I'm thinking about talking with my doc about anti anxiety meds. I've been in therapy for 2 years. That has helped tremendously. I've come very far with that. My psychologist didn't want to me take meds right away, so I could fully 'feel' what I was going through in therapy, and b/c of possible side effects with all my other meds. I was also getting off a strong birth control med at the time, that was making me very depressed. I was stable enough to avoid depression meds for the time, I wasn't suicidal or anything.
Now, I've made so much progress in therapy, and on a day to day basis I feel pretty good. I've "figured out" and processed the big stuff. I just get these panic attacks. They come with no warning, even when I'm feeling great. My psych says this is a normal thing for someone who has Post traumatic stress disorder. And many people deal with them their whole life. But it's like-do I have to???
So, I'm batting the idea of meds. I'm open to whatever.
I think we as people underestimate the emotional strain that serious illnesses have on us. I never realized until I started therapy, that so so many people with serious diseases require treatment for emotional issues at one point in their life. Knowing that it's common-and not just me, helped me deal with it. I view it as another part of my regimen for taking care of myself.
It could be partly from med interaction, or years of meds. That's a possibility. You may find it more to do with years of living with a serious illness, or baggage from your past. Or just plain old fashioned stress!
Regardless, good for you for deciding to deal with it, and not fearing it. It's time to get rid of the stigma.
And for the record-I'm the queen of therapy, getting over emotional issues, past baggage, depression, ect. So if anyone ever wonders what the process is like, or has question-let me know. I'm totally cool with talking about this stuff. I can't tell you what's best for you, only what I went through and how I got help.