The subject of anxiety medication is always a controversy in our modern society. Americans and most of all the Western countries, want everything cured right away, and anxiety medication sometimes appears to be a viable shortcut. But, is this medication necessarily a good choice for you?
First lets determine whether one needs it or not, and then have a look at the many factors that we need to consider. Doctors, psychiatrists and professionals are more than willing and happy to help clients find the anxiety medication that one “needs.” However, I would contend that most people do not need the medication in such high dosages professionals claim they do, while many do not need it at all. Even the experts, while more knowledgeable than the average person, are not necessarily aware of all the side effects the anxiety medication has; no one is. One thing to keep in mind when gathering information about medications, is who is being remunerated to promote them, and who is paying the promoter. It is not by accident that drug companies find that their brand is the most effective, far more so than their competition. Independent research for reliable data is key. One wants to discuss his medication with others who are taking the same, personally evaluate what changes are brought about via the drug and whether the positives outweigh the negatives. Finally, also consult your counselor, psychiatrist, or doctor, but do so with caution.
And now, a bit of advice on the professionals: the first thing to remember when seeing a counselor, psychiatrist, or doctor about anxiety medication is that you are the leading expert on yourself. A good professional will give you his advice about the drug and your condition, and then let you make the final choice. In a perfect world, this would be common practice; unfortunately, it often does happen that way. If a professional continues to claim that a certain medication will work or is helping, but you feel differently, then it is probably time to find a new one. If a doctor, counselor, or psychiatrist makes finding the right medication difficult in any way, then you definitely have the right to fire them and go seek advice somewhere else. Perhaps that person is receiving retributions from the drug company or perhaps that person simply does not know what he or she is doing, or it could even be an honest mistake. Whatever the reason, you (or your body) will know.
Anxiety medication is most effective when you engage in a multi-faceted approach to recovering from anxiety. When you engage in anxiety-reducing activities like daily exercise, meeting new people, asking questions on a community board, and talking to a counselor, your anxiety level will be substantially reduced. Then, add to that the medication piece of the puzzle, and suddenly you will find yourself with very little anxiety at all. Compare this to a situation where you ignore other approaches and simply take medication. Now, a much higher dosage is needed in order to reduce your anxiety level to a similar level like that of the first approach.
In sum, anxiety medication can be a crucial part of a multi-faceted approach to managing anxiety, but taking medication needs to be done in a wise and thoughtful manner. Just remember that you are the expert on you; do not let anyone else tell you differently, and if something in your gut says that this is not quite right, it’s probably a good idea to follow that feeling.
