I am taking an antidepressant and my anxiety is aggravating!

[Luyang]

A few months ago I was scammed and nearly all the money from my credit card was stolen from me. This caused me to feel quite suicide as I am merely 18 and this incident is unprecendented. Even worse, I was diagnosed with OCD, panic disorder and anxiety.

Now I am taking an antidepressant every evenning and it's making me feel all the more worse. I caught a fever after taking it and I felt more anxious than ever. I feel like I can't go to Uni anymore!

[Zeal]

Hi Luyang,

Welcome to the forum!

That's so unfortunate that the money on your credit card was stolen! Do you live with your parents/family? Ask family for support at this time. These suicidal thoughts are concerning. When you feel suicidal, you can call beyondblue's 24/7 helpline on 1300 22 4636, or lifeline on 13 11 14. Keep seeing the doctor/health professional who diagnosed you with OCD and panic disorder. Tell them about these suicidal thoughts, as it's important they know. I also have OCD - it's quite a frustrating illness, especially if help is not sought.

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂

Best wishes,

SM

[Luyang]

Honest I don't want to see anymore anymore nor call helpline. I called lifeline in the past and they did nothing but call the police on me. I am frightened of them

[Zeal]

Hi again Luyang,

Did your doctor tell you to take your antidepressant at night? If you are concerned about the antidepressants you are taking, have a chat to your doctor. I highly recommend going to your uni Counselling/Disability Service. As you have diagnosed mental health conditions, you might qualify for special provisions for uni work. This can include things like having extra time during exams or being granted extensions without a medical certificate. You are not guaranteed to get provisions, but it's worth finding out. Ring your uni's counselling/disability service (might be called something different at your uni) and make an appointment. If you aren't sure of something, ask them. Staff at universities are used to being asked questions by students, and it's important to ask if you are worried or in doubt about something.

Best wishes,

SM

[Zeal]

Hi Luyang,

I am sorry you feel this way. The police would have done what they considered necessary for you to be safe. You were not in trouble with the police or with anyone in that situation. They wanted to make sure you didn't get hurt. There is also no shame in getting medical help. It takes courage to seek help and also to accept it, but it's very much worth it.

I hope you keep talking here 🙂

Best wishes,

SM

[Nickname_65BD5CCF-CA54-46]

Sounds like a really rotten thing to happen to you. I'm sorry it did.

Now I am taking an antidepressant every evenning and it's making me feel all the more worse.

Medication for brain chemistry is hard for professionals to get right. More so with young minds. Don't expect that a Doctor will be right first time, it often takes talking back and forth. Some medication will make you feel worse, sometimes this is resolved in the first fortnight/month, other times it means that particular medication is wrong for you at this time.

It's hard, but don't be timid with the Doctor, or find a Doctor that you can speak too easily. A bit of persistence and you can get the right medication that suits and helps you.

It might also be worth asking the Doctor for a medical certificate to show Uni, this could help give you a break re attendance and workload while you sort yourself out better. You're no more at fault for having OCD, panic disorder and anxiety than you would catching the flu, and Universities generally understand this.