OK, this is new territory for me, should I seek medication?

[LadyCad]

I've been suffering from tension and anxiety for almost a year and I think it's time I did something about it.

I know nothing. What am I likely to be precribed? How will it make me feel? Side effects?

Also I'm worried about becoming dependent on medication, or is that an old-fashioned viewpoint nowadays? (You see, like I said, I know nothing )

A year is a long time to suffer. Is the tension/anxiety related to short term issues which can/will be resolved in the future? Or are you simply having difficulty coping?

What sort of alternative strategies have you tried to deal with your issues? Counselling, therapy, self help books (cognitive behavioural techniques) etc.

Asking because, while medication may help in the short term, you will eventually need to learn how to manage those feelings without anti-ds.

Yes, I think that's why I'm hesitating.

I have worries that I expect to be resolved in a year or two, and I also think it may be a peri-menopausal thing.

I think exercise would help but i feel sort of stuck, like a rabbit in headlights. I can't concentrate, I feel like I need a calm and quiet place but wherever i go and whatever i do i just cannot, cannot relax.

Thanks for replying, btw.

seek a chat with your GP; medication is a short term solution and Earlybird's comments are sound. NHS may not be able to help with counselling but even a squint at some books from library may help; tension and anxiety are not same as depression so be aware; please google 'mood juice nhs forth valley' as that website may help you consider approaches etc

yes, i have no symptoms of depression.

I loathe the idea of counselling, that's not me at all.

I feel as though I need help to get back on track, and then I can take it from there. I just can't seem to find a place to start.

look at the mood juice website as a start? there will be others but my GP friend recommends this one

Thanks dbm

I think it could be useful to figure out what triggers the anxiety, and then find/implement a strategy to combat it. Or find a strategy that avoids the trigger occurring at all, if possible.

You may not want to go into traditional psychotherapy, because that is a long journey. However, I've always understood that cognitive behavioural therapy (cbt) can help a person cope with their triggers.

Plan to spend a few hours at a big bookstore or library perusing the self help/psychology books. You may find a few that will help you. Otherwise, there is no shame in finding a professional to help/support/coach you through this difficult time.

And fwiw, many times a professional's perspective and objectivity are far more effective than relying on friends/family.

Good luck.