Meds and CBT

[Talkinghelps]

Does anyone have any stories about how meds might of helped them with anxiety and depression, I have been on and constant up and down spiral for months, one week I might be extremely positive and confident with moments of bliss, then the next I can be rock bottom feel utterly hopeles and get paranoid and worry about things that are completely out of my control and end up snapping at people. Cognitive behaviour therapy sometimes helps but sometimes triggers my downward spiral, I have another gp/doctor assessment tomorrow, which will now talk about using anti depressants/meds with cbt, does anyone have any stories how medication might of helped them or not. Any feedback much appreciated.

[Allthingspink]

Good Morning!

My own story is that I was hit with severe Physical Anxiety years ago and suffered for 2 years, all day every day. Medicines, specifically Cymbalta and Abilify, saved my life and restored me to completely normal. I thank God for meds and for psychiatrists who know how to administer them. 🙌. I have numerous friends with similar stories. Life saving stories. It can be a long, arduous journey to find what works for you but it is worth the effort!!!!! Find a psychiatrist and get the help you need. Best wishes for a healthy future!

[Talkinghelps in reply to Allthingspink]

Thank you very much for the information it means a lot. I am happy to hear that you got the help you needed and super gracious for your reply, I will have a decent talk with my doctor to discuss options but makes me feel a lot better hearing that medication can help.

[Anxyd]

Hello, my experience is that meds helped me to be calm and more positive. In this way, I was able to focus on my CBT with a trusted psychologist because when I am freaking out with anxiety, therapy does not really work. CBT empowers me and I can push my imaginary boundaries that I set when I am in an episode. So I feel like meds helped me to start climbing and CBT allowed me to reach the peak.

[Talkinghelps]

Thank you for your reply and answer, this is how I’d imagine to be once taking meds as trying to do cbt without currently feels like an uphill battle, I realise that my anxiety and depression can be conquered and cbt will be the main answer but meds will get me to a stage where I utilise cbt to the fullest extent.

[Agora1]

Hi Talkinghelps, meds definitely helped me once I decided to take them and not

have them just sit on my shelf. The hesitation and fear cost me time that could have

been used to go forward.

Benzos were used at the beginning at the smallest dose, once a day. It worked great

except for the quick relief and then down spiral for the rest of the day.

Once I was weaned off them, I was put on an SSRI which has given me a continuous

all day relief w/o feeling tired and out of sorts.

Good Luck with your appointment tomorrow. It could have a big impact on what

your doctor chooses for you. Continued good luck with your CBT as well xx

[BeenRaven]

Hi,I am really proud of you that you have been hanging in there and trying. I have had anxiety and panic attacks in the past and i am sharing no incident in case it triggers anyone but believe me when i say those were real bad. I didn't try any medication because i wanted to fix it myself. I received CBT then and in the beginning it seemed it is all in way but with two years consistency and also by reading and understanding stuff about anxiety on my own helped a lot.

Meditation has been the game changer for me. It helps me relax, focus and be mindful. It has trained my mind and body to be relaxed. (You can try guided meditation, balance app).

And now when i test myself for anxiety it says it's as little as normal people experience. And i can now experience things fully. Sometimes it does get bad when i am stressed but these sometimes are reducing and doesn't affect me that badly anymore.

I hope you will get better soon.

Rooting for you.