Reply #37: Consider all of your options. [View All]

You need to consider a number of factors, then decide what is best for you. Are these symptoms new? Do you know if relatives have/had similar experiences? Are they entirely situational?

Cutting out things like smoking are obviously a good idea. Consider other things, such as if you have recently increased the amount of coffee you drink? Are you per chance taking any over-the-counter allergy/cold medications? Painic/anxiety has a high comorbidity with these in many people; synergism is another thing to consider. Do you consume alcohol? Smoke pot? Etc?

Many people benefit from medications. However, many people can learn other equally successful ways to deal with things like anxiety and depression. I am retired from work in the mental health field, and I believe that far, far too many people are given Rx's for medication that they should not take.

Obviously, your life is too complex to fully explore all of these areas on a discussion forum such as DU. But it's never a bad idea to consider seeing a therapist. Ask questions to see if the therapist you are seeing has views similar to yours on issues such as medication; some are more likely to recommend medication, others tend to take a different approach.