life without meds

I have social anxiety disorder. I am 20 years old. I have worked with and through my anxiety all my life. I try to never let it stop me. I have had medication for probably at least six  years now, most of the time on zoloft. I take 150mg of zoloft everyday. I still have off days but for the most part life is good.  

Could I have a life like I do now without med? Will I ever stop feeling the pains from my anxiety. Can SAD just go away? My brother suffered from add but he is in highschool now, off all meds, and doing fine. Is it possible for a person with SAD to outgrow it like my brother did with add.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, it is possible..you started as a young  teenager and the medication helped you through that phase of your life...that does not mean you need it for this  phase of your life, especially if you stay on top of the challenges in your life....medication is meant to be temporary in most cases...so ask your doctor re a trial weaning over a three week period when you feel you are ready for that...and if you want to do some personal growth and development work, check out the new site I am launching today that is designed for that purpose, and I believe will be especially useful for people who are ready to start focusing in on themselves.  www.myvirtualshrink.com

[Jaquta]

I think that if you're prepared to work on the anxiety and issues then you can.
I think many people would say they have recovered from anxiety.  I'm not one of them.
Given the name I would expect it to go away during the longer summer months.
I think so for some people if it is treated effectively.  For others I expect they still use their light boxes, etc.  Some people avoid the winter months by traveling.
I don't know if this would affect people as much if their lives were working for them.

Just as an aside to those in the northern hemisphere.  Take care over winter and watch for swine flu.  Also for those accessing mental health services, etc you may like to consider how illness may affect you and your visits.  Several weeks without therapy, etc can have a significant impact on our mental health.  

I'm off to enjoy a run in this nice spring weather.  Although it is suppose to rain later.

Take care all.