Medication can be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety and can certainly provide some relief. Medication, however, is not for everyone and for some they are likely to be disappointed for a number of reasons. People react to medications differently and for some, medication may only give partial relief, for others they may give unwanted side effects and often people need to try more than one to try and find that magic cure. This outcome is not always reached and research has shown that medication is less effective in treating individuals with panic when used alone. Similar results have been found with those suffering from generalised anxiety and social anxiety. People can also develop a tolerance to anti-anxiety medication and as a result need higher and higher doses in order for it to remain effective. The downside of medication, of course, is that ultimately the underlying issues are never addressed as ultimately it is just treating the symptoms and not the cause.
Medication can give you that quick fix you are looking for but when it’s the only source you are turning to for help it is not leading you to growth, change or lasting improvement and as soon as you stop taking the medication, your anxiety will likely come right back. If you are ready to dig a little deeper and find real lasting change then let me tell you how combining therapy into the equation can help you with your anxiety.
A trained therapist can help you in ways your medication can’t. Often, there are deeper reasons as to why you feel the way you do. These may be from childhood experiences or traumatic events; even habits you are unaware of that by being asked the right questions by your therapist can lead you to better understanding of where your anxiety may be coming from. As your awareness is developed you will learn how to work through these and put coping strategies together, drawing on your own inner strengths, to make the necessary changes in your life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the leading evidence-based therapies for anxiety that gets long term results. This is a short-term therapy and empowers you with the strategies and tools that you can put into place in between sessions so that you are well equipped to manage your anxiety when you are ready to leave counselling.
A therapist should never ask you to stop taking your medication and if you are already taking it, the best way to continue on is to combine this with therapy sessions.
Debra Bragança / Counsellor / Anchoring Your Life Counselling
Specialist in Relationships, Anxiety, Depression & Trauma