slappyintheface

I can't speak for the American system but can give a UK perspective. This summer I was really struggling with anxiety. Something that I had never had before and it absolutely terrified me. I went to my GP who referred me to a service called Time to Talk who assessed me and determined that I was suffering from high level anxiety and moderate depression.

I was then sent on a 6 week course that has absolutely changed my life. I went once a week and learnt all sorts of things. It taught me to do my own CBT (how to better control my actions, thoughts and body in response to stress). Most importantly for me it normalised anxiety and depression, explaining how common it is and exactly what is going on inside my body when I get anxious and depressed. This somehow makes it so much easier to deal with. It was explained to me that what I was experiencing was in fact a NORMAL response to what had been happening in my life and taught me practical ways to deal with it. (We had sessions on sleep control and relaxation techniques too). After the course finished we were told we could access individual therapy if we felt we needed it and they also did discuss the merits of medication.

Although I still have days that are difficult, I am so glad that this option was offered to me or I could quite easily have started taking pills that, in my opinion, I don't need at the moment. I know my friend, who lives in a different borough to me, was put straight on anti-depressants when I think the course could have done the same for her.

Essentially what I'm saying is that I think we suffer more depression and anxiety, and therefore take more anti-depressants, because of the pace of modern life and the expectations placed upon us. But also because of a lack of knowledge of how to deal with the effects this extra stress has on our minds and bodies. Of course knowledge and stress control techniques would not be enough for everyone, but it has worked for me.

Of course, I am very lucky that we have the NHS in the UK so all these sessions were free (as will the individual therapy and any medication be, if I decide I need them later). It may not be an option when people have to fund it themselves.

Wow. This got long. Sorry.