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4pawslove Off and on, and constantly switching Medication
  • replies: 11

Hi there First time post for me, after reading the support an advice offered here I felt hopeful I could ask a few questions and share a bit of my story among people who understand and may also be able to offer me ideas. For me the last 6/8 months ha... View more

Hi there First time post for me, after reading the support an advice offered here I felt hopeful I could ask a few questions and share a bit of my story among people who understand and may also be able to offer me ideas. For me the last 6/8 months have been an on going battle and an utter disappointment as I promised myself I would not walk down this path again- yet I saw it coming and could not stop myself from slipping- so scary when you know all the signs and you try all the things you have learnt to aviod the dark but still it comes. This is why I take medication- but as of late nothing seems to be working and I have hit rock bottom. I have been in and out of depressive episodes for the past 10 years, most of which I have been medicated- taking various SNRI's (but they had no effect). In the past taking medication has worked because it enabled me to concentrate, to get on with tasks i was struggling with and getting overwhelmed with, stop my inner chatter and get me into a head space where I see things rationally. It would keep my mood stable by just making me feel numb. But the pay offs where a flat/foggy feeling, no emotional connection to one or anything, sweating, drowsiness and feeling like i've lost all personality/creativity and original thought. In the recent episode I have had- I have chopped and changed medication around alot, giving each a fair go (couple of months) but nothing seems to be working. So I've looked at other options- hypnotherapy, mediation, exercise, diet change, supplements, seeing a psychiatrist to change my medication yet again- but no progress. I am now 1 week in to no medication at all- and its not going well- I am very anxious .I know each person is different and medication has various effects but I wondered if anyone else has been through this constant search I seem to be on for the right way to move forward positively? I know this is the sort of stuff I should be asking a doctor but ive been to so many- ¬ found one I trust or feel has helped me in any way. Im over psychology, psychiatrists, health plans- they have all been dead ends for me. So wondering if anyone here has anything they would like to share that they think might help.

Lily95 Medication for Generalised Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I feel a bit weird posting this as I have never used one of these forums before, but I have a lot of anxiety relating to my treatment currently that I feel as though I have no one to discuss this with. I was diagnosed with generalised an... View more

Hi everyone, I feel a bit weird posting this as I have never used one of these forums before, but I have a lot of anxiety relating to my treatment currently that I feel as though I have no one to discuss this with. I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder three years ago and have been managing it with cognitive behaviour therapy, counselling, exercise, etc., since. My psychologists have termed me as very 'high-functioning' and believed I would be best with medication from the beginning. I have tried to hold this off for a very long time as my mother has a very poor viewpoint on people who medicate for anxiety and depression...her viewpoints are not my own but I will as though I have 'failed' in a way because of her beliefs. *I study nursing and have a high respect for mental health and medication, this is just relating to my own treatment* Also because of my nursing degree, I feel as though I have almost too much knowledge of the side effects of these medications, and how hard it can be to come off them later. I'm in the final year of my degree and am no longer coping in terms of my anxiety, as I now have constant panic/panic attacks due to constant stress, high pressure environments and lack of sleep. My counsellor recommended me to discuss my options with my GP, whom I went to speak with today. He believes I am also suffering from a moderate amount of depression (which I had also realised) and wrote me a prescription for a low-dose of a common SSRI, and wants to have regular check-ups to monitor it's effectiveness. I just feel torn- I know in myself that something hasn't been right with me for the past couple of months, and that my symptoms are much more severe and frequent than usual. I'm scared about my current quality of life, and part of me believes that medication will help with this. But I'm also so cautious/anxious about possible side effects, and being able to come off this medication in the future. I realise this is a lengthy post but I'm hoping someone else may have had a similar experience and be able to reassure me!

Guest_3712 Coping with coming off strong medication
  • replies: 51

Hi all, Its been a long time since I posted here but I've never forgotten the support I received during some very difficult times. Without going into a lot of details I have had major depression and anxiety for a number of years. Several admissions t... View more

Hi all, Its been a long time since I posted here but I've never forgotten the support I received during some very difficult times. Without going into a lot of details I have had major depression and anxiety for a number of years. Several admissions to psych hospitals, countless medication addictions and ongoing therapy and still I'm not "well". I have tried to live a 'normal' life these last couple of years, as possible as that is while still heavily medicated, I've had a job ( retrenched before Christmas) , seen my daughter marry and the birth of my first grandchild- all good for sure. But the price for this normality is that to function I have to take a lot of medication. But no more. I decided a week ago I cant live in this twilight world any longer and stopped one of my meds that left me so zoned out I could only take it at night or if I knew I wasn't go anywhere. not to mention the 30 plus kgs I've put on. I have a supportive psych who I see regularly and while he wasn't happy I stopped without talking to him first he understands my need to try and gain back some control of my life. Dear Readers I know I'm doing the right thing, but I have been on these meds for so long I'm scared I wont be able to hang in there. Its not my first time coming off strong medication but before I was in hospital and it was still very hard. I can feel some of the old anxieties creeping back and that dark cloak of depression I have managed to kept above my head, is beginning to slip further over my shoulders. If anyone has gone through similar experience I would appreciate any support or advice. Stressless

The_Possum Firing you psychologist
  • replies: 7

Has anyone fired their psychologist and how did you go about it? My psychologist has reduced her working days to only one day a week in My local area, and she also us on leave a lot making it hard to even book in. I'm going through a big issue right ... View more

Has anyone fired their psychologist and how did you go about it? My psychologist has reduced her working days to only one day a week in My local area, and she also us on leave a lot making it hard to even book in. I'm going through a big issue right now that is playing havoc on my bipolar depression. Yes I'm medicated but newly diagnosed. I need regular support, I can feel myself drifting downwards. All my psych can do is say on a text message 'don't forget self care sleeping and eating' It's a bit more of an issue than that.. It's just not good enough. She is letting me down.

missmjj Advice on MAOI DIET
  • replies: 4

Dr is weaning me off meds to start on MAOI but I'm scared,worried ,panicky and stressed as there are so many conflicting lists of what and what not to eat.Plus I'm vegetarian and it seems like it's going to be impossible.There seems to be some MAJOR ... View more

Dr is weaning me off meds to start on MAOI but I'm scared,worried ,panicky and stressed as there are so many conflicting lists of what and what not to eat.Plus I'm vegetarian and it seems like it's going to be impossible.There seems to be some MAJOR side effects if I sway from the diet Has anyone any info or reviews that could help.Not sure if it's worth it Tried almost every other types of meds.

AshnPolly Is ECT good?
  • replies: 12

Hi, my psych wants me to start ECT in a couple of weeks... Combined with new medications she is positive it will be a good thing but I'm quite scared. Is ECT ok? Is it an ok treatment?

Hi, my psych wants me to start ECT in a couple of weeks... Combined with new medications she is positive it will be a good thing but I'm quite scared. Is ECT ok? Is it an ok treatment?

sociallyawks when psychologists create another roadblock
  • replies: 3

Last year I got a referral and been an initial appointment with a psychologist. After that she couldn't fit me in for 5 weeks . I was already anxious and wanting help and after going once to then wait more than a month - not good enough, especially w... View more

Last year I got a referral and been an initial appointment with a psychologist. After that she couldn't fit me in for 5 weeks . I was already anxious and wanting help and after going once to then wait more than a month - not good enough, especially when the first appointment was all me talking and nothing to help me... no relief. I found a new job, things started looking better but i'm still anxiety ridden in and now in new job in a sector I don't know that well my confidence is down and I am anxious every day. I don't know why they couldn't match me with someone who would be around or have availability. Surely this makes it more difficult for people. i really don't want to go through again it puts me off the whole idea.....what can I do? Why is getting help so difficult?

alleywest Psychologist/psychiatrist etiquette?
  • replies: 4

Hi! I'm 23 and I've been seeing a psychologist for anxiety/panic/PTSD-style symptoms for about six months. I'm considering seeing a psychiatrist for the first time to seek a formal diagnosis or opinion. This would make some aspects of my life easier.... View more

Hi! I'm 23 and I've been seeing a psychologist for anxiety/panic/PTSD-style symptoms for about six months. I'm considering seeing a psychiatrist for the first time to seek a formal diagnosis or opinion. This would make some aspects of my life easier. I'm not particularly interested in medication at this stage, pending professional recommendations. Is it best practice to let my psychologist know about this ahead of time? Is it in the realm of normal practice for my psychologist to provide information (such as a letter or file) to the psychiatrist I choose to see? It can be expensive so I don't want to walk in empty-handed. What’s "normal" for interaction between the two? Thank you in advance, Alley

startingnew do helplines really help?
  • replies: 2

ive tried many different helplines and ive only actually been helped a few timesbut most of the time they just say to keep using the distractions and coping strategies that ive been using and to speak to my psychologist wow what a great help- if i wa... View more

ive tried many different helplines and ive only actually been helped a few timesbut most of the time they just say to keep using the distractions and coping strategies that ive been using and to speak to my psychologist wow what a great help- if i was doing that and it was helping me i wouldnt have rung now would i? wondering what others experiences are?

TeaRose Voluntary admission - Private or Public
  • replies: 3

Hi, I have recently reached out about the extent of my mental illness to love ones and seeing a psychologist/ psychiatrist regularly and have been told voluntary admission is a path I can go down (if I feel unsafe or at risk). I am new to this so jus... View more

Hi, I have recently reached out about the extent of my mental illness to love ones and seeing a psychologist/ psychiatrist regularly and have been told voluntary admission is a path I can go down (if I feel unsafe or at risk). I am new to this so just want to try get an understanding of what other people have experienced with either a public or private voluntary admission. From my understanding, public hospitals are often under resourced and can have people both in psychosis and not on the same ward and potentially escalate the symptoms one might have. Although, I do have private insurance, I will need to discuss with my provider about what cover I have - so cost may play a big role in this. Also the experience itself, did anyone find it helped and in what way? Thank you