GAD- anxiety meds?

[destinymichelle]

Hello everyone. I’ve been meaning to get to the free mental health clinic available to me. I’ve just been dreading having to wait for hours, all of the paperwork, and the crowded building. I’m afraid I have become agoraphobic. Anyways, things have been rough. My fiancé and I have been without a vehicle and we’ve been trying to get all of that figured out. If every thing goes as planned, we plan on going to the clinic the week after Christmas. I’m going to ask about CBT as well as medications. I’m very scared to take medications because every one is different. Someone can tell me that meds have helped them feel better and someone can tell me that it made them feel worse, but it’s not a guarantee that I will feel that way. I’m very scared of the side effects/making my anxiety worse. I really didn’t want to take this route (nothing against the meds or anyone taking them) but I fear it’s been too out of control. I haven’t had a job in a year, barely have left my house, and I’m isolating myself at only 19 years old! So- what I’m asking all of you lovely people, what was your experience with medications? You can tell me good/bad stories. I just want to know. Does it actually help? Will I have to take the pills forever? That’s what I’m scared of is having to take the pills forever to feel “normal” or them making me feel “like a zombie” as I’ve seen people say before. Also, is CBT actually helpful? And one last thing- Where can I find Claire Weekes books? I’m looking into getting those as well.

Anyways- thank you all for everything. Thank you all for the love and support I’ve been shown. I hope that 2020 is a better year for all of us mentally AND physically. Happy holidays everyone 💞💞

[Agora1]

Hi michelle, let's start with the most important question first and that is where to

get Dr. Claire Weekes' book on "Hope & Help for Your Nerves". It's easily obtainable

on Amazon but you can review her videos on YouTube for free.

As for medication, there comes a time that we all need to reach out for meds.

It doesn't mean it's for a lifetime. CBT as well as any other methods/tools that may

help you is important in allowing you to go forward. It is best not to read into other's

results with their medications. This is the time where your doctor will access what is

best for you according to your health history. Take it with an open mind and give it a

chance to work for you. Stay Positive..

Right now michelle, you are in a state of anxiety just thinking about the new direction

you want to take and the "what if" thoughts. I'm proud of you that you are ready to

get unstuck and take that first step forward. My best to you. Know that you will not

be alone. We will be right here helping you through your new path to healing. xx

[destinymichelle in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much! I will have to buy that book asap. ❤️ I’m ready to move forward. I’m so tired of feeling this way everyday. I’m anxious to take those steps, but I know that I can do it!

[o2G2o]

Allow me to present you with a very cynical theory. I think the anxiety "industry" is like the smoking cessation industry.

Quitting smoking with nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patch, etc.) is a stupid way to quit, but it still works for some people. It's stupid because the effect from nicotine lasts only minutes, so it's not that hard to quit. We BELIEVE that it's ridiculously hard to quit smoking, and the smoking cessation industry relies on us thinking it's difficult in order to exist and survive, and makes billions of dollars from that belief.

Getting over anxiety really doesn't necessitate medication for the vast majority of people. Anxiety SUCKS, big time, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, and it's life-ruiningly horrible and terrifying...but not everyone needs meds for it.

It's funny, once I wrapped my head around quitting smoking and realized the "extreme withdrawal, similar to heroin" was mostly bullshit, I was able to quit cold turkey without any problem at all. Previous attempts, while under the impression that it was near impossible, made it damn near impossible.

Stop being afraid of anxiety. It's all perception. Your mind is so used to going from 0-100 in a split second that you might not even remember what an even-keeled "25" feels like anymore. It's just mental conditioning. You just need to learn to not go spiralling into madness at the slightest provocation. Practice, not meds.

[Agora1 in reply to o2G2o]

o2G2o, that's brilliant x Very well written analogy.

Thanks for sharing. I hope a lot of us read it several times

over and let it sink in that it is possible. It's all on how we

approach the thought. xx

[Cat33 in reply to o2G2o]

Your words are so true 👍

[Cat33]

So sorry to hear how poorly you are feeling at the moment

You can get Dr Claire Weeks books on Amazon and she has videos on YouTube she is amazing

I have had CBT and it really helped me You can get telephone appointments if you would rather do it that way

As you say everyone is different with medications so talk it over and I'm sure they will give you good advice

I really hope that you start to feel better as I have been in your shoes and I know how horrible it is but you can and will get better I have

Start today with finding Dr Weekes and play her videos over and over until her words get stuck in your brain she is wonderful 🤗

Take lots of care x