Started medication and feeling guilty about it

Dec 23·1 min read

Been on Lexapro for 3 weeks now. Doc recommended it after I described constant low-level anxiety that's been there for like 5 years. I feel better? Like noticeably less in my own head about everything. But part of me feels like I should be able to handle this without pills, like I'm taking the easy way out. Rational brain knows that's dumb. Emotional brain is being a jerk about it. Anyway just wanted to put it out there in case anyone else has felt this way.

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Comments(5)

LLou P.RegularDec 23

3 weeks in and noticing improvement is actually a good sign the med is working for you. The guilt about 'needing' it is just socialization. You had anxiety for 5 years—a pill helping with that is legit

SSawyer N.RegularDec 24

The guilt is normal but counterproductive. You're taking care of yourself so you can actually be present for your family. That's not selfish, that's necessary

TTerrence M.RegularDec 24

Wait til you realize how much mental energy the constant low-level anxiety was eating up. You're gonna look back and be like 'how did I function for 5 years like that?' The relief is real

MMarcus L.RegularDec 26

The guilt makes sense culturally but it's unfounded. You fixed something broken. You'd take antibiotics for an infection without guilt—this is the same concept just internal

OOscar D.New DadDec 26

Lexapro for 5 years of baseline anxiety is solid. Honestly kind of wish more dads would just do this instead of white-knuckling through everything and acting like it's character building