Taking new anxiety medication

[PsychedelicFur]

This morning I started taking my new anxiety medication.

I consulted my doctor because I could no longer afford the usual antidepressant as it was not available for student’s/people with concession. So I asked my doctor for a cheaper alternative. I would never ever stop taking my anxiety medication abruptly. Because there are such substantial consequences to doing just that. And so I did what she advised me to do. And now every morning, instead of nighttime - I cut half of my new tablet with a tablet cutter and take 5mg.
I feel like this is such a wonderful achievement for me because I did not just take myself off the mediation even though I cannot afford the full priced tablets. Instead I looked for a cheaper alternative because I know deep down that the medication helps me so much. I had been taking my previous medication for about 14 months now. And I saw a lot of significant and GOOD changes.

feeling proud of myself that I am consistently taking my medication. It’s a priority for me. I don’t know if this is ok to post on here but I just wanted to do a little self care post.. just to remind myself and OTHERS that we can do this. We have most certainly got this! I’ve got this.

PF.

[The_Bro]

Hey there PF

CONGRATULATIONS - what you have done is fantastic!

It has taken fairly important self realisation for you to take that step - you know deep down the medication helps you but are ready to try taking a little less. I can see its only been a day but good on you, I hope the half dose is OK and you are still feeling as proud about yourself as you came across in your post.

I wonder if you have sought our other "feel good" measures - like exercise, group activities, challenges such as music etc? Plus developing a daily routine and sticking to it to keep your mind occupied?

I am personally a big believer in this and find meditation achieves the opposite to what I want and allows too much time for negative thoughts.

I look forward to hearing how you get on with the half dose in a few weeks!

Kind regards, The Bro

[PsychedelicFur]

Hello The Bro, how are you? I hope you are ok. Thank you for the thoughtful response. Much appreciated.

To answer your question : yes, I attend university classes for four days a week. I also do volunteer work twice a week. I also listen to a lot of music. I do plenty of exercising too. As I dance, ride the exercise bike and go for walks quite frequently too. I have almost got my diploma. And I have been accepted to do a bachelors degree at another university for three years, starting next year.

I do try to keep my anxiety down. By doing self care activities and things. Trying my hardest haha! Oh, I also forgot to mention.. I do a lot of writing too.

what things do you do that helps you?

[Goldwing03]

I'm so proud of everything you're doing! It seems like you've developed a routine and many reliable self-care strategies and plans for when things are rough. It's also really good that you're volunteering- I've personally found that it helps immensely when I'm down 🙂

[The_Bro]

Wow PF that activity list is very impressive indeed!

You certainly are an achiever with much to feel proud about!

While not as busy as you (I am retired), I am learning guitar, cycle competitively, paddleboard competitively, volunteer for Marine Rescue and am planning the outfitting for a campervan we are getting. I also take an active interest in daily current affairs to stay current with society.

To me, it is important to have things on every day, and helpful if they can be measured. Not that that would suit everyone at all, but I have always been competitive. Too much for my own good I'm sure.

It took me a long time to learn how to be a gracious winner and equally gracious loser. It's interesting how congratulating others makes you feel good as well. Something about paying it forward I guess.

Talk soon, The Bro