I'm in my early 30s, and I've struggled with anxiety (and sometimes depression) for the last 8 years or so. Therapy helped with awareness and self-acceptance, but I still have stretches of a few months spent in "fight or flight" mode. My biggest trigger is around making life decisions, and it seems to create a vicious cycle with the anxiety.

I almost started an antidepressant two years ago, but decided to try making some changes in my life instead. I was able to de-emphasize work and start pursuing a big passion, but eventually old and new stressors reached a tipping point again.

My reservations about antidepressants are that they might get me to cope with my life as it is, rather than find the clarity and courage to change what's not working. I'm also worried about them limiting my creativity and changing one of my defining traits (high sensitivity). Also the ramping up and ramping down required makes it feel like a significant commitment.

I plan to consult a psychotherapist, but it would be helpful to hear other people's experience with the decision on whether to start medication. Thanks!