Ran out of my medication

[Zygote]

I ran out of my antidepressant last Wednesday.  My wife went out today and I'm stuck with children.  I'm really a bit of a mess.  I'm crying over nothing at all.  I was watching Air Crash Investigation and started bawling when some lady thought her son was killed but then she found him alive.  And just random crying over nothing and thoughts of wanting to give up.

There are certain things as well I'm having trouble with but I have anxiety, really bad, so I can't ring up to get help.  I have a script but no money to buy till Wednesday though I don't think I'll make it unless this is the worst it will get.  

Don't even really know why I'm writing this.  I can't get help because I'm a guy and no matter how nice people are I think they still just sort of wish we would harden up and be men or that's how I perceive things anyway.  

My wife controls all the money, she has a good job but she's a controlling person and I have anxiety thinking about asking her for the money for the medication.  I am

tired of irritable moods she gets into when I ask for money, they can last for days sometimes weeks over 5 dollars which is ridiculous.  Not that I don't work I do work, 5 days a week 8 hours a day but I work for free because I don't feel worthwhile enough to ask for money in an actual paying job.  I get extremely anxious about competing with people in interviews and sort of fall apart in front of people in those situations.  

 Probably sounds insane but I guess that's why I have a mental illness because I'm slightly insane 🙂  

[Jo3]

Hi Zygote

Are you able to ring the pharmacy where you get your scripts from and see if they can give you enough until Wednesday and then pay.  If you explain that you can't pay until then hopefully they will give you enough.  These are one type of medication that you really can't run out of.  Believe me I understand what you're going through, been there done that!!

I feel for you with your anxiety in relation to asking your wife for money.  It must be so frustrating for you.  From what I am reading are you a stay at home dad?

I would definitely give the chemist a call asap.  let us know how you go.

Good luck

Jo

[geoff]

dear Zygote, what you have said is very concerning, because I was once taking this antidepressant, and it's a powerful drug, so to miss out from taking them is going to create havoc with your mind, so I suggest you do either of two things; you need to get the money off your wife, and as your not getting paid are you on a centrelink payment or part payment.

There is NO shame in asking for the money it's a must, secondly if you know the pharmacist or have been getting your medicine there regularly, then go and ask him/her for a few to tie you over until Wednesday, they should be able to do this for you, or thirdly can you borrow the money from someone, or fourthly can the pharmacy put it onto a monthly account, which maybe a big ask.

Ask your wife would she prefer you to be depressed and crying all the time or would she prefer you to be much better if she gave you the money for your AD.

I know that all AD's are strong, but this one is super strong, but the side-effects didn't suit me. Geoff.

[White_Rose]

Dear Zygote

Obviously you are seeing a doctor as you are being prescribed an anti-depressant. I wonder if this is the most suitable medication for you. Have you tried any other ADs? I ask because I also had the same AD as you and found it did not work well for me plus I had horrendous side effects. Can you go back to you doctor and ask for a medication review?

Also, are you seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist? If not then perhaps you should discuss with your GP being referred to one or the other. From what you have written it sounds as though you have multiple issues and need to get them sorted out ASAP. Taking ADs may help a little in the short term but the issues in your life will keep you depressed until you can sort them out.

Your GP can write a mental health plan for you which means you can have 10-12 free sessions with a psychologist which should help with the money problems.

Being male in this world was assumed to equal keeping a stiff upper lip. Not any more. It is now realised that men can and do have as many emotions and emotional problems as women. No need to feel ashamed or uncomfortable about it.  If you go to the home page of BB you will find a link to Man Therapy. Please read that section.

Also read the information that BB has provided for everyone who gets onto this site. Explore the tabs at the top of the page and decide which information you would like sent to you. BB will send it free of charge.

If you do not have a GP or you are not comfortable with your GP then click on Find a Professional at the bottom of the page. You can search by postcode. You should be able to find a doctor who is experienced in mental health matters.

I do hope my comments are helpful. The people who write on this site understand depression all too well. Please ask as many questions as you wish. We are here to help as much as possible. Thank you for telling us your story.

Regards

Mary

[Neil_1]

Hi there Zygote

Welcome to Beyond Blue and might I say, thank you for coming here and sharing your post.

Running out of antidepressants is not a good thing – as you would well know.  Am I assuming then that you have not been on your AD’s for over 4 days now??  Being that way is fraught with danger – as no-one should ever come off their AD’s without medical supervision or at least, having your prescribing specialist assist you with it.

I’ve been in the low money situation before and run out of AD’s – but knowing I had to have them, I went to my chemist, explained my situation and they were able to prescribe the right amount to get me through till pay day;  and then I was able to take the whole script and pay it as well.

Please please don’t worry about the whole, mental illness V guy thing.  That’s a thing of the past – it happens and it happens to so many of us and it’s very real.  And we’re able to seek out help and get support very easily.  It takes nothing away from your own masculinity – if anything, it helps to make you an even stronger person, because you’re able to identify that there is a problem and that you’re strong enough to know what you must do to help yourself.

Is your wife supportive of you with your mental illness?  I ask this because it seems that she may not be – if she’s not able to provide you with money to help pay for your medication.

I’m really blown away that you do work 40 hours a week in a non-paying job.  I believe that would stand you in very good stead for any future paying job that you apply for – cause by the sound of it, you’re doing a volunteer kind of role now.  Future employers I feel would be very keen to look at someone who is willing to put in this kind of effort – extremely noble and brilliant on your behalf.  Oh oh and in regard to interviews – you simply wouldn’t be human if you didn’t get nervous or anxious prior to having an interview.

I hope that I’ve said something that is beneficial for you and do hope to hear back from you soon.

Neil