Greetings

[Strange Apparition]

Hello everyone, I'm a soon-to-be college student who is just about done weaning off of the ever-potent Lexapro (prescribed for severe anxiety). My high school experience was far from bad, but it left me realizing I really wish I could be more social. I'm fascinated with how socializing works, how relationships are formed and maintained, and how different minds perceive the game. My head is filled with all kinds of preconceived notions and taboos, hopefully most of which you all can help me hammer out... With college fast approaching, I'm desperate for some information that will save me from being the antisocial scholar I was known to be in high school.

 

[forgetmenot]

Just want to say hi welcome you to PL Was it your decision to get off your medication or was it your doctors hun Just wondered why you would stop them just before college hugs

 

[Strange Apparition]

It was my decision. While on the pill, I learned everything about what was making me so anxious and promised myself that I'd carry that knowledge with me back to a normal state of mind. Lexapro dulled my sense of wonder and made me content with mediocrity...it killed the ambition that once was there.

 

[forgetmenot]

i really do not know if there is such a state normal state of mind. I do understand how medication can create a flat emotion I do know thought some medication actually help the mind work more clearer. I hope you and your doctor worked on weaning you off your medication and if need be be prepared to try perhaps a new medication that does not take away that sense of wonder. Newer medications have less side effects. I do hope you are able to proceed though as planned but just have a back up plan ready okay because college get trigger some anxiety to return hugs

 

[Strange Apparition]

My anxiety was related to health issues. I've since taken an anatomy class and learned a great deal about what was giving me panic attacks.

 

[Daniel E.]

:welcome:

Lexapro dulled my sense of wonder and made me content with mediocrity...it killed the ambition that once was there.​

What is more likely is that your anxiety-based avoidance behavior was killing your ambition. And some people do have anxiety about their anti-anxiety medication, especially since there are a lot of anti-psychiatry sentiments expressed on the Internet that have no basis in reality. (Related to the ignorance in anti-psychiatry sentiments is the fact that only about 10 percent of adults read books on a regular basis.)

Even if you were having such side effects, you could just ask your doctor to switch you to another SSRI.

Have you considered that you may have wanted to avoid confronting your doctor about your concerns because of your shyness or social anxiety? Most doctors, especially psychiatrists, are very good at discussing such concerns. One thing they sometimes do is suggest that you keep a mood log and bring it in with each visit.

My anxiety was related to health issues.

Your anxiety is probably more general than you think, e.g. shyness can be a form of anxiety:

Another example is avoiding an upcoming social event because it makes you anxious. The short-term solution of avoidance temporarily reduces anxiety, but in the long term each choice to avoid increases the level of social fear, while also leading to isolation and risk of depression.

http://forum.psychlinks.ca/acceptan...ems-arise-7-maladaptive-coping-behaviors.html

While it would appear that you're trying to protect yourself by avoiding interpersonal relationships, what you're really trying to avoid is the experience of anxiety and fear itself.

The Mindful Path Through Shyness

Both medications and therapy can help with the cognitive distortions that fuel anxiety.

 

[locrian]

Hi, and welcome to PL. It's natural to feel some concern about taking any medication. But you may want to ask yourself if your anxiety keeps you from functioning normally. The general principle of medicine is to treat any condition that interferes with day-to-day life. Sometimes the answer is quite obvious. For example, someone with severe depression who repeatedly attempts suicide is clearly unable to function at a normal level and needs medical treatment. Other times the problem is more subtle and the solution might not be as clear-cut.

It may be helpful for you to seek a second opinion about medication. If another doctor with no vested interest in your treatment (they won't make any more money whether or not you go back on medication) recommends that you resume your medication, then it's probably a good idea. Also, you can ask your regular doctor (and the second-opinion doctor) for specific reasons behind their decision. They may be able to point things out to you that indicate an anxiety level that's unhealthy. Remember, doctors are trained to detect patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and they can connect the dots.

Good luck on your journey!

 

[AmZ]

Welcome

 

[Yuray]

Welcome