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When to start meds??

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matt45469
matt45469

Good afternoon from Canada!

Thanks in advance for reading this post. I continue to struggle with anxiety symptoms (nausea, lightheadedness, tingling in fingers, muscle tension and headaches) which aren't getting better per se (I do have some good days though!). I am headed back to school in a few weeks (as an educator) and I feel that that anxiety has a lot to do with my symptoms although they have been particularly brutal this year (worse than ever in my lifetime). Here's the question, in my shoes, when would you consider getting on medication? Here's what I am currently doing:

-Exercise min 20 minutes everyday getting heart rate up

-Signed up for my 3rd social work session on Aug 26 who will help put in tools when anxiety symptoms show up at work (which they will)

-Have an appointment with a naturopath on Aug 26 to give me some natural supplements to hopefully stave off the need to go on an SSRI or benzo.

My plan was to do all of these and to power through the anxiety symptoms but not ruling out prescriptions.

Any insights you may have would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Matt

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • sasical72
    sasical72 matt45469

    Edited

    Hi Matt,

    Just from reading your post I can tell you are doing a couple if things that are very common with anxiety but unfortunately cause more anxiety:

    Anticipating and trying to control.

    I would strongly recommend that you try to take things one day at a time, that will significantly reduce anxiety.

    Continue with exercise ( maybe a little more if possible) and with your appointments and trust that you will be ok, after all there is nothing physically wrong with you, it's your thoughts that are creating your symptoms.

    I know it's not easy (I have had every single symptom that is humanly possible) but I would really work with the naturopath on the anxiety.

    I also work in education and I'm going back this week with a "what will be will be" attitude.

    I wish you all the best!

    • matt45469
      matt45469 sasical72

      Edited

      Thanks so much for the reply! OK, I will take things one day at a time then. How are you keeping on with your anxiety these days? I am looking forward to the time where the symptoms are reduced! Hopefully the naturopath and social worker can help me there!

      Thanks again

    • sasical72
      sasical72 matt45469

      Posted

      I'm doing much better than before, I'll explain why. I still have anxiety in certain moments but...

      Before I:

      1. lived in fear of when I would next get anxiety
      2. then I would have the anxiety itself
      3. then I would be down because I had not been able to control my anxiety.

      So between one step and the other anxiety took up my whole life.

      Now I have managed to get rid of 1 and 3 so it no longer takes up my entire time, plus by doing this my fear and anxiety has also decreased.

    • matt45469
      matt45469 sasical72

      Edited

      Wow, that is just the kind of success story that I needed to hear! Congratulations and good on you for being able to get as far as you have.

      two quick follow up questions and then I’ll leave you alone, I promise lol

      1. Did you have to go on prescription medications to get to where you are today?

      2. how long have you been working through anxiety to get to where you currently are?

      Thanks again for your attention and insights, they're very much appreciated and helpful!

    • sasical72
      sasical72 matt45469

      Posted

      Hi there,

      I did at one stage go on meds (gabapentin) for anxiety but I did not like being on it so I asked my doc to come off.

      I couldn't really say how long it has taken me as I have had periods of more or less anxiety throughout my life. In my late teens I went through a period with agoraphobia where I didn't leave my house for months, later I didn't drive for years. So there was a lot of work involved and I still have a little bit of work left with acceptance.

      Regarding going on medication, if you feel you need it, go for it. Sometimes we need it to get a break, but it can also be achieved without.

      The problem I see with medication is that one becomes dependant on it, either physically or psychologically. There is a strength and confidence to be gained when accepting or overcoming anxiety by working on it. Just my opinion there.

      I'm rambling sorry haha but feel free to ask away. Best of luck!

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