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When you ask yourself this question.
When everything made me over the top angry and I began seriously considering divorcing my husband. I couldn’t cope. And I will never let it get that bad again before seeking medication. If you think you need medication, ask your doctor to start you on a low dose. It is truly life changing.
Pro
When it started affecting my relationship. Previously, it was just me who had to deal with it. Panic attacks, sleepless nights, getting up at 3am because the anxiety wouldn’t let me be still, worrying about every wrong word in every conversation... that was my problem.
But I almost broke up with the sweet, wonderful man who is now my husband because of my anxiety. And I saw how much pain my behavior was causing him. It was easier to do the therapy and meds thing for him than for myself. And god am I glad I did.
This past week I finally made an emergency appointment with a psychiatrist. I’ve always been socially anxious and considered myself an anxious person and had kind of always made jokes about it being part of my personality; but that’s because until recently it was manageable. Over the past 7 months — due to covid probably — I have gotten to the point where my heart is constantly racing, I can barely sleep at night (I’ve always been an ok sleeper and fall asleep quickly), and am crying almost every day. I can’t even point to a reason, like “I have a big hearing I’m nervous about”. It’s just constant. I’ve always been a crier (cry when I’m happy, cry when I’m stressed, etc) but I’ve literally been crying every day. The stupidest thing will happen and I’m in tears. I’ve also been picking irrational fights with my boyfriend who is nothing but wonderful to me. After picking a fight with him this past week, one that ended in tears (again) with me just saying “I’m sorry, I just don’t know what’s going on with me these days”, I realized it was time to seek medical intervention. I made a video appt that night with a psychiatrist and he diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. Honestly, I have anxious tendencies and it’s just not surprising that the situation with covid —- working from home, no sense of control, uncertainty, lack of social interaction, inability to do the things you usually do to relieve stress — would exacerbate it. We are also working incredibly stressful jobs from home. He put me on an antidepressant. He said it’s temporary but thinks it, along with talk therapy, will help me pull myself out of this rut. I’m looking forward to feeling myself again.... maybe even better than I ever have (because i think I always used to think that “oh, everyone feels anxious like this” and I just didn’t realize that’s that is just not true).
Make an appointment. I’m only a few days in to my new medication and feel better. I don’t think it’s the medicine because it takes some time to work. Honestly I think I feel better because I finally admitted I have an issue and have taken some control over it. I have a plan of action and hopefully won’t feel this way much longer!
I wish you luck! Dm me if you want to chat.
If you're not sure, it's worth starting the conversation.
I got to the point where I was manifesting random chronic pain, and I went to my doctor, and he looked me over and asked about my stress. After kinda dancing around it, he had me fill out the scoresheet assigning points based on things I was feeling, and my score was extremely high. He suggested medication might be something to consider, and I said ok, I'll give it a try.
It literally flipped a switch for me about two weeks later, on the lowest dose. I suddenly enjoyed things again, whereas before I was fatigued, grumpy, or waking up in a panic in the middle of the night.
Not everyone may have the same reaction, but I absolutely would try it if you're really struggling and haven't tried it before.
Of course, please feel free to DM if you need to talk or have questions about how I've coped.
Never. To me that became “I need a new job” anxiety.
I appreciate the sentiment here (left a job that in retrospect was absolutely making things worse) but it's important for people suffering to know that medication is an option and can help manage the problems at work.
-your friendly no more stigma medicated staff attorney
I know I need to go back on medication when my anxiety gets beyond my coping strategies more than once a week. For you it could be more or less than that. I think it’s a very personal decision and you have to do what works for you and for your mental health.
Rising Star
When every little stressor started a flight or fight reaction within me. When I realized I lost count of how many days had gone by where I had not struggled with chest tightness and shortness of breath (and my PCP and pulmonologist had already ruled out any other physical health conditions).
Pro
I think if you’re asking yourself the question then time to make appt with PCP or therapist or religious leader or whoever is your first go to for help for mental well being. I find my primary care to be a great starting point hope you have a good one too or other resource
My mental health has been so awful the past few years I can’t even get myself to leave my apartment to seek help for it. I can’t afford telehealth services. Don’t let yourself get to that point.
Thank you. Our EAP plan offers six free Telehealth visits, and we have a health advocate who can help with resources.
I have gone from prescription medications to herbal supplements to manage my longstanding, genetic anxiety/depression. Every single person is different. Happy to discuss if you need a sounding board.
Rising Star
What is the anxiety over?
Consult with a psychiatrist and get their opinion on it.
Any particular medications people use? Side effects?
Low dose of Zoloft here for 10 years now. It brought me back to my normal self. I've tried going off a few times and kinda lose my mind so I'm okay continuing as long as we're still getting along.
If you’re thinking it, then it’s worth the talk. I use an SSRI for anxiety and social anxiety. I have to say, I don’t think I would be where I am today without them.