Medication

I have had anxiety for about 2 years. My anxiety used to come on and off from week to week but was never debilitating. Last friday I had such a bad attack after nervous and obsessive thoughts during class that when I got home that night I started crying and freaking out. It was a very bad attack coupled with depersonalization and derealization that continued the cycle. Ever since that attack I haven't felt normal.

Anyway, Im going to get a physical probably and some tests. I'm sure they are going to refer me to a psychiatrist who may ask me to take pills. However, Im a hypochondriac and am afraid of pills and doctors for that matter. Do medications really help? What about the side effects? I have a feeling that i'd take one of these and simply freak out because I was taking it. I've also heard about teenagers taking it that have committed suicide (I'm 18 ). Any help and info would be appreciated.

The worst thing about anxiety is that it really freaks you out. You know there is no need to panic but your body seems to take over and you fear losing control of your mind as well as your body. Thats how I felt anyway but after talking to a councillor she said that as long as I realise that I have total control and that thinking this is perfectly normal I will not lose my mind. Anxiety is a behavioural problem not a mental one, and when you realise this it helps to calm your mind when you feel an attack coming on. You can contact your doctor and explain how you feel and see what they think is the best way to go, medication wise. If you feel worried ask to speak to a councillor. If you don't want to try drugs why not try a herbalist or homeopath? They take all your info the same as the doctor and can advise you on the best thing to take. If you still need to talk to someone why not try the web site no panic.co uk they have a helpline number you can call anytime.

Excellent advice Karen. The more people that realise what anxiety is, the less suffering there will be.

Charles