Sunny said it all so I will just add. You have the right attitude, and you won't be on the meds forever. CBT works but sometimes it needs a little help. You know we live in a pretty hectic world, so meds may be necessary every so often. But maybe not. CBT does work.
Hi Matt: Pls. don't worry about going back on SSRI. It doesn't mean you will be on it forever. I have been panic free for years but these last two yrs. have been filled with anxiety because of health issues and other negative vibes happening. I started an SSRI a couple of months ago. To me it is not a setback. It is taking care of myself so I can get back to my calm self. I don't know how long I will be on. Might be two yrs. but that's o.k. It is helping me heal myself again, to be able to sleep well, to relax and enjoy life and build up my confidence levels again. You are taking care of yourself. This is a good thing. Keep studying the program so that you will have a good understanding of this disorder and be able to help yourself with the coping techniques, which you need to practice everyday, so that you will be able to use them if and when you need them. You know even people without anxiety disorders use the relaxation and visualization techniques for every day life. Athletes use the visualization technique to help them win.
I was a grade A student. Reading & re-reading the topics here on the website, recording my thoughts, posting in the forums. But since last Tuesday i've been getting more and more waves of anxiety. One of my goals was to live without medication but I'm going to have to drop that one for the time being. I went to the doctor who agreed I should go back on Zoloft.
So - this is my setback. I'm still climbing the walls with waves of anxiety at least until the Zoloft kicks in (1-2 weeks?). I'm pretty dissapointed - but realistic that sometimes you need the meds.
