Should I turn to medication?

[wiggles]

Hi,
I have been socially anxious and depressed for a couple of years. I was finally able to meet a counsellor but since I started I've been feeling worse. I'm frustrated at the lack of progress.
I have started taking painkillers without perscription as I am too afraid of going in the Doctors.
I dont want to come across as a druggy but I find it difficult to cope on a day-to-day basis.

Will a doctor take me seriously or will he/she just push me off to another cousellor?
Is medication the best way in the short run to get by?

 

[Nack]

Not really, first of all... Painkillers? arn't they for physical pain? Its like this, you take meds you become dependent when you get off of them you will feel x10 worst. I've been taking fish oil supplements; heard that they are good for the mind :\

 

[johnny 85]

Not really, first of all... Painkillers? arn't they for physical pain? Its like this, you take meds you become dependent when you get off of them you will feel x10 worst. I've been taking fish oil supplements; heard that they are good for the mind :\

im taking them also, i still feel the same i tink, lol.

 

[Island_chic]

You should try an antidepressant and stop taking painkillers. I have made a lot of progress and am very satisfied with the med that I am taking for anxiety/depression.

It should help you a good bit most likely. You should go to a regular doctor and tell him/her that your having lots of anxiety and depression. He will either prescribe and or refer you to a psychologist. But you did say that u have a counsellor right? Just tell your doc that and they will probably prescribe for you.
You should really just make an appointment with a reg doctor so that they can help you.
Don't be afraid. Go even if your scared.
I had too while terrified and am sooo glad. It worked out for the best.
It's really worth it.

 

[Noca]

Hi,
I have been socially anxious and depressed for a couple of years. I was finally able to meet a counsellor but since I started I've been feeling worse. I'm frustrated at the lack of progress.
I have started taking painkillers without perscription as I am too afraid of going in the Doctors.
I dont want to come across as a druggy but I find it difficult to cope on a day-to-day basis.

Will a doctor take me seriously or will he/she just push me off to another cousellor?
Is medication the best way in the short run to get by?

If you have decided to take opioids for your anxiety then you don't really need to ask yourself if you want to take an anti-depressant or not, cause the answer should be yes. Opioid(pain killer) use isn't practical in the long run where as anti-depressants are.

Tell the doctor how your anxiety is affecting your life and reducing the quality of your life. They should take you seriously. You will 99% chance of being prescribed an SSRI anti-depressant and about a 20% chance of getting a benzo added on top as well.

You should also see a counselor/therapist as a combination of meds and therapy are the better than meds or therapy alone for the treatment of anxiety/depression.

 

[powerfulthoughts]

Unless you want to take medication for the rest of your life, then I wouldn't recommend it. It will alter your brain forever, and numb you to some of the feelings and emotions you might actually want (sexual side effects, tiredess, apathy, etc.). The thing you should do mostly is try to find ways to naturally enhance your mood... like hard-core exercising, getting as much sun light as possible, maybe even get some acupuncture. Also eating healthy and getting the right amount of carbs will help too. Basically, go on an endorphin hunt. All of the things I mentioned are suppose to release enorphins. Also, try to be sexually stimulated at least once every other day. More endorphins the better.

 

[mari_13]

Hi... I need some advice. I went to therapy for 6 months and then my therapist gave up on me. I felt like I was doing some progress but now that I see it better, I don't think so. I haven't been to therapy since December and my therapist never said, you have this and this is how we are going to work to get you better.

My depression is way over my head now. I don't want to go out and I hate being at my job because I have to talk to people. I am only relax and at peace when I am by myself. I think I am numb, I don't have any feelings anymore. I don't like anyone, and each day I feel like I don't belong here anymore. I feel like I am not here at all.

I really don't know if to try a different therapist, or if I need any medication or what to do next.

 

[OPERA]

all depends on the doctor you see. i went to one through my school and when i mentioned anxiety issues she replied with "well who doesn't have that". (i should have expected that though, the minute i saw the stuffed monkey on her stethoscope.)

i think the best thing is to go through several doctors. talk to different people. get different perspectives. you have to look at it like an experiment or you may end up just blindly following advice from a stranger because you just didn't know any better.

doctors can make you feel stupid because of their status, some talk down to you. and who can make wise decisions when they feel like an idiot.

 

[Scooter]

You want to see a psychiatrist rather than a doctor, especially if you're looking at medicating.
Psychiatrists are specialists that can diagnose & treat & refer for alternative treatments like CBT or whatever.
If you not keen on medicating, see a psychologist who is also a specialist but doesnt prescribe meds.
You need an expert opinion because every person's brain is different and anti-depressants are not the only answer, just because they are commonly prescribed doesnt mean they work for everyone. There are actually many different ways of medicating both depression & anxiety.
For your own peace of mind, see an expert, they're not as scary as people imagine and you're likely to get a better result

 

[mari_13]

I don't really want to use medication, but sometimes I feel so gone that I am not sure if I need it. I do not like to take pills, but I would follow your advice and see a psychiatrist.
I am also going to try a alternative therapy, tomorrow I have an appointment. It work with helping me quick smoking in one day!!!!!!!!!! and I have been free of smoke for almost 3 years. So I will give it a try.

 

[PhillyFlyersGrl]

I take Celexa 40mgs, it has helped me, it can be used for depression or S.A. So yes see a psychiatrist and probably a therapist to talk about things too. Don't wait around cause it may get worse.