Anxiety & Depression: Do you suffer?
@dlawrence1208 (25)
United States
February 25, 2012 6:47am CST
Almost 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and subsequent depression. For all of that time I've been on medication to help with my symptoms. Although I really hate the idea of taking a pill every day, they do seem to help keep my symptoms at bay. The only things that truly concerns me is how dependent I have become on them. Withdrawal symptoms for these types of meds are horrible. I've experienced them if I forget to take my pills for 2 or more days, and/or I run out of pills and have to wait to have money to refill them. What happens now? Will I be on them forever? The last time I saw my doctor I told her that my symptoms have greatly lessened since working from home now, but she still would not reduce my dosage to begin weining me off of them. The real question I ask myself is do I still need them? My doctor would say yes apparently because I admitted that occasionally I still have bad days, or multiple days in a row where I'm feeling anxious or depressed, somewhat affecting my life...just not as bad as it used to be. Does anyone else here deal with this illness? How do you handle the idea of being on meds? I have to admit I don't want to be on them forever...but I fear that I will never be stable enough to be off of them, and especially because my brain has now gotten accustomed to my life with them...I'm dependent on them to live normally. Would you all agree?
2 people like this
5 responses
@GardenGerty (157837)
• United States
26 Feb 12
I have no diagnosis, but I have anxiety/insomnia symptoms that have caused me to leave my job and try to earn online. At other times in my past, when feeling stressed, I have done things that help. Being on MyLot really helped me at one time. Getting outdoors for sunlight, and getting more physical exercise helped. Faith and religion help. You may have to stay on medication. If you have problems because of a low brain chemical, the medicine replaces those chemicals. It is like diabetes, in some ways. You do not stop being a diabetic, but with healthy steps in your life you lessen your need for insulin, sometimes you lessen your need for oral meds, but either way it takes a long time, and it does not change your basic need or the fact that you are diabetic. It will take a long time of doing things that are healthy for your anxiety and depression, but I believe that you will find things that help and will eventually lessen the need for them. I think counseling or group therapy might help as well.
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
26 Feb 12
Anxiety,fear,tension,dejection,depression - all these and many more such negative elements hinder the smooth activities of everyday existence. In fact no one is kept out of the malady of disappointment and forlorn feelings at some juncture of their day to day living scenario.The capacity to overcome these negative elements that try to grip you is in the development of strength and courage to face adversities with boldness and firmness of purpose.
@SassyBrat (463)
• Canada
25 Feb 12
Are you seeing a therapist or going to any group counselling? I have anxiety and depression, but I have also been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder with BiPolar Traits. I am hoping as I become healthier in my recovery that I will be able to stop taking the anxiety medication. The anti-depressant I take, I'm not sure if I will be able to stop taking as the Disorder I have although maintainable, I'm not sure if I will be able to stop the medication. I will see how things go during treatment for years of trauma and abuse.
@mariab2000 (740)
• Canada
25 Feb 12
I don't have anxiety or depression problems but I would just say that it might be best for you to continue taking your medications if they are helping to control your symptoms. AAlong with the medication, you should also be having some therapy sessions which help to understand and learn how to deal with stressors and anxities in life.
@kmcody0522 (62)
• United States
25 Feb 12
I have anxiety and panic attacks, I have suffered with it since the age of 19 and I have been on meds for it as well as depression. Medications do work, and once you start feeling better, you tell yourself (Hey I don't need this anymore I feel great). Thats what I did anyway. I was able to be off the medication for a while, but when faced with stresses that would bring on an anxiety or panic attack, the attacks seemed to be stronger than before. Being told you have to be on a medication for the rest of your life is a hard pill to swallow.. (no pun intended there) Ive been told the same. I try to look at it from the perspective that if I don't take this pill today, how could it effect me tomorrow?! So I take it. If you are looking to either wean off the med or go on a lower dose. I would ask your DR to work with you on anxiety coping mechanisms. If he or she feels comfortable that you can manage some of this on your own, they may just do what your asking. Good luck to you
