Penny,
I hope this little story is applicable :)
I developed Social Anxiety Disorder in Jr. High (I'm in my early 20's now),
but it wasn't diagnosed until I was 19 (my gallbladder burst, and my surgeon
brought in a psych to discuss stress with me). The psych who diagnosed me
wanted to start me on Xanax and Clonipine. I felt so torn: I wanted to ease
the anxiety, but I didn't want to change my personality. The psych convinced
me to try the meds with CBT; I'm not a new person :) I still have my goofy
personality, but I can face daily life without crippling anxiety.
I did switch from Clonipine to Effexor after a couple months b/c the
Clonipine made me overly emotional. The therapy has helped tremendously!
: ) Annee
Oh, how the little things
Strengthen my tiny wings,
Help me to take on the world,
When you love me,
There's nothing I wouldn't try,
I might even fly.
-Sarah Groves, All Right Here
Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
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