my daughter, in her 20s, recently started to experience generalized anxiety. She started with panic attack once or twice a week. (No trauma history, panic starts with built up stress)Now she is living in constant panicking mental space, ruminating thoughts never go away, and crying all the time. We tried almost everything, journaling, breathing, 543…. She started seeing a therapist two months ago, They meet once a week.
Hence my question, at what stage should we seek medication? Both she and I are exhausted right now but not sure about medication…. We know this is ultimately a doctors decision, but would love to hear some of your thoughts and advice…. Thank you!
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NumberSix6
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Hi and welcome to the community, I agree that the decision is down to your doctor with medication, it sounds like you have tried everything else to try and improve your daughter’s quality of life. There is no set time for taking medication and if you have used all other options then maybe it could be a good option now. See what your doctor has to say.
I was worried about taking medication at first, so that is totally understandable and normal to feel that way. Medication is not a quick fix some medication can take 6 to 7 weeks before any results can be seen and in that time there are usually some side effects to get through.
That's one of the things that has been holding us back as well. We have been doing some research and realized that it takes time. Currently she can barely function. So thinking about adding more to that is daunting.
Again this is completely normal to feel like this, but saying that remember that with all going well your daughter might be able to function better once the medication has taken effect. The first few weeks could be difficult but the end result should be good.
My therapist had to convince me to go on medication. I drank and smoked, not realizing I was already self-medicating in a very unhealthy way. Whenever I found myself reaching for a glass of wine and cigarette to ease my nerves to function through my life was when I knew I needed medication. I think this is something she can talk to her therapist about to get to an answer that's right for her. Medication did wonders for me when I was on it. It really saved my life.
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