Anxiety

Saw some comments about meds and well, so much misinformation and preconceptions in this thread ... figured I'd chime in a sec

1. Meds DO work when used appropriately - ie when dosed correctly to therapeutic effect (more is not always better), when SEs taking into consideration, and last but most important- when the patient is the one at the center of any communication involved a therapy maneuvers. There are dozens of meds which have their own pharmacological nuances and will work differently for different people in different situations. You can't prescribe with too broad a brush. There's also a host of other variables I won't get into ranging from kinetics to biochemistry that will determine efficacy. Lastly, an honestly trial of the drug regimen by the patient is essential - people will quit SSRIs a week in because they feel sleepy, but don't understand that fill receptor gene expression changes and clinical effect can take 5x that long. Give it an honest shot, with no missed doses, with constant communication with your doc, therapist or with us (pharmacist) so we can help you.

2. OTC / herbals *may* work, for a given patient in a given situation, BUT since none of them undergo sufficient clinical investigation (anywhere in the world), most countries prohibit labeling which suggests efficacy .. Ever read a label that says "this is not intended to cure or treat any disease" etc? These products are not studied, not regulated, and the only evidence we as clinicians have they even work, is from pharma grade, academic samples purified and isolated in a lab from the original plant source. The random pill you're buying at a health food store...? Yea no one knows what's in that.

3. Any patient on meds *should* be concurrently enrolled in a CBT program with defined goals and clear plan of action. Blindly prescribing x y z infinitely (I see it everyday) is flat out wrong and in my experience leads to benzodiazepine dependence for breakthrough anxiety and when it's all said and done the patient is back to square one. Very frustrating.

I feel like I'm finally coming to terms that I'm just naturally a sad person. I feel like my anxiety has sky rocket through the roof recently and I can't do much about it since it work related.

I completely understand how you feel, I started suffering from depression and anxiety this year. I don't even know what is the cause of it sadly...

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Anxiety and worry have been my constant companions for most of my life. I'm finally turning that corner through therapy, exercise, yoga/mindfulness and breathing. Expressing myself through art is also helping to discovery my true heart.

Eljot1976 wrote: »

Annamarie3404 wrote: »

EXACTLY! Cannabis works very well for anxiety and depression.

Louise1491 wrote: »

Cannabis actually makes me much much worse, just remember that what works for some does not work for all. Just try to find what it is that works for you.

Exactly. I never get why many people say cannabis "relaxes" you. Maybe it relaxes some people. Cannabis is what CAUSED my anxiety. My first panic attacks were the direct result of smoking weed.

Just like any medication, cannabis is not for everyone and not all cannabis is created equal. There are many different strains of indica, sativa and many hybrids with varying levels of THC. Not suggesting this is for everyone, but it is helpful for many if you find what works for you.

I used to have major anxiety with regard to certain situations. I was able to get it under control with some therapy. I did have to be medicated for it though but the therapy seemed to work and luckily it was covered by my benefits at work at the time. My son has major anxiety which we use a combo of medication and therapy for

I think talking to an impartial party really helps

jaelynsmith wrote: »

Cutaway_Collar wrote: »

Listen, OP, medication does work. Just take it as prescribed. Medicine is for everyone. We are not in neanderthal times.

Man made medicine is not for everyone

Medication works, but there are side-effects and allergies (I can't have Dialantin or sulfa drugs because I break out in hives). Some side effects are harder to deal with than others. Here is the side-effects list for a drug I had to take once.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valproate#Adverse_effects

I think it's very awesome that so many people are willing to open up about their anxieties and depression. It's very alien to me that this is so freely talked about but it makes me really really happy that you're all helping each other and offering support and understanding. I go through really rapid changes of emotions and a constant rotation of being really scarily happy and just depressed. And I'm anxious about everything and every situation I can come up with in my head. It makes this whole health and wellness thing incredibly difficult. I'm so proud of all of you for working through this and getting better!!!

I take meds because I have found they prevent me from going into a deep depressive episode or getting very anxious every time some minor thing goes wrong and from completely shutting down when life gets really hard. I also find that it is very important to do things like exercise regularly, go outside, do things I enjoy, and interact with people (even for introverts like me). Some people can manage their anxiety and depression without meds by doing those things, but for me, the meds help give me the boost I need to actually do those things. It can be very difficult to find the right meds and dosages though, since there are so many different ones out there that affect different people in different ways.

I found that actually reaching out for help helped me the most, reconnected me to reality and the fact that I'm not alone most people are experiencing what I'm experiencing so that calmed me down a lot.

Hiding away and trying to solve your problems on your own doesn't help especially if you don't know what your dealing with. I was prescribed medication and it helped me a whole lot, kind of centred me but I think it's an ongoing battle, but you gotta stay positive as much as you can so easy to fall away.
One thing I learned is that it's much harder to get back up so always try to stay at a level where you know you are happy and keep building on it.
There will be black days but you owe it to yourself to fight through it

I have PTSD, depression,general anxiety and social phobia and I hate every single one of those words! Everyday is a battle, but sometimes i see the sun shine

I also suffer from anxiety and depression. I am on medication for mine. I don't talk very much because I get nervous and don't really know what to say,so I have social anxiety,too. I am currently trying to get more exercise because I used to not be very active.I would try to go online and go on YouTube to find ways for me to manage or get rid of my anxiety and depression. I have been on medication for years because of it. So far I have been going to the gym everyday for the past few days, it seems to be helping me now.