.Poppy.
29-03-16, 14:25
This is going to seem like a weird question, but here goes.
I am currently undergoing therapy for GAD and a bit of depression, as well as an online CBT module, and 10 mg of Lexapro daily (about to increase to 20mg) as well as .5 mg of Clonazapam. Hitting it from every angle I guess.
Side-effect wise, things haven't been too bad (we'll see how they are when I increase). I've had pretty intense anxiety, but then I had that before - a lot of my anxiety is actually HA. It's persisted because I have a fear of side effects, both real and imagined and the idea that I'm doing it to myself by taking a medication is scary and constantly on my mind.
I have my mother for support as well but she doesn't know much about it so while she tries, it's limited. I'm also really, really bad at opening up.
Anyway, to the weird part of my question - it involves my dog. I have an almost 2 year old Cocker Spaniel mix that I got from a rescue at 8 weeks. He's got anxiety too and is severely reactive (barking/lunging/growling) when he's scared. New people are a big trigger but the list is actually very long. He has reactions daily. We've done a lot of positive training, worked with a trainer, and made some progress but really not too much.
My old vet said he was fine and "just protective" (he's not). Another vet said he needed behavioral medication but she also wanted to partake in his training and I didn't agree with her methods so we didn't continue. I'm currently switching vets and am going to take him in for a wellness checkup at the new place. They seem great, but have asked if he's on behavioral meds. He's not. He'll have to be sedated for the appointment because he won't be able to handle it.
Anyway, I'm 24 years old and I feel like I should be able to handle this on my own. He's MY dog. I graduate in December and while he could continue to live on the farm with my parents, I really want to take him with me. However, I'm afraid they're going to suggest some kind of medication for him. I'm not opposed - he's really at the level where I think he needs it. But, I'm still so scared of side effects with my own personal journey and the idea of him having side effects, though normal, makes me sad. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Is it okay to tell my mom he's going in for a checkup, but that I want her to come with me because I just want someone else there to help absorb the information and help me make a rational decision? I just feel like I'm failing to adult on so many levels.:doh:
I am currently undergoing therapy for GAD and a bit of depression, as well as an online CBT module, and 10 mg of Lexapro daily (about to increase to 20mg) as well as .5 mg of Clonazapam. Hitting it from every angle I guess.
Side-effect wise, things haven't been too bad (we'll see how they are when I increase). I've had pretty intense anxiety, but then I had that before - a lot of my anxiety is actually HA. It's persisted because I have a fear of side effects, both real and imagined and the idea that I'm doing it to myself by taking a medication is scary and constantly on my mind.
I have my mother for support as well but she doesn't know much about it so while she tries, it's limited. I'm also really, really bad at opening up.
Anyway, to the weird part of my question - it involves my dog. I have an almost 2 year old Cocker Spaniel mix that I got from a rescue at 8 weeks. He's got anxiety too and is severely reactive (barking/lunging/growling) when he's scared. New people are a big trigger but the list is actually very long. He has reactions daily. We've done a lot of positive training, worked with a trainer, and made some progress but really not too much.
My old vet said he was fine and "just protective" (he's not). Another vet said he needed behavioral medication but she also wanted to partake in his training and I didn't agree with her methods so we didn't continue. I'm currently switching vets and am going to take him in for a wellness checkup at the new place. They seem great, but have asked if he's on behavioral meds. He's not. He'll have to be sedated for the appointment because he won't be able to handle it.
Anyway, I'm 24 years old and I feel like I should be able to handle this on my own. He's MY dog. I graduate in December and while he could continue to live on the farm with my parents, I really want to take him with me. However, I'm afraid they're going to suggest some kind of medication for him. I'm not opposed - he's really at the level where I think he needs it. But, I'm still so scared of side effects with my own personal journey and the idea of him having side effects, though normal, makes me sad. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Is it okay to tell my mom he's going in for a checkup, but that I want her to come with me because I just want someone else there to help absorb the information and help me make a rational decision? I just feel like I'm failing to adult on so many levels.:doh: