Anyone else not on meds for panic and anxiety attacks

SeaRunner · Post by **SeaRunner** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 2:04 am

I think MED'S are a very personal choice & that CHOICE should be made in CONSULTATION w/ a MEDICAL & DEGREE'D PROFESSIONAL = DR. OR PSYCHIATRIST. Yes, the choice is ultimately yours 100%!

Research on anxiety disorder/consultation w/ a medical professional = A SOUND DECISION.

I also believe there is a IMPORTANT DISTINCTION B/W "DEPRESSION" & "ANXIETY DISORDER". W/ many cases of depression, NOT ALL, there is a CHEMICAL IMBALANCE involved. This chemical imbalance can & will create a great array of symptoms on the sufferer. With a chemical imbalance, you can NOT pos self talk yourself out of the DEPRESSION. Yes, it can aid it treamendously - it can not make it go away on its own. Cumulatively, the varying symptoms can(not definitively) take a toll on a person = wear them dwn! Again, all depending on the person & his/her symptoms & the SEVERITY of those symptoms. W/O TRYING TO SCARE ANYONE - just being responsible & mature about this: there are aspects of DEPRESSION that can be dangerous. It is for that very reason, that DEPRESSION should handled w/ DIFFERENTLY than anxiety disorder & w/ great care in consultation w/ a medical professional.

All of our journeys to recovery differ & that is ok. I am just so darn proud of all of us, that we are taking that journey, succeeding, & kicking ANXIETY'S BUTT.

All my best,

LENORE

bna · Post by **bna** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:22 pm

Originally posted by Summer Nicholas:
Hi,

it is something that must be changed from within. The medicine does not cure the problem...you have to change inside.

I completely agree with this and that has been my experience going through CBT. Great job!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:51 am

The one thing that really seems to bug me is when people jump automatically on someone that they need to start meds. Lenore is right that not all depression feelings are chemically based. There is a difference and it can be a cause/effect situation that stems from the anxiety.
I was on medication for over a year or so, but it did not work wonders for me and it seems it more about my thinking/bad habits that's the source, so I'm working the program now. I may indeed find that meds are what I need later, but for now, I'm confident that my efforts to work on my bad habit thinking is where my energy should be.
All the best to you on your journey.

ronda stephens · Post by **ronda stephens** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:48 pm

I TOTALLY believe there is a difference between chemical and situational depression, unfortunately, the majority of conventional medical practice (at least in my area) defines them as the same. Consequently, (in my opinion AND experience) far too many people are being prescribed Rx that only mask their true problems. While the meds may work for awhile, eventually, a person has to deal with the root of the issue or be miserable.

Don't get me wrong; I definately believe in chemical imbalances, and in these situations anti-depressants are a genuine means of relief. However, nearly nine years after dealing (I should say NOT dealing) with a life-altering incident, I know I don't have a chemical imbalance but am still on all kinds of meds. It's a catch-22. I'm praying to learn the skills in this program, so I can taper off all this crap in my body!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:43 am

Depending on the severity of your disorder, meds may be appropriate for the short term or long term determined by your Dr.

I'm all for trying to beat this stuff without meds, but on the other hand, I also say, everyone is a different case and some people need meds due to the chemical imbalances that occur within the three neurotransmitters in the brain thought to be responsible for mood. (Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine). Good luck to you which ever path you take.

Gary BSN, RN

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:10 am

I was on paxil for 4 yrs - and been off for a year - anxiety came back a few months back - started program 4 weeks ago and feel i will not need meds. i do carry 7 little Ativans "just in case" - it helps knowing i have them.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:41 am

I was on meds at the time I learned CBT and then was able to wean off of them and have not looked back (knock on wood)