Starting medication again

[pinkfloyd33]

Hello all, so I recently posted on the anxiety column of my anxiety.

I am really struggling to the point where I want to give up for good as I see no hope and no end to this dreadful anxiety.

I have taken on board strategies my anxiety but my mind goes back to the negative, it's like an addiction like I'm soul searching and feeding into anxiety.

I love to sketch and listen to classic music but even that doesn't change my thought process.

I went for a walk today as I am also exercising for my anxiety and also to lose weight as I've out on 20 kilos in 2 years, as I was walking i was still thinking about my problems... so bad it was that I started to cry in public, then I decided I am going to book an appointment with my doctor on Monday and try out medication again.

I have looked up reviews of a type of medication that sounds promising, I want to try meds now because I feel like my thought process won't change and I will continue to allow those cortisols running through my body.

Can anyone please share their experiences or advice on medication?

I am so desperate and I feel like it will be too late.

Thank you so much

[Dr_Kim]

Hi pinkfloyd33, believe it or not ,it sounds like you are on the right track .

The treatment for more severe depression involves three main arenas- medication , cognitive challenging and lifestyle change.

So first you are needing to sort out the medication issue. If the medication you were on was not working, it is a great idea to try another one as you may get a better response from the second one (or even a combination with a mood stabiliser) .Let your doctor work this out with you .. however it is a trial and error situation so it is a hassle but definitely worth it.

It sounds like you are working hard to take on board the “strategies” need to hit back at those tricky anxious thoughts but am getting caught up with them . You might want to look at a type of strategy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy outlined in the book called “ The Happiness Trap “ by Russ Harris. This book helps to develop a skill in playing down the thoughts so they don’t feel so powerful and serious.

I love that you sketch and listen to music as a distraction (and also a mindfulness practise). The lifestyle practises are important so keep at them - exercising , eating healthy , sleeping well and having purpose in your day.

Even with all these things happening the changes are unfortunately slow . They take weeks or months .. so hang in there and keep working on getting in touch with the you underneath the depression.. you are still there!!

[TheSteve]

Hi pinkfloyd,

Thank you for sharing your story. Upon reading your story and Dr. Kim's response, I think she has nailed it completely. You are on the right path, and certainly need to continue with each of the three paths of recovery detailed in Dr's email - all at once, not exclusively.

I concur that each takes time to work, and requires commitment to the point where associated practices become habit. I will recommend an additional book for you - The Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle). There is excellent guidance here to lead you down a path of understanding your mind, minimizing the impact of your thoughts, and slowly unwinding and recalibrating their emotional impact on you.

Don't give up, we and others are here for you. Please keep running with these strategies and leave no stone unturned. There IS a solution, trial and error is a big part of finding it. All my best to you.

Steve