Anxiety and medications

[Bec2335]

Hi everyone-

I was hoping to connect with others in a similar position maybe get a different prospective on things.

My story-

I was a victim of domestic violence and after leaving a few years ago now, I began having extreme anxiety issues. I felt like I had lost all control which was making me considerably depressed and i was avoiding all social interactions. My group of friends in now almost nonexistent because of it.

I have since found an absolutely amazing man who has been a heaven sent for my kids and I. He gave me the love and support I needed to get to the GP and deal with my symptoms, after witnessing one of my episodes first hand (I had kept how I was feeling a secret- not a good thing, i know but its now out in the open). Anyway, GP put me on medication which was amazing at first. However, 8 months later i feel like i have just stuck a band-aid over the wound not to mention the fact that my libido has become absoluely non existent thus putting a strain on my relationship.

I would like to be drug free and i would like to deal with my symptoms in a more natural way- i just dont know where to start. i would really appreciate any input 😊

[Nikkir]

Hi Bec2335,

Thank you for post and welcome to BB. That is wonderful that you met such a supportive partner for you and your children after every thing you have been through, you deserve to be happy and it is great that you did get the help that you needed when you needed it. It is also great that you would like to be drug free, now I am not a DR so you could reach out to our DR Kim on BB and speak to your own GP or a trusted GP on how to reduce your dose and be weaned off this drug slowly or how it will affect you. You could also see a naturopath as well who could consult with your GP. I know definately if you have been recommended medication for a long time and it is quite strong, it is not good to stop taking it suddenly. I also recommend yoga and our "smiling minds' app because it is great for a calm mind and clear thinking and relieving stress. It sounds like your life is definately taking a really positive turn and you should be proud of how far you have come. If you need anybody to talk to or resources and referrals please feel free to call our line on 1300 22 4636 and our DR Kim. Wishing you all the best and let us know how you are going if you can or would like to. Nikkir x

[geoff]

hi Bec, and thanks Nikkir for replying with some good advice.
I always distain domestic violence and so sorry for you to have to endure all of this from a person who had no contempt for how you were feeling and certainly what he was putting you through.
Please don't feel as though it was any fault of yours to see your friends disappear, because that's what happens if you or anybody else suffers from depression, they just go, which is a great disappointment, but it at least tells you who your friends are, but that's what they weren't they were just acquaintances.
It's lovely that you have finally found a person who treats you like royalty, but from what I can see is that your libido has gone, or perhaps it wasn't there when you left that creep, then came back when your new partner came along, but with depression it controls everything in your life, and will certainly affect your sex life as well as the medication could also help stop any want for intimacy, again this is no fault of yours, but I see that it would put a strain on a previous sexual relationship, and this is something that your partner has to learn about, because it's not that you don't love him, so I hope he will realise this.
Maybe this is why you want to try the natural way, so I do respect this and possibly try St. Johns Wort, which can not be taken with antidepressants prescribed by your doctor.
If you google 'herbal antidepressants' there maybe some information that may suit you, please let us know how you go, but I am so pleased that you are safe now away from what has previously happened. Geoff. x