s ok