Antidepressant journey

[ThomasJakeLim]

Hi there I suffer from anxiety for a long time but recent events in my life have made me feel so anxious to the point I can no longer function productively. I talk to myself way too often to help cope with negativity. Exercise is becoming a stress point.It looks like medication may be the next option. May I ask for some feedback on how medication has helped you cope with chronic anxiety so you can function as a normal being? Whats your experience?

[Guest_4643]

Hi, welcome.

Please remember that we can't discuss names of medications here, and we are not health professionals, we can't make recommendations for medications for you.

Everyone is different, that includes medications, so it may work for others but not you.

We can share experiences here but you would be best talking to a professional - a Psychologist, Psychiatrist and/or GP about medication.

[Guest_1643]

hi there ,

medication use has been detrimental to me with PTSD and anxiety, so I have not taken it for 8 years. When I did take it I did not benefit. Some ppl tak meds and swear by them and some ppl treat anxitey and issues with functioning with other approaches.

I'd say go with ur gut and ur research and the ppl who's advice resonates.
Before going on medication it might b good to check out what the diagnosis is (if there is any!)

i'm sorry you are struggling feeling negatively and not knowing how to function.
ur doing the best you can and that's okay. I believe we are all doing our best in the situation we are in.

[ThomasJakeLim]

Thanks for listening

[geoff]

Hello ThomasJakeLim, thanks for posting your comment and can I join mb20lover as well as Sleepy in welcoming you to the forums.

Some people benefit so much from taking medication, that being said it may not be the first type of AD (antidepressant) your doctor/psychiatrist prescribes for you that does help, it may require several types before the one that suits you.

I, as well as others, google AD's on the net and maybe persuaded away from taking them because of what the net tells them, but the companies need to mention everything to protect themselves for possible legal action, but it may not necessarily mean you will have these side-effects at all, the only way you'll know is by taking them.

I tried several different types before they found the one that suits me and does the job.

My psychologist suggested exercise but I was unable to do any because I didn't have the strength to walk to the front letterbox, that had to wait until I was feeling better, and once you start they will put you on a low dose to begin with to watch for any side-effects.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[ThomasJakeLim]

Hi Geoff. Thanks so much for sharing. Every extra piece of info makes me feel more at ease about exploring the option with my GP.

[Guest_4643]

Hope you didn't think I was pushing you away Thomas, I do care. I was just reminding you we can't talk of names of medications here and we're not health professionals, this would best be discussed with them. We can reassure you but that's all.

[ThomasJakeLim]

Not at all. Totally understand the advice. Thanks for checking in.

[blondguy]

Hi ThomasJakeLim and thankyou to mblover sleepy21 and Geoff

I understand your feelings and the anxiety can be horrible to experience. My anxiety started when I was 23 and its was awful. (This was in 1983)... There wasnt much help available back then so I was a dill and fought my anxiety and refused medication unfortunately...That was a bad idea on my part

When my anxiety started to have a detrimental effect on my daily ability to function in my career and personal life I knew I really had problems

My GP read me the riot act and prescribed me with a low dose of AD's.....(SSRI's) and they provided me with solid platform on which I could heal effectively (using counselling) It did provide stability and quality of life

I really hope you can stick around the forums ThomasJakeLim...Any questions are always welcome!

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Booots]

I’m taking various medications as prescribed , and I can say for myself they help with the physical symptoms I get from anxiety/depression .

they don’t change negative thought patterns and they are not the magic wand that fixes everything . But for myself they are giving me less things to worry about ( physical symptoms ) and that is helping with my confidence