Question

Tonight my husband told me everyone has anxiety and everyone worries about things, they just get on with their life and deal. I told him that I'm not like everyone else and I've deal with GAD. He said if it's so bad, and you think you're dying all the time, you need to be on meds. I hate that he doesn't get it and is just mean to me when I'm struggling.

He said EVERYONE with an anxiety disorder is on meds. I know this is not true. Just wondering how many out there are/are not on meds.

Depends on the severity of your symptoms. My panic attacks were very severe and it occured 10-20 times a day and I couldn't live a normal life...so I was admitted to the hospital. That's how bad my condition was. So yes, I had to be on meds, and have still been on it for more than 15 years. I take as needed. Do you have a problem taking medication? Why do you want to avoid it?

If your symptoms are really bad, I think medication can help. But meds won't cure your anxiety. You need therapy, alternative treatments, and lifestyle/diet changes. However, with meds, some symptoms can be controlled and you will be able to do things with less difficulty. That in turn will give you confidence and help you live a better life. I think it's a choice.

MGG,

I am sorry that you are not being as understood as you could hope for.:( Sending big hugs of understanding in that dept...

...and that is why we have each other here! :)

I agree 100% with the above. It is completely personal and based on every indivdual how recovery/management is reached!

Only you (with the help of your doctor) know where your limits are...and what you need in terms of relief.

For some therapy/self help is sufficient...

...for others...though they have worked really hard in these areas...

...they are just not going to reach their recovery potential without the use of meds. This is often due to a need to balance the brain's neurotransmitters. (just as a diabetic needs to replace insulin)

I am sending encouragement to do what is right for YOU!! Stand strong in whatever you decide for yourself...and try not to let anyone's opinion (other than your doctor's) factor in.:)

With support,

S.C.

MG-

You know I completely understand how you feel about taking meds. I have felt that way too. Starting an AD can be just as scary as a panic attack, if you ask me!

However, for me, I had to look at my life as a whole and see if I was living a value based life, or a life based on my fear and anxiety.

For example a huge goal for me as you know, was to have another child, but I was too scared to try again so I considered meds. My husband wasn't terribly pleased with our relationship. He is very supportive, but it was becoming stressful and frightening for him, because he was always waiting for that next phone call with me driving down the road with my son, unable to breathe and unable to function. My husband doesn't even take tylenol and is very anti any type of med, but he asked me to consider talking to my doctor about an AD. I also wasn't as involved with friends and socializing, because I was too afraid of when the next big panic attack would hit, so I preferred to stay around home and near safe people. So you can see, the things that I valued were starting to suffer....my future goals, my family and my friendships and that is when I finally caved and talked to my doctor about Zoloft. I had to stop researching on my own because it's true what doctors say...most of what you read online is going to be scary and negative, because most of the success stories are off living and enjoying their lives. That's part of why I documented my experience on here, so people could see my ups and downs and see that I came out on top.

Again, you know I am NOT pushing meds at you, but as someone who has done it, I just want to tell you that I went on them and stayed at a very low dose, I made it through the initial start up effects which weren't awesome, but not awful and I even tapered off without a single side effect. In fact, all I've learned since going off is that, I prefer to be on!! Even that teeny dose of Zoloft was beneficial for me and I look forward to the day that I can start taking it again.

You are doing a great job in therapy and you had an awesome summer. The only thing is, summer is so short and so are the low stress times. You want the rest of your life to be manageable too. That includes being the best mom and wife you can be, as well as making your dreams happen and being the best vet ever! If you have the time, and can increase therapy and practicing your coping skills, that is great and I'm sure you can be med free! If you don't though, I would encourage you to talk to a doctor about meds and side effects, without trusting everything you read. I would never have given Zoloft a shot if I had based my decision on my own research! Eek! I shutter to even think!

In the meantime, you know where to find me!! I am always here for you, as you have been for me!!

Hi MissGigi!

I'm sorry to hear that your husband isn't more supportive of the load you take on. I saw in your signature that you are mother to a 5 year old and also going to college; that's a lot of responsibility!

Have you taken medication in the past to help with the GAD and Panic Disorder?

I currently do not take anything, although have considered it as an option. Most of the time I feel in control of my panic attacks, although there are moments when it would be nice to not be on edge or worry as much as I do.

My fiance and I go through similar discussions about why I do not take medication. I've told him that I will choose to take the medication if I need to, but I'm comfortable managing the symptoms on my own for the time being.

I wish you the best. -hugs-

WorryWart87

husbands often do not understand...
I only take xannax as needed. Sometimes not needed at all-sometimes needed nightly....
Finding watching and listening to guided mindful meditation on youtube is very helpful lately....try it
wishing you all my best