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