I'm very new to all of this as I've never had any bout of anxiety/depression until the birth of my 3rd child. I've always prided myself on being very well grounded and stress free.
I fought my issues for a solid week thinking I could beat it....the anxiety basically shut me down...I couldn't think, couldn't eat, couldn't sleep....
I've always been a 'non-med' type person who hates to even take aspirin for a headache.
With all the above said, I had to get help. I'm not there yet, but am trying to clear my head with the help of meds so I can think clearly and get on with my life. I'm not saying it can't be beaten....but I don't know if the consequences of not getting help via meds was worth the risk.
Hi, not if it's chronic. I had to take classes with a Psychologist for my weight loss surgery. I asked if anxiety and depression meds were one i could get off after losing the weight (hoping that would be a cure). He said if you have two or more bouts of depression (moderate to severe) then you would not be able to be off meds basically ever. I agree with him now as I've tried to reduce them and cannot. It's a hereditary chemical imbalance in the brain which is balanced by the meds. It is what it is. It doesn't mean you are crazy or anything...there is just a medically imbalanced set of chemicals in your brain that need regulation. I take Lexapro, don't feel weird and have had a really great attitude since starting it years ago. I am a big advocate for finding the right med as it has made all the difference in my life. It's a whole new world out there without the down and out feelings.
Hope this helps.
april
One more thing. My Mom had severe depression because of her chronic back pain. She took antidepressants just long enough to get through the "slump." So if it's a situation like that...you may need them but not for long.
april