bucketsjimbo

You don't call someone on SSRIs codependent. You call it treatment.

Codependent implies enabling bad behavior. My dog doesn't enable my anxiety. My meds don't enable my anxiety, they treat it.

It paints it in a very negative light. Does not mention a single positive anecdote

Only says we don't know so they could be doing harm!

Was not bashing taking medication. Sorry that was not my intent.

SSRIs and such can be helpful, but I would like to stay away from xanax and things like that. I have known many people who became dependent and had their life ruined. I know it depends on the person and their background, but I'd like to avoid it all together personally.

I'd prefer to hug a dog than take potentially addictive medications.

While people obviously abuse this and I don't need to bring my dog on the plane:

My dog gives me reason to keep living and not kill myself on my darkest days.

When I wake up sweating and shaking and panicing from anxiety, my dog gives me something soft and comforting to hold and pet. A dog reacts and loves you and distracts you by licking and being playful and in your face.

Having been alone and suffering from this for a decade prior, I can say for sure my dog helps me.

What croc of a psychiatrist can't see this.

Edit:

As for being a crutch, anxiety is not logical. Sometimes there isn't something to confront. Just a fear of impending doom from some unknown source..no matter what you tell yourself, and how much you know there is nothing, you still shake, heart pounding, sweating, physical pain from anxiety.

I could take medicine and be dependent on that, or I could hug my dog