Just started medication for GAD

[sometimesanxious]

I have been suffering quietly for about 18mthd now and determined that I could fight my GAD by myself and not go on medication.

last week I reached my breaking point and went to see my GP after having physical symptoms that have been out of control.

yesterday I had my first online phone call with my psychiatrist and he suggested starting medication even though I was very hesitant. Told me to just fill my script and I could have it there if and when I needed.

So anyway I filled my script straight away and decided to take it as I just can’t keep living like this. I have started on a small dose to ease side effects and having physical symptoms triggers anxiety for me.

i guess I just wanted some reassurance that I have done the right thing. I know medication isn’t for everyone. I know the next few weeks are going to be rough and I just want to know that there is going to be some sort of light at the end of the tunnel.

[White_Rose]

Dear Sometimesanxious

Hello and welcome.

If your GP and psychiatrist both suggest medication it's probably the best thing to do for a while. Starting on a low dose can be very helpful. Did the psych say there would be side effects or have you assumed this? It's true some meds have unfortunate effects but not necessarily all or everyone. Try not to anticipate problems. I had problems with all sorts of antidepressants but when I was switched to another type I could not believe the difference. So try not to borrow trouble. A colleague of mine had the same AD as me. She sailed though the whole thing with no problems. I was in a bad way. You just cannot tell.

Again the next few weeks may not be tough. I take it you mean possible drug side effects. Whatever happens please keep going. In general these tablets do not cure anything. They do make life so much easier by helping to restore your chemical levels to a proper balance. Once this has started you will feel so much better and more to the point you will find yourself coping with life and its ups and downs so much better.

May I suggest you do not be anxious to come off the pills. It probably takes a while. My AD dose was dropped a little last week and I was so pleased. Now I am settling in to this new regime and I am so pleased after three years.

Do you live in the country? I have come across people who talk to their psychs via Skype as there is no psych living accessibly close. How did it go? It is really great you were able to do this.

I hope you keep posting in here.

Mary

[sometimesanxious]

I have just assumed this. Also, I was put on a different medication 8yrs ago for PND and suffered with some side effects back then.

i do know that these tablets aren’t going to cure me and that it is going to take a lot of work on my behalf. I have already started using a meditation app and have booked in to see a psychologist in a few weeks.

i dont live in the country but however we do not have a psychiatrist in our town. My appointment went well I wasn’t pressured into anything and was given all the choices which was great.

[White_Rose]

Hello SA

Thanks for your reply. Glad to know the psych appointment went well. Developing a relationship slowly with the psych is good. One comment, make sure you feel you understand what he/she says and query if you don't. Doesn't always work I know because we think we understand but I find sometimes I am not sure and ask for another explanation. Helps to know you are both on the same track.

Good to hear about the meditation app. I practice meditation every day, well usually, and it helps to keep me balanced and far less likely to get upset over minor things. Always an exception but every good thing helps no matter how small.

There are so many stories about AD side effects that it does put people off. It seems when someone experiences side effects that in general the effects wear off in a couple of weeks after your body gets used to the meds. I know it can be uncomfortable but hang in there. If you are having heaps of problems you need to talk about it to your psych and not simply stop taking it.

I think it is a long journey back to mental wellness and it is so frustrating. It seems we suddenly became unwell so why not quickly get well again. Ah if only. You will learn a lot about yourself on this path and find that knowledge helps you in many ways other than simply getting well. You will have empathy for others, not just when they are unwell but in their lives in general. I would prefer never to have had my depression and I doubt anyone 'enjoys' it. However it does affect us and we can decide to make the best life possible or not. Please hold on especially when to the track gets hard because this is when you will learn.

Gather all your support people around you and ask for help when you need it. No need to think you should not be burdening the. This is when friends show how much they care. Get some of the material from this site and share it around so that others do have some idea about your struggles. Go to The Facts at the op of the page and navigate from there. Download what you need or send for booklets free of charge.

Keep writing here. It does help.

Mary