An observation I'd like to share

It occurred to me today that if anxiety, specifically GAD is a chemical imbalance, then isn't it true that any amount of coping skills such as meditation, breathing exercises, working out, journaling, coloring, etc., will help to manage the symptoms that I experience but none of this will never "cure" my anxiety.

That being said, why am I devoting so much time towards these pursuits when it is so much easier to take my Zoloft and Buspar to manage my symptoms?

While doing all those things do make me feel better, but once my anxiety is under control with medication, what is the point of continuing to do all of those things?

I'm trying to accept my anxiety and I need to work through this with my therapist as I need to come to terms with the fact that my anxiety will always be there and I won't be magically cured. This gets me down sometimes but I have to learn to deal with it.

I bought a journal today to write in and it is titled "My Dysfunctions" and it has an opening page about how dysfunction such as anxiety, depression, phobias, PTSD, etc. make us interesting and how many great people responsible for great things suffered from some of these dysfunctions. That made me feel better.

I just wanted to share this with everyone.

IMO and I could be wrong.. Yes we who suffer from anxiety and depression do have chemical imbalances. It has been proven that with these techniques and proactive efforts that these "imbalance's" begin to realign themselves. It could be considered retraining the brain but it's not easy. If it was easy then everyone who suffers would do it. I've been dealing with depression and anxiety for years. I chose to try and change it through exercise, diet, and mindfulness. I will say that I have seen improvement for sure! I believe that with enough time and effort eventually my illness will barely phase me.

Another motivating story I keep under my belt is that my girlfriend had suffered from the most severe anxiety and depression I've ever heard of 6 years ago. She attempted Suicide 3-4 times and was locked in her room for 2 and half years aside from school and family events. Without medicine or any help from Doctors she is the happiest person I know

Hi

Acceptance is key to being able to move forwards and manage your anxiety better it's important to remember that medication is not a cure all it will only help ease your symptoms so you should not just rely on medication alone.

By far the most effective way of managing your anxiety is by using self help such as the ones you mentioned in your post so do keep up with those as imo they make the biggest difference.

Hibee

meds and coping skills both help...but my personal experience is meds help you get to a point where coping skills can help you...meds get you from point a to point b..coping skills from point b to point c

and for me, ssri meds are necessary for maintenance..every time ive gone off them its been a big mistake..and i never will go off them again

Thanks for all the awesome responses! This forum is the best and all of you are so helpful to me. Very good advice from everyone.

Hello J.K. and welcome,

Good to see you join us, and we look forward to getting to know you better.

In order to facilitate this...please start a post of introduction for yourself by clicking on the Post New Topic icon, and telling us a bit about yourself and your journey with anxiety.

We seek to support, and encourage each other here in regards to our common struggles and victories, so know that you have found a great community in which to share positivity.

Scaredy Cat