Exercise absolutely helps my anxiety and depression, but I needed more than that. I was very reluctant to try medication for years because of perceived stigma, but I finally came to the conclusion that the arsenal of other tools I had amassed, while very helpful, weren’t going to be enough for me. I finally realized that I needed to try something else in addition if I wanted to see further improvement, so I worked with my doctor to find a medication and dose that works for me. Exercise and therapy got me a long ways, but medication took it a step further, which I honestly needed. This thread is generally very encouraging because I think the more we talk about these things and normalize them, the easier it will be for others who are struggling. The “suck it up buttercup” mentality that exists in much of society can be very damaging to those who are struggling. I think I would’ve been in a better place sooner if I hadn’t rejected the idea of medication for so long.
5 Likes