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Anonymously_Me Withdrawal symptoms antidepressants
  • replies: 4

Hi, so I've had anxiety/depression for about 10 years, started taking antidepressants in 2009 and decided to have a break from them this year since I was at an OK place in my life and I was no where as near as bad as I was in 2009. I went to the GP a... View more

Hi, so I've had anxiety/depression for about 10 years, started taking antidepressants in 2009 and decided to have a break from them this year since I was at an OK place in my life and I was no where as near as bad as I was in 2009. I went to the GP about it and had it organised to ween it off slowly (as the affects of stopping medication suddenly is harmful) and that if I start to feel really down and it get's bad again that I will just go back on it. Anyway, I weened it of within a few months. I was very careful with it and had it organised on my calendar and all, And a couple of days after I completely stopped it, I just cry constantly. everyday and over nothing. I have been quite moody as well and it's just like how I was back in 2009 in some ways. I've heard before that other people have had withdrawal symptoms from stopping antidepressants so I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and when, or if, these symptoms stopped? I was going to wait until it had been a month to see if my body adjusts, so far it's been a few weeks. I don't really want to back on the antidepressants either, I know they help, but I don't like the idea that I have to live my whole life depending on something, I want to be in charge of my mind. But I don't know if this is my depression and anxiety coming back to it's worse, or if it's just my body getting used to not taking the medications. Any advice would be appreciated

Allan533 Can referrals be used generally?
  • replies: 2

After a particularly bad time recently I discussed with my psychologist the possibility of going on medication for a while, and they agreed. So I went to my GP, got a referral to a psychiatrist that I think would be a good fit, and gave them a call. ... View more

After a particularly bad time recently I discussed with my psychologist the possibility of going on medication for a while, and they agreed. So I went to my GP, got a referral to a psychiatrist that I think would be a good fit, and gave them a call. Turns out that the next slot (barring cancellations) is in November. I don't mind white-knuckling it for a couple months, but November is way too long. My question is, even though my referral is to a particular psychiatrist, could I use it for another? Or do I need to go back to my GP and get another? Because that seems like a big waste of both of our time. Google has let me down, unfortunately. Or maybe my Google-fu is weak, that's certainly possible.

CloudGate Taking SSRI's for anxiety/PMS for the first time.
  • replies: 7

Hi, I was hoping to hear from some other people who may have experience, particularly any ladies who may be in a similar situation. I have GAD and day to day it's usually manageable, I just turned 30, I ride my bike alot, eat well, try not to drink t... View more

Hi, I was hoping to hear from some other people who may have experience, particularly any ladies who may be in a similar situation. I have GAD and day to day it's usually manageable, I just turned 30, I ride my bike alot, eat well, try not to drink too much and get enough sleep. The past year I noticed my anxiety gets significantly worse with PMS. I have a really rough time where none of the usual things help and I feel really miserable, critical of myself and so worried about even the smallest things, to the point I stay in bed/on the couch for days. An example: Last month I lost my keys during this time and it turned into a full-on overwhelming nightmare where I am the biggest failure....then once this time has passed I can usually look back a bit mystified as to what just happened and how everything spiralled into such a big deal. After chatting with my doctor and gyno and tracking my moods, I agreed to try a low dose SSRI for 2 weeks every month during luteal phase, which is something recommended by gynaecologists and some studies (I read up a lot before agreeing to give them a shot). I'll admit I've been scared of pills in the past and been hesitant to try them- I'm worried that I'll feel numb, or it'll make it worse or a whole myriad of reasons... but also I'd really like to get on with my life instead of flipping out over a small event and feeling really terrible about myself for a week or more every month. It didn't help that when I went to collect my prescription the pharmacist started grilling me about why was I only taking them for 14 days at a time, that he didn't think that would be effective, had never heard of doing that etc. That was nearly enough to make me forget the whole thing. It seems like when you look around there's all these negative stories but I know many people have positive experiences and it's not a one size fits all approach. And it's weird because I'd never judge someone else for taking medication, but I feel critical of myself for doing so. Perhaps someone in a similar situation may have had a beneficial experience? How did you feel in your first weeks? So far I feel a bit groggy and kind of removed, still kind of wondering if I'm doing the right thing or If I am in a situation that warrants needing medication. I know it's really early and I'm willing to keep trying, it's just all new right now and I don't really have anyone else to ask! Thanks

Aelin Struggling to choose a GP, Psychologist and Psychiatrist... how do you MHP?
  • replies: 3

Noob to the thread here I love reading everyones experiences and advice and am hoping you could give me a hand My original GP went on leave the week after we put together my mental health plan. The referrals to psychiatrists that she gave me all fell... View more

Noob to the thread here I love reading everyones experiences and advice and am hoping you could give me a hand My original GP went on leave the week after we put together my mental health plan. The referrals to psychiatrists that she gave me all fell through because they had enormous waiting lists. I didn't't do anything for a few months but I have just started my first full time job after uni and am not coping well at all. I think that my GPs diagnosis of a healthy dose of depression with a touch of anxiety for flavour doesn't tell the full story, but that is what's on my MHP. My personal situation has also changed quite a bit since I first got the MHP and it really a poor reflection of my current self. Can it be rewritten? I found a psychologist through some directory and he is great and I think I would really like to work with him to improve my relationship with myself, but he isn't interested in the specific pathology of disorders - which isn't helping me to communicate what is wrong to either myself or others, or know what to ask/search for to help myself at home. Should I try to find another GP to refer me to a psychiatrist? I feel like I need to get myself physically well (chemistry-wise) so that I can have the clarity and stability to figure out and fix my thoughts, but also need some quick patches to get me through the next few weeks. I'm struggling to know what to try and what might work because I'm not totally sure what is wrong. I also feel like a Psychiatrist will be more expensive, so my 6 free visits could be put to better use there. Can I use my remaining 4 elsewhere if I have already used 2 for the psychologist?

acacia100 Does medication help?
  • replies: 17

Hi, I have been not coping well lately. After a phone call to beyond blue i finally managed to get the courage to go to the doctor for help. The doctor is saying i have anxiety and depression and i have been booked in for counselling. My appointment ... View more

Hi, I have been not coping well lately. After a phone call to beyond blue i finally managed to get the courage to go to the doctor for help. The doctor is saying i have anxiety and depression and i have been booked in for counselling. My appointment is not for another 3 weeks but i feel like i need help sooner, i feel like Im crumbling on the inside, i look at others and see them go about their day to day life with ease and i wonder why i struggle so much internally... I have near constant panicky feeling, heavy chest, feel worthless and hopeless and cry easily....i just feel so....broken. I don't have many people in real life that i can talk to, i don't have many friends and i worry so much that if i burden the friends i do have with my issues then it will push them away and then that fear of losing people i care about causes even more anxiety. I hate the way i feel and i wish i could turn it all off, i have tried and tried so hard to help myself feel better and be more positive. I am unsure about taking medication, i don't like the idea of it but i just want to feel content, happy and normal and not feel like impending doom is upon me every day. I would like to know other peoples experience with medication or counselling ? Did it help? and how long until it starts to work? Is it the depression that makes me feel so miserable and worthless or is it just my life? Will the shitty feelings ever go away because if they don't then i don't see the point in anything....whats the point in it all?? Thanks in advance

Turtle_eyes Should I
  • replies: 3

I spend my days just wishing they would end. I have no work and no real desire to work, as I left my old career and now need to find the energy to start anew, which fills me with dread. My partner finds me hard to deal with as I mope around home, fee... View more

I spend my days just wishing they would end. I have no work and no real desire to work, as I left my old career and now need to find the energy to start anew, which fills me with dread. My partner finds me hard to deal with as I mope around home, feeling sad. I hate doing that to her. I wonder if I should just start riding around Australia? I have a good touring bicycle setup and could live pretty frugally. At least I keep moving, and am outside.....at home I am withering on the vine. Pros: Outside, exercise, travel, fun. Cons: Boredom, loneliness, huge distances, safety. Just wonder what people think about my idea? Pros? Cons?

louisaoooo Antidepressants with birth control
  • replies: 3

Hi, I have just been prescribed antidepressants for my anxiety, panic attacks and emetephobia as well as birth control for my bad menstrual pain. I am scared to start taking both as I'm not sure what side effects both cause together. Has anyone else ... View more

Hi, I have just been prescribed antidepressants for my anxiety, panic attacks and emetephobia as well as birth control for my bad menstrual pain. I am scared to start taking both as I'm not sure what side effects both cause together. Has anyone else ever had this?

Trialanderror BPD support groups?
  • replies: 2

Have finally come to terms and accepted my BPD diagnosis. I am on a (long) waitlist for DBT through spectrum and until then am looking for a support group I can go to to talk about the dx and meet other people with BPD

Have finally come to terms and accepted my BPD diagnosis. I am on a (long) waitlist for DBT through spectrum and until then am looking for a support group I can go to to talk about the dx and meet other people with BPD

Mdy Anti withdrawal . When will it stop
  • replies: 10

I made the decision to take myself off antidepressants after 15 + years. (I have my reasons) . I know I am in withdrawals . It has been 6days now. I am tired of the tears . I am tired of the restless sleep. I am tired of the nightmares & dreams. I am... View more

I made the decision to take myself off antidepressants after 15 + years. (I have my reasons) . I know I am in withdrawals . It has been 6days now. I am tired of the tears . I am tired of the restless sleep. I am tired of the nightmares & dreams. I am tired of feeling ill. I am tired of feeling alone in my head. I am tired feeling guilty. I am tired of the heat. I am tired of the sparks going off in my head constantly. I am tired. My husband knows , but can't help. He has told our adult kids but they are too busy to take time & say are you ok. They have their own family to take care of. My mum used to be able to know but she is 88 & can only focus on her own problems now .

LLyesmith Can I get a mental health care plan from a GP I've never seen before?
  • replies: 3

Basically, the question in the title. I'm struggling a bit right now, and I need to get my plan re-done before I can see my psychologist again. However, my usual GP is very popular and I can't get in to see him for a fair while (not to mention he's a... View more

Basically, the question in the title. I'm struggling a bit right now, and I need to get my plan re-done before I can see my psychologist again. However, my usual GP is very popular and I can't get in to see him for a fair while (not to mention he's a pain to get to due to distance. I'm looking at transferring to a new GP at some stage if I can find one I like). Anyway, I need my care plan reassessed, but I was wondering - if I was to book an appointment with a GP I've never seen before, at a practice I haven't been to before, are they able to do that? Or do they need my medical history to do it? Thanks for any assistance.