In learning how to deal with anxiety, the issue of prescribe medicine often crops up. Have you found yourself wondering whether you need to take medication for your anxiety?
In short, Yes and No
I have already cover some of the conditions when the taking of medication is advisable, especially if the primary problem is depression with anxiety as a component of the Mood Disorder.
This is when you must use professional help
Two big issues which you need to be aware of in working out how to deal with anxiety are:
- Some medications, especially the Benzodiazepines, used to quell anxiety can be addictive, especially after long-term use, and should not be terminated suddenly as it is quite likely to trigger a panic attack.
- Be careful of self medication with OTC drugs, alcohol, herbs or other compounds as they often lead to an array of secondary problems.
- Some of the anxiety disorders respond well to SNRIs, such as Effexor, and in some cases may be all you need.
Medication and How To Deal With Anxiety?
As part of the process of learning how to deal with anxiety you should educate yourself on ‘good’ and ‘bad’ medicines for anxiety attacks. If you don’t have the ability to do this then find a medical practitioner or better still a psychiatrist you trust to help you. Often it is necessary to take some medication during the anxiety treatment process, either as a bridging support or to help with the physical symptoms. In these instances, medication such as, beta blockers, sleeping tablets and SNRIs and SSRIs may be used.
Also, don’t be naive about herbs and so-called natural medicines as a way with how to deal with anxiety. Just because they are called ‘natural, as they can cause as much mischief as prescribed medication or are a complete waste of your money. Too many people think that just because they are ‘natural’ medicines, they must innately be safe and effective. Often, there is very little good scientific evidence to support any of their claims. (By good science I mean double-blind studies or before-and-after studies with sufficient and good samples that appear in peer-reviewed journals and not the promoting companies in-house magazine).
If you are insistent on using ‘natural’ methods for treating your anxiety, then use thought control, breathing and desensitization methods as these will have more success on the long-term and no negative secondary effects, instead of alcohol, social drugs or OTC. Anxiolytics, do have many side effects, but in the hands of a skilled physician dosage balances can be achieved to positive results and management of the side effects.
First prize however is to get treat your anxiety difficulties without medication, or limited use thereof. If this is not working then don’t suffer unnecessarily, but do go to a ‘real’ professional who knows what they are doing.
How To Deal with Anxiety: Self Treatment Programs
You can manage, treat and deal with your anxiety on your own. Not every anxiety needs to go to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Anxiety Disorders are well disposed to self-treatment, provided you follow the warnings I have issued on when you must use professional help (see page on Self Help Treatment for Anxiety Attacks). Also anxiety disorders, such as OCD and PTSD, need professional help in the beginning and then you can go onto a self-treatment approach.
For anxiety disorders such as, GAD, Panic Attacks and social phobia, and even separation anxiety are initially well disposed to a self-treatment, self-help approach.
If you want to use a self-treatment approach in learning how to deal with anxiety then have a look at Panic Away because anxiety sufferers have had great success with this approach.