How to know when it's time to take anti-anxiety medication

Until a few years ago, I did not think I was an "anxious" person. Outside, I am easy going. I am adventurous, spontaneous and social. I'm not afraid to fly, talk in public or crowd.

But throughout my life, I worried, almost constantly, almost all. I worried about the possibilities that I knew deep down that were not at all rational. I've always feared that the worst scenarios will materialize, even if they almost never do it.

I did not know that these thoughts stemmed from a mental illness. Since I never had a complete panic attack, I did not think I had "anxiety". I thought it was normal to feel that. I thought I was fine – until I took anti-anxiety medication at 29 years old. And that changed my life.

Little did I know, I was one of the 40 million adult Americans treat with an anxiety disorder – about 18% of the population. And until last year, I was also part of the majority of anxious people who are not receiving treatment.

Anxiety disorders take many forms. What I have called generalized anxiety disorder which is characterized by persistent and excessive concerns that are difficult to control or stop. It affects about 6.8 million American adults – and women are twice as likely as men to have it.

Other types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety covering such a wide range of signs and symptoms that it can be difficult to diagnose, according to Christen Sistrunk, a Texas-based professional counselor specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

The first step in assessing your anxiety is to determine your type of anxiety and its incidence, said Justin Baksh, head of clinical services at Wellness Center Foundations in Port St. Lucia, Florida. For example, you may feel it because your brain can not go out. "No matter how hard you try, your mind will venture into the future about finances, work, family, etc.," Baksh said.

Or maybe you have more physical symptoms, such as stomach upset, digestive problems, sweaty hands, constant discomfort, heart palpitations or bouncy legs. Depending on the type of disorder, you may also feel specific fears, avoid social situations, shake, be dizzy, fear losing control of your situation, a sense of unreality – the list goes on.

Once you understand the type of anxiety you are facing, you can begin to explore measures with a doctor or mental health professional who can help you manage the symptoms. Although anxiety can come in many forms, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: they are easy to treat and most of them respond well to medications, said Chelsea Hudson, a licensed therapist in Chicago and founder of Cityscape Counseling.

However, this does not mean that you should immediately consult your doctor for a prescription. According to Baksh, many people think that drugs are a miracle solution to feel better, but in reality they are part of a comprehensive treatment plan that should also include other interventions, such as lifestyle changes. and therapy.

Seeking professional help from a counselor, guided imagery, family and peer support, and meditation have all been shown to help reduce anxiety, Baksh said. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, in particular, has proven effective in treating anxiety disorders, Sistrunk said.

The problem, of course, is that therapy is often a financial commitment that many people can not afford (that is to say, they even have access to it in the first place). Many therapists do not take out health insurance and it is expensive to pay out of pocket. If you can not find a network access provider or if you do not have insurance in the first place, there are more affordable solutions. Conversation therapy services based on text can be more economical. Examples include Discussion space (For who Michael Phelps is a spokesperson), BetterHelp and AnxiétéCoach, an iPhone app from the Mayo Clinic. In addition, there are many other ways to make therapy cheaper.

Lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing anxiety. Integrate more physical activity into your day, improve your sleep and eat healthier can all help you, said Katie Ziskind, a licensed Connecticut family and marriage therapist and owner of Wisdom in the council.

That said, some people benefit from anti-anxiety medications in addition to the treatments described above. Although there is no time or definitive sign to start the treatment, the general consensus among the experts is as follows: When anxiety begins to significantly affect your ability to function on a daily basis, it may be time to try it.

In other words, if you feel overwhelmed or paralyzed by anxiety, if you have trouble concentrating on your work, if your relationships suffer, or if your health deteriorates, consult a doctor. And remember that there is no shame in doing so. Mental health medications can be as essential as heart medications or whatever. And For those of us who have a genetic predisposition, anxiety can be particularly sensitive to a prescription, Hudson said.

Today, the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications are actually antidepressants, called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Prozac. They are intended to help patients manage their anxiety in the long term, according to Dr. Michael Genovese, Clinical Psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer of Acadia Healthcare in Nashville, Tennessee.

Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin, are also used to treat anxiety, but in the short term. They are intended to be used for intense anxiety and for brief periods, because of dangerous side effects such as dependence and withdrawal.

If patients develop a tolerance to benzo, they will not work anymore – this can lead to the patient taking more and more, resulting in dependency or dependence. "For this reason, we try to minimize the requirements of benzo," said Genovese.

Finally, although medications can make anxiety easier to manage over time, this is not a quick fix. "The drugs will not make an anxiety disorder disappear, as an anti-inflammatory can dispel a headache," said Ruthie Kalai, Certified Clinical Social Worker based in New York and Florida.

Instead, medications can help relieve symptoms – including feelings of irritability, restlessness, and hopelessness – so that recovery and healing can take place. "This then allows the client space to make the necessary psychological changes through therapy," Kalai said.

Another warning: drugs do not always work right away, so patience is essential. "It can take time and multiple sessions [for] your doctor to find out which medications are right for you, "said Ziskind.

As for me? I have no doubt that taking the right anti-anxiety medication has changed – and perhaps even saved – my life. It helped me understand my anxieties and anxious thoughts and, once my symptoms were under control, I was able to deepen the source and triggers of my anxiety.

My medications are far from the only tool I use to deal with anxiety. In addition to practicing yoga every day, spending time in nature, eating well and getting enough sleep, my medications are just one part of my growing array of anti-anxiety tools. And I am very happy to have it.

"Living with" is a guide for navigating conditions that affect your mind and body. Each month, HuffPost Life will tackle real problems by providing different stories, tips and ways to connect with others who understand what it is. In May, we cover anxiety in the honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Do you have an experience to share? Email [email protected].