Deciding on taking medication is a choice and a responsibility.
If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition or disorder, you probably have been told that one of the treatment options is medication.
As I mentioned in ARP 169, It is ok to decide if medication is right for you.
It is equally ok that you don't want to take medications.
First step is to get a through checkup to make sure it isn’t a physical health problem. Many anxiety symptoms are similar to a physical illness.
Anxiety medications can help reduce your symptoms, but it's not a cure.
Your symptoms are telling you that there is a problem.
Your challenge is to figure out the underlying cause.
In the meantime, your next step is to learn about the types of medication for anxiety:
Short term medication can help you with embarrassing or symptoms that are affecting your work or personal life. They are in and out of the body quickly. It is sedative opioid level medication.
Long term non-opioid medication takes a while to build up in your system, but once there it keeps you mellow for as long as you keep taking the medication. And you have to keep on taking the medication.
Both types of meds have side effects and drawbacks.
Check out the resources below to get a dusting about medication options.
If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.
Resources Mentioned:
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health page on Mental Health Medications. There is an overview and then a listing of the various types of medications.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America page on Treatment Help. Talks about treatment, types of mental health professionals and patient's rights.
Disclaimer:
Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.
Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.
This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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