How Do I Know if I Should Take Anxiety Medication? An Expert Explains

If you’re breathing in today’s age, chances are you’ve experienced some level of anxiety. But despite the endless information out there on mental health, it can be difficult to know if your anxiety should be treated with a mental health day, some regular therapy, and/or a prescription for medication. So we asked Alicia Hodge, PsyD, to break down how to decide if anxiety medication is right for you.

When should I consider anxiety medication?

“If someone is significantly experiencing anxiety to a level that is reducing their function — meaning attending work, noticing a strong decline in their social engagements … medication may be the best avenue,” says Hodge. 

That being said, you don’t have to wait for your anxiety to get worse to get help, she adds. “If you know that you're not yourself … if you're noticing this is significantly impacting the way that [you] show up in the world, it's time to get some help or assistance.”  

Featured Expert:

Alicia Hodge, PsyD - A licensed clinical psychologist

Finding the right medication may involve some trial and error. For starters, it’s important to find a doctor you like and trust, “because they are meant to be collaborating with you,” says Hodge. Together you can figure out the type of medication, dose, and frequency, according to your lifestyle. For example, “If [your doctor] knows something would make you groggy in the morning, then they might consider a different medication. Or they might say, ‘Actually, I want you to take this at night instead of first thing in the morning,’” says Hodge. 

Do I need to take anxiety medication forever?

Not necessarily, according to Hodge. You’re in control here, and you know how you feel best. “You may find that you only need medication to support you through a certain period or experience,” Hodge says. You and your doctor may eventually decide to decrease your dose or stop the medication altogether. Some people may benefit from staying on medication long-term. The bottom line: “You only have to do what you're comfortable with doing,” says Hodge.  

How to deal with anxiety without medication

It’s possible to treat anxiety without medication, says Hodge. Therapy is one of the most widely used treatments. It can help adjust “your thinking style,” to help you cope with anxiety, says Hodge. 

Keep in mind that treating anxiety with or without medication isn’t mutually exclusive. In fact, “the best outcomes [sometimes] come from the conjunction of talk therapy and medication,” she says. 

Don’t underestimate the power of lifestyle changes for anxiety, too. “Sleep and exercise are really powerful and impactful ways to assess where you are with your mental health,” Hodge says. 

Above all, be kinder to yourself, says Hodge. “If we can just change our self-talk, that's actually a big factor in how well you can navigate through [stressful] situations.” Her tip: If you find yourself “should-ing” yourself — or being self-critical — that’s a sign to take it easy on yourself.