I've been seeing the same therapist for years now. Not every week or even month but with enough regularity that she knows my history. I was having some serious relapsing of OCD and anxiety symptoms the last few months. But lately, I have made a real concerted efforts to try methods other than medication and I feel as though I have been improving. Maybe it's a false sense of security, I don't know, but my Dr. has been pushing me to take medicine for months now. I have been hesistant b/c I feel like a lot of what I need is behavior modification. Sometimes I think getting on medicine, while helpful, makes you forget just what it was you were feeling. And then you don't really deal with your issues and boom! it hits again later and you're back at square one. Anyway, I took my first small dose this morning but I am annoyed because I don't know that I feel that I need it. She said that for my symptoms medicine and therapy are best. I say, I've had a horrible couple of years and I'm just trying to learn some new coping techniques that do not involve meds. I was on them for a long time and don't particularly want to get back on-NOT b/c I don't believe in them, but b/c I think they have their time and place. Anyway, sorry to rant but I am wondering what your opinions on this are. Thanks in advance and peace (of mind) to all.

Bridgemar,
I to took meds for a long time, almost 8 yrs total. But after getting the program, i found i could actually help myself without the meds,, not say meds are bad, they help in extreme stressful situations,, but by what you said, you were doing better without them.
Sometimes we dont need them long, and can just taper off them. There are those who need meds all the time,, and thats okay to. But, if you personally feel you can deal with whats going on in your life, without meds, and by just using the skills of the program,, then do that!!! I know doctors are well meaning, and all, but we actually KNOW ourselves better than anyone else Nelly

Thanks Nelly. I needed to hear my own thoughts reiterated. I feel a little like a lemming-doing exactly what the doctor says even though I feel okay. I guess I'll have to have faith that she knows me well enough to know what she's doing. I appreciate your response and I'll let you know how I do.
Thanks again,

Bridget

I know you have been going to this doctor for a long time, but you might want to get the second opinion of a doctor who is not so medication happy. My doctor is not a big lover of medications. I take them but it will not be a forever kind of deal.