In all due respect, everyone is different (in terms of medicinal effects). Telling someone who may actually benefit fr medication during their recovery & who is AFRAID, "
medication is not the answer - pls avoid if at all possible. I know fr experience" - ISN'T AN APPROPRIATE ANSWER. Sure, share your experiences w/ the med's you've taken. Noting in particular - the person you're telling is different than you. I think, medicinal questions & advice should be left to the medical professionals:
regular dr + psychiatrist/therapist + pharmacist - they will ans your questions w/o instilling fear on top of the fear you're already experiencing.
I had GREAT SUCCESS w/ medications during my journey. I was diagnosed in APRIL 2005 w/ anxiety disorder + panic attacks + PTSD fr 3 diff things + severe sleep deprivation = only averaged b/w 1-2 hrs of sleep per every 24 hrs. I was 2 steps away fr being put in a psych hospital. The severity of my condition REQUIRED I take medication. Yes, I had the ultimate decision/choice. I listened to my dr/therapist/pharmacist. <span class="ev_code_RED">I had never taken a darn thing in my life - liquid advil for PMS, lol</span>
I wanted to feel better - initially that required I take the medication. Yes, there were trial & error finding the med's that worked best for me (an anxiety med & 2 sleep aids). Prescriptions & their effects on individuals are not black & white. During that time, I too got both frightened & frustrated - I wanted relief. I noted what I was feeling & when - then I shared these things w/ the prescribing dr. How often do we lose patience & over-react to things? Med's are no different.
2 important things I did when deciding to choose to take medications: 1) I knew I didn't want to have to take it forever. In my particular case, I decided to work my RECOVERY like noone's business: therapy sessions + journaling + research = reading 16+ books + LUCINDA'S PROGRAM + dietary change = eating healthier & portion control + exercising + joining WEIGHT WATCHERS - 2) I knew, per my research, that there isn't a med on this green GOD GIVEN EARTH - that will take away EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF ALL BODY SYMPTOMS - that takes work, on YOUR PART - knowing that will aid you the sufferer greatly. When I recovered fr anxiety disorder/PTSD I was then diagnosed w/ depress - a result of the work involved. Now, I hadn't taken an anxiety med/sleep aid @ that point (MARCH 2007) in 1 1/2 yrs - I p/u'd the pace w/ exercising + had some serious BOARD MEETINGS W/ GOD
& I let it all out in therapy.
I have recovered fr depression now - I haven't taken a med for that in 1 MONTH!
I am not trying to convert anyone. I had fears w/ med's too. I grew up in the ghetto, where prescription & illegal drug abuse was like a massive disease - starting fr when I was a little girl. That left an imprint on my mind & seriously interphered w/ my decision to take a med. However, I had medical professionals on my side - who were there to aid me.
Not everyone may have success w/ medications. Let us be honest - yet possitive w/ eachother during our journey - to help eachother - not spinning things as such that folks are running away fr the very thing that MAY help them. Share your stories & particulars w/ the med's you've taken - sure. But pls be responsible & sensitive that that person you're telling is not you & they are afraid - don't frighten them more.
All my sincerest best wishes + prayers + friendship to all those of you who are on your journey to recovery - YOU ARE NOT ALONE - I am 1 of many who has recovered FR BOTH ANXIETY DISORDER & DEPRESSION - through me, I BEG YOU - see the possibilities.
Your friend,
LENORE
