Nervous about counselling

Coffeebean · ‎11-05-2017

I thought I should post a newbie hello. It seems the polite thing to do, rather than lurking.

I am married, mother of two, working part time.

I've been taking an antidepressant for almost four weeks now, (first time) and need to see my gp again to arrange counselling (also first time). Side effects haven't been too bad, just restlessness and low appetite.

I've realised that I'm particularly bad at talking about myself. I am a really, really good listener, but when it comes to talking, nothing comes out. It's almost as if saying "I'm fine" has become automatic.

Coffeebean · ‎29-05-2017

I didn't take it. Much less anxiety, and my jaw didn't feel achy and tired (I could actually eat sourdough toast!).

I haven't told my husband yet that I didn't take it - he's worried that missing it for just one day will put me back to the start. But I had to check to see if the side effects were just imagined.

I guess I'll try again tomorrow.

Shred1106 · ‎30-05-2017

Well done CB - for sleeping in your PJs. Can I suggest you discuss the side effects with whoever prescribed them . It is important that you work it out together before tapering off or stopping.

Go well and do drop us a line regularly if you are able

Coffeebean · ‎30-05-2017

Thanks Shred.

Don't worry, I'm not going to stop them without talking with my GP, and I'm not taking a high enough dose to worry about needing to taper the dose. I just needed a day without them to know.

I have my first visit with a psychologist on Friday, so I'll hopefully be able to talk it over with her too. I'm a bit disappointed in myself if I can't tolerate what are relatively minor SE, I know that sounds a bit ridiculous.

But I made it to work today, no panic, no puffy eyes. Win.

CB

MickeyM · ‎30-05-2017

Hi Coffeebean

Thank goodness for comfy pj's!

I agree with Shred, speak with your GP about the side effects you're having, I grind my teeth in my sleep (always have) and I need to use a splint at night, which is not pleasant. I also wake up with tight jaw & neck. It's awful, I get it! A friend heard that Botox apparently can stop teeth grinding, but I'd rather not go down that path. But some days my fingers are literally hovering over the call button on my phone to find out more!

Something else to consider (full disclosure, I'm no doctor, pharmasist or chemist, this is just something I heard & have experienced myself) Did you get the original prescription or the Chemist brand? Even though the active ingredients are the same, the carrier or other components which brings the price down can interfere with the active ingredients or other medication. I've experienced this too, when I had the chemist brand of the pill. It still worked, but played havoc with my mood, which I'd never had before when I took the original.

Just thought I'd run that past you. Either way, it's got to be right for you & if the side effects are severe for you, then definitely speak with your GP

chat soon

Coffeebean · ‎30-05-2017

Hi Mickey

thanks for that suggestion, it's something I hadn't thought about, even though my husband has experienced problems with generics in the past (reflux medication). I'll check when I can pick up my next box.

I really don't want to change meds if I can help it.

CB

BballJ · ‎30-05-2017

Hi Coffeebean,

I can see why you didn't want to take the medication, the symptoms are most likely due to the medication so I really do encourage you to please see your GP about them. I also agree with what MickyM said above in the fact that having the chemist brand may have different effects over the original brand as well so please, see your GP and ask all these questions.

My best,

Jay

MickeyM · ‎31-05-2017

Hi coffeebean

I was just wondering if you've made an appointment for counseling and if you're feeling better about talking about yourself?

Mickey

Coffeebean · ‎31-05-2017

Hi Mickey. Yes, I have my first appointment on Friday. I'm trying not to think about it.

I think I'll be ok talking ( I hope). I had to tell someone at work about how I have been - my husband came with me for support. I think every time i say a bit more, it gets easier.

My posts are a bit mixed up. I posted a few times this week, but they only showed up today. Not sure what happened.

My current plan for medication is - talk with the psychologist, try the non-generic, take a magnesium supplement, and book an appointment with my GP. My mood has been much more stable in the past week. But I know I can't fall into the trap of thinking "I'm ok, i don't need treatment." (Rare moment of insight!)

CB

BballJ · ‎31-05-2017

Hi Coffeebean,

Great news that you have your appointment on Friday.

It is true, the more you start talking about it, the easier it becomes and the more you start to also understand it. Your husband sounds great as well.

I like the current plan that you have in place - you are very right in the fact you can't fall into the trap of thinking you are alright and don't need treatment, even if you feel better, it is good to carry it on.

My best,

Jay

MickeyM · ‎31-05-2017

Hi Coffeebean

Its a great plan! In the past, I did some Google research about Magnesium. Our levels can't be tested (can't remember why) but one of the signs of deficiency is chocolate craving! (Hmm🤔)

I've been taking Magnesium regularly...and chocolate!

All the best for tomorrow!