(Day 17): The Chill Pill
Stress is rising in our culture, according to a survey from the American Psychological Association. About a quarter of all people are severely stressed, which makes sense why there’s also been an increase in use of anti-anxiety medications over the last decade.
For the purpose of today though, I don’t necessarily want to dig into the details of this type of stress-reliever, but as a whole I want to share my two-cents about it.
Most people are drawn to these medications because it sounds like a quick fix to their stress. However, what many people don’t realize are the many side-effects that can take place with the use of such drugs, as well as the widely diverse types of anti-anxiety medications available for different uses based on psychological assessment.
From personal experience, I have never used anxi-anxiety or anti-depressants for my anxiety and depression episodes. I’ve been able to overcome these struggles with the use of counseling + applying many of the things I’ve been teaching you through this series!
While it can be really tempting to get the quickest fix possible to our problems, trying the other methods I’ve mentioned so far to lower anxiety, I believe, should be considered first.
However, I do NOT believe that anti-anxiety medications are anti-religious. Never found a scripture to back it up (enlighten me if you have!) I absolutely believe that for certain people for certain conditions, anti-anxiety medications can be extremely beneficial and helpful. Yet, for others it can actually exacerbate the problem or is similar to putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches.
I’m not sure I would look at anti-anxiety medications as a cure-all but I definitely think it can be helpful when other options fail or have already been considered.
The biggest caution we need to be aware of is the fact that western medicine anti-anxiety drugs are a prescription medication, therefore the majority of these drugs are labeled as Class C or D drugs (more potent and positive risks in pregnancy). We need to be cautious of how we use them, how long we use them, and when we use them to ensure it really is the safest and best alternative to our situation.
There are also a host of other holistic medicines out there these days claiming to reduce anxiety and stress. Although this may seem a safer alternative, I would also warrant caution as these oils or holistic medicines are not approved by the FDA, nor do they have many credible resources of evidence of their benefits or possible side-effects of use.
If you aren’t convinced about anything I have to say on this because you wonder if I have any qualifications at all to talk medical… I was a pre-med major back in college and got my Bachelors of Science degree in 2005. I went on to Dental Hygiene school and obtained a license where I am a medical professional by trade. Although I am not a doctor or psychologist, I have enough medical experience and backing to understand the mechanics of how drugs and medicines interact with our bodies as well as qualified enough to discuss in terms of overall health. I continue to do research, because as we all know, over time things can change on what’s suggested or not suggested in heath and wellness. But my overall understanding of this topic is to proceed with caution as it seems to be a gray area in my opinion as far as its effectiveness toward overcoming anxiety.
Look into it. Do your own research before jumping right in with using holistic or other drugs to combat your anxiety issues. Ask a medical professional (or two) so you can make confident choice with your use or non use of using a “chill pill,” through holistic or standard medicine.
**As always, talk to a medical professional first before deciding on making changes to your health and overall lifestyle.***
