Your anxiety might be caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain.
This is the big issue. There is so much criticism out there about anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants. People like Tom Cruise get on their pedestal and preach about how bad these medicines are. But they don’t know what it feels like to be controlled by anxiety and how immobilizing the resulting depression can be. I know. Do you?
Don’t listen to the negative hype out there. If you have suffered with excessive worry for more than a few weeks or months, and you are feeling paralyzed by it, you need help. I agree that the first course of action should not be medication. Therapy is crucial. But keep your eyes open. Be in tune with yourself. If, despite the therapy you still can’t stop worrying and overreacting to things, go see a psychiatrist. You can visit Health Grades Website, where you can find recommendations for good psychiatrists (and other doctors and health services).
If there are family members who suffer from anxiety, then be aware that this might run in your family. If that is the case, you might want to go see a psychiatrist sooner. It is my understanding that if you take an anti-anxiety medication and don’t have a chemical imbalance, the medication won’t work. These meds are not like tranquilizers which make you “mellow”. They work gradually, and take about 3 weeks to get into your system. It is a real commitment that you must make for yourself, to work with the psychiatrist and see the whole process through. Anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants take a knowledgeable doctor to prescribe the combination that will work right for you. See the post The Results of My Visit to the Psychiatrist.
There is a great organization called the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). There is a wealth of information on their website about anxiety. Check it out.
Tags: ADAA, anti-anxiety medication, chemical imbalance, psychiatrist, anti-depressants
- Posted in : generalized anxiety disorder
- Author : freebird
Comments»
My anxiety was caused by a chemical imbalance also. In my case, it was brought about my a reaction to steroids. I was misdiagnosed for months as a “hormone” problem or a brain tumor until I researched myself and took my diagnosis of GAD to my doctor, who agreed with me. I take 10 mg of Celexa a day, which is 1/4 of the maximun dose. Celexa is an antidepressant but works for anxiety in smaller doses. Anxiety can be disabling and a lot of people do not understand it.
Yes Laurie. I am so glad you got correctly diagnosed and are feeling better. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Actually, there’s no proof that chemical imbalances cause anxiety. Please reference a medical study when you make such a claim. Be sure that the medical study is far, far removed from doctors who have associations with the pharmaceutical industry. It is important to only share accurate information about this very important topic.
Pearl,
Do you suffer from anxiety? If you did, and took medication, only to find that you NOW HAD A LIFE, then you would agree that there must be a chemical imbalance of some sort or the medication would not help you. If you don’t suffer from anxiety, then that explains your comment. I dont care if you found a journal to dispute this. I am living proof that medication can help a person who suffers from anxiety.
Freebird,
I was just wondering how long you are staying on the tablets for. I suffer myself from sometimes disabling anxiety, and my doctor has suggested Celexa, though I feel cautious about taking anti depressants. Are there many side effects?
Hello Lizzie,
Since I have suffered from debilitating anxiety my whole life, I plan to stay on medication forever. I will only switch meds if they stop working or cause any other problems. There are side effects to all medication. It is a matter of weighing the pros and the cons. If you are suffering from anxiety, then you might be ready for some relief. Believe me when I tell you that you don’t realize how bad you really feel until you suddenly feel GOOD. Life can be so pleasurable. Why not tap into that?
Just know that you are not alone and that you are not imagining your anxiety. It is real. Good luck.