hello, i'm new and this is a little bit about me

[aaartnaz]

support would be much welcomed

originally i went to get evaluated because i wanted a report stating i was fit to fly an airplane recreationally. before this i believe i've had a history of anxiety and depression, however i've taken some strides i thought would make anybody proud since then. yet, this anxiety issue coming up recently has really derailed me. i'm worried because if i have to be on medication, very likely i won't be allowed to fly, period. i'd really like to tough this out and accomplish a lowered anxiety level through mental techniques, therapy, support groups, and consistent physical exercise and not medication. i came here to find a source support but i'm also going to attend support groups in my area. i really hope things turn out how i want. i have a job and hopes for graduate school and to find a career for me. i don't want to think this will get in the way of me living a fulfilling and successful life. thank you for listening and i hope to find great support on this board.

[Robbed]

Many of us have a fear of medications, particularly antidepressants. And this fear is related to MUCH more than mere anxiety. After all, given the large number of people taking antidepressants these days, MANY of us personally know people who have experienced the havoc that antidepressants are quite capable of wreaking (hideous side effects, worsening of their conditions, and dependency), and want no part of it. This is completely understandable. But the good news is that you will probably NEVER need to go on medications (despite what any doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist says). And nonpharmaceutical methods of overcoming anxiety are MUCH more effective and permanent than pills.

Just be careful with therapy, though. MANY therapists consider medication to be an essential part of the treatment of anxiety, and will push for you to go on it (even if they can't prescribe it themselves). You probably also know that therapy is considered to be a BIG joke by the majority of people out there. There is a reason for this: most therapists truly ARE worthless. So shop carefully. A good therapist can REALLY help you. But a bad one can do you harm while draining your wallet. And there are more bad ones than good ones. So shop carefully. And realize that it may take a while to find a good one.