Will I live my life normally or my brain will keep like this?

Question #11587

48 days ago

160

Will I live my life normally or my brain will keep like this? - #11587

758 Harshil

From 1.5 years I am taking anxiety medicines basically SSRI's but now also I couldn't able to live like normally, my brain everytime feels fear in shops or in any work, I am only 22 yrs old and how can I live and my career forward, please help me as I think I am having any damage in my brain or some other disorder, I want to recover.

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

48 days ago

Investigation
Thyroid profile
Vitamin D3
Vitamin B12
Your brain is not damaged. What you’re experiencing is treatable anxiety that needs a combination of medication adjustment + CBT therapy + lifestyle support. With the right plan, you can regain confidence, reduce fear, and move forward with your career and life.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

48 days ago

Hello dear
See anxiety or depression are not very serious issue but yes if not treated can be life threatening.
Medicines are not the only cure for them
Some preventive measures are also required
Iam suggesting some preventive measures
Please follow them for atleast 2 months
Do meditation for mental health
Do physical exercises regularly for half an hour for physical health
Engage in social activities for mind engagement
Indulge in hobbies like reading novels or writing for building self confidence
Take zincovit multivitamin once a day for 1 month
Avoid junk food and alcohol or smoking
Adjust medications accordingly in consultation with your concerned physician
Try to adopt a disciplinary life for further improvement
I think there will be marked improvement in 2 month
In case of no improvement consult neurologist or psychiatrist in person for better clarification
Remember nothing is impossible but life is not always perfect
Regards

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

42 days ago

Hello Harshil,
Thank you for sharing your concerns. I want to reassure you — SSRIs (anxiety medicines) do not damage the brain. What you are experiencing is quite common in anxiety disorders.
This is happening because SSRIs reduce anxiety but sometimes they are not enough. You might need a combination of medicines + psychotherapy (CBT) to fully recover. It’s a good practice to come out of your situation.
Harshil, please understand that anxiety does not mean permanent brain damage - it is a treatable condition.
What you should do now:
Do not stop medicines suddenly — continue as per your doctor’s advice.
Ask your psychiatrist about dose adjustment or alternative SSRIs/SNRIs if symptoms persist.
Start counselling/therapy — this is proven to be very effective.
Practice daily relaxation: deep breathing, yoga, regular exercise, and good sleep routine.
Avoid excess caffeine and screen time before bed.
Harshil, you are only 22, and with proper treatment, you can absolutely live a normal life, build your career, and move forward. Many people recover fully from anxiety disorders.
Please do not lose hope — recovery may take time, but it is definitely possible with continued treatment and therapy.
Feel free to reach out.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain
MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med

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Dr. Perambalur Ayyadurai Rohith

I am a general physician with more than 10 yr of clinical experiance, and in this time I worked with patients from all age groups, from young kids to elderly with multiple chronic issues. My practice has been wide, but I gradually developed deeper intrest in diabetology. I spend much of my day focusing on prevention, early diagnosis and management of diabetes, using lifestyle modification, medical therapy and regular monitoring. Many patients come worried about complications, and I try to explain things in simple language, whether it is diet, excercise, or understanding lab reports, so they dont feel lost. I also conduct detailed diagnostic evaluation and use evidence based protocols to make sure treatment is reliable and updated, even if sometimes I double check myself when results dont match the clinical picture. Apart from regular OPD practice, I gained strong experiance in occupational health. Over years I worked with multiple companies handling pre employment checks, annual medical exams, workplace wellness programs, and ensuring compliance with industrial health and safety standards. It is diffrent from hospital practice, but equally important, because healthy workers mean safe and productive workplace. I run medical surveillance programs and health awareness sessions in collaboration with corporates, and this also gave me exposure to preventive strategies on a large scale. For me, patient care is not just treatment but building trust. My career revolve around preventive medicine, ethical clinical practice, and continuous learning. I keep myself updated with modern medical protocols, but I also value listening to patient worries, since medicine is not only about lab values but also about how a person feels in daily life. I make mistakes in words sometimes, but in my work I try to be very precise. At end of day, my aim is to provide care that is accessible, evidence based and truly centered on patient well being.

47 days ago

What you are experiencing is related to anxiety and SSRI side effects, not permanent brain damage.
At 22 years your brain has full capacity to recover and you can absolutely live a normal life with proper management.
Fear in shops or workplaces is a common anxiety symptom and can be improved with therapy techniques like CBT along with medication review.
Sometimes the same SSRI for long time stops working well, so your psychiatrist may adjust dose or switch to another safer option.
Alongside medicines, breathing exercises, mindfulness and regular physical activity help in resetting your brain response.
With proper follow up, most young people with anxiety recover fully and build a successful career without limitation.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

47 days ago

Hi Harshil,
Kindly understand there is no permanent damage to your brain.
You are only 22, your brain is very flexible (neuroplastic).
🛑😍With therapy + right treatment, you can live a normal life, pursue career, relationships, everything.
Follow these please
1.Talk therapy - CBT
2.Regular exercises
3Breathing technique (slow 4-7-8 when fear comes)
4. Adequate sleep
5. Less caffeine
6. gradual exposure to work place/shops
7.proper review and treatment
Think of your anxiety like a muscle cramp: painful, limiting, but treatable.
With consistent practice and the right support, your brain will relax and you’ll regain your confidence.☺️👍
Feel free to talk
Thank you

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Dr. Abhishek Gill

I am a doctor with 5 years total experience, mostly split between Emergency and Obstetrics & Gynaecology—and honestly both keep you on your toes in totally different ways. In the ER, you don’t get time to second-guess much. Things come at you fast—trauma, active bleeding, breathlessness, collapsed vitals—and you learn to think, act, then think again. But in Obs/Gyn, it’s more layered. One moment you’re handling routine antenatal care, the next you're managing obstructed labour at 3am with everything depending on timing. I try not to treat anyone like "just another case." I take proper history—like actual, detailed listening—and then move step by step. Exam, investigations only if needed (not just because), and explaining things clearly to the patient and attenders. Not gonna lie, sometimes I do repeat myself twice or thrice. People are stressed, they don’t hear it all the first time. Communication I’d say is one of my stronger areas, but not in some fancy textbook way. Just knowing *how* to talk, when to pause, when not to overload info. Like with a first-time mother in pain who doesn’t care about medical terms—she just wants to know if her baby’s okay. Those moments taught me more about medicine than most of my exams. I handle postpartum issues, early pregnancy complications, PCOD, menstrual complaints, emergency contraception consults too—bit of everything. And in casualty shifts, I’ve done everything from inserting Ryle’s tubes to managing hypertensive crises. You have to stay sharp. But also know when to slow down and re-evalutate something that doesn’t fit right. Counselling’s part of the job too. Sometimes patients need reassurance more than a prescription. Sometimes they just need honesty, even if the answer isn't simple. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do care enough to find them. Bit by bit. Every single day.

45 days ago

Hello HARSHIL,
Having anxiety is not a big issue. You can tackle it with the medicines and your mind.
For the initial phase, I suggest you to consult a PSYCHOLOGIST for better approach. You can continue it till you feel comfortable to deal with it alone.
Take care

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Dr. Alan Reji

I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.

45 days ago

I understand how difficult this must feel — long-term SSRI use helps many, but if your anxiety and fear in daily situations are still strong, it does not mean your brain is damaged. Anxiety disorders often need a combined approach: optimized medication (sometimes a different SSRI or dose, or another class of drug) plus cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and sleep hygiene. Please consult a psychiatrist for medication review and a psychologist/therapist for CBT so that you can gradually rebuild confidence and move forward with your studies, career, and life.

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

26 days ago

It’s not uncommon to still experience anxiety symptoms even when you’re on medication like SSRIs. These medications can be very effective, but it’s important to remember that they’re often part of a broader treatment plan that can include therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle adjustments, and stress management. It’s possible your current dosage might not be ideal or there’s a more suitable medication for your needs. Consulting with your healthcare provider about reviewing your medication regimen and considering options like psychiatric assessment can be a critical next step. They might suggest alterations to your treatment or additional tools to better manage your symptoms. Anxiety can also create a cycle of fear and avoidance that it makes you feel trapped. Increasing your self-awareness with mental health strategies can help break this cycle. Exploring mindfulness practices, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy routine can significantly impact your anxiety levels. Sometimes, even simple changes like improving diet and sleep can accumulatively add up to a healthier mental state. It’s unlikely that you’ve got permanent brain damage from anxiety or SSRI use, but understanding your symptoms is important. Focus on practical methods to regain control over your symptoms and taking steps to slowly re-engage with social settings and activities that provoke fear will build resilience over time. Most importantly, consistent follow-up with a mental health professional can provide tailored strategies and ongoing support in your journey to recovery and career progression. Keep up regular appointments and don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments or different approaches to find what suits you best.

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