I personally am a mind-bender drug phobic, and think that anything you thought yourself into, you can think yourself out of... I did take SAM-E for a while, but I think that was more placebo for me than anything else. Not saying they don't have their place, but should be a last resort as opposed to a first option.

I told my counselor you thought she was stupid, and she wants to meet you behind the school after class.

I know too many people who have been on antidpressants and antianxiety drugs to start that game. They either are stoned and don't care or can't handle reality when it finally hits them and it usually does. Most of us don't need meds forever if we need them at all. I think it is better to face your issues and resolve them.

If it wasn't for my previous counseling I don't know where I would be now. I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder & did group therapy for anxiety. I was able to learn how to control my anxiety. It prepared me to cope with losing my job, my dog & my husband moving out to live with his pregnant mistress - this happened from May - Nov 2009.

i can only speak for myself, counseling is playing a huge positive role in my life. i have been on anti-depressants since 1994. in most recent years i do have a prescription for anti-anxiety meds, i use my meds for what they are for and i feel balanced. even if you don't believe in counseling, do you know for sure it is or it is not helping your daughter? perhaps it could build up the self-esteem of a kid! xoxoxoxoxox

Not a fan of medication for this type of situation. The reason is? it can numb you too much. Oh sure, you don't feel the hurt, but you don't feel the highs either.

I'd rather see black and whites than just greys.

I have to get on the bandwagon here. Some people have chemical imbalances where they need meds. I am one of those people. I have had an anxiety disorder since I as a little girl. I also go to therapy (which helps in a different way). My meds balance me out so the new ways of living I learn in therapy really stick. I get really upset when people just make the blank statement, "medicine isn't the best option..it's a crutch." Please don't speak for everyone.

My choice of medication is catnip...... somebody hold me please

I've done both neither good results for me. Counseling just made my marriage end quicker, drugs make me not able function right to be mom and there for my son (long storie one of the medication had me so out there my son was tearing up 600$ pair glass i owned and i didn't notice, he was stranding right infront of me...) I find just staying busey is working right for me.. I don't let myself stay idle for a second. I've taken up combative style aberoic class I fix in between after work and picking up my son.. I am just not ready for free time yet.

Yeah I could use some *catnip* alright... I'm sure the dude around the corner has some.

-Laterz.

I went to an intensive 6 week program of therapy that actually saved my life - no kidding here - so I am a big fan of therapy.

In my opinion it is whatever works for you. We are all individuals. Sometimes therapy really works but that depends on your input into it. Meds work really well for some people and that is ok too. both have side effects, but if they help us get to the place that we can understand things just a little better then why not take advantage of what ever may help us get from A to B with a minimum of damage. I have never taken any meds but that is because I am such a light weight. I tried the lowest dose of an antidepressant and it almost put me into a coma. I still don't remember the week that I was on them but my family does.
They intervened on my behalf or I would be a goner.
I have gone to Al-Anon and that personally helped me.
With anything used, you have to give it time. 6-8 weeks for any medication and you can't stop taking it when you feel better.
Good advice here. I hope that you find what works for you.. Hugs, Kimmee