Therapy or medication

[Caithnessman]

As the title says I've been offered both an I've chosen to try therapy and natural st.johns wart for my anxiety. Ive heard so many stories about medication it makes me worry about taking it and the side effects etc and not being able to play with my little girl etc.

[Florence0906]

My feeling is that each individual has to go with whatever works best for them. I chose therapy and St John's Wort as well, but my sister has combined medication with therapy. You don't have to chose one option and stick with it - you can always try another path if your first choice is not as effective as you'd hoped. Hope you start feeling better soon.

[Hidden]

Hello again! As Florence says everyone has to go with what works best for them. I combine medication and therapy. Currently taking Venlafaxine antidepressants and diazapem sedatives to calm down the anxiety affects in the short term. Not all anti-depressants work well for everyone. I have tried two others at different times and had bad side effects. But finally found one that I feel works for me best. I find it hard to manage with the medication when I have the anxiety, but if I could I would give it a try. Just try and find what is best for you and stay strong. It will ease and get better, just takes time. I have had 3 bouts in last 10 years, but some really long periods inbetween where everything is great....just find what helps you.

[Hidden]

For me the answer is both: therapy and medication. Like strugglingmum it goes up and down whatever you do - some good periods and some relapses. I don't think the modern drugs are as bad as the older ones - side effects for me only lasted a few days. Hope this helps.

[Gretch in reply to Hidden]

Hi Karri,what are the modern drugs you have tried? I had Citalopram about 6 years ago,they made the Anxiety worse for a couple of weeks but then it was ok. I came off them last year I dont know why probably thought I was cured. I have since had an operation & a short hospital stay & now the anxiety is back,what worked for you?

Cheers for now

[Hidden]

Hi Gretch. Like you its Citalopram. And like you I came off them and the symptoms gradually came back (about 3 months after I stopped). So now I'm back on them and definitely a lot better. I do worry about taking them long term but I've heard of people who are on them permanently with no obvious ill effects.

It is never an easy decision and I've read quite a few posts on this forum where people refuse to go on medication. Its your own choice in the end - hope you can get back on an even keel. I know that life is a misery when you are suffering anxiety: and nobody around you can see it.