Struggle to actually take the meds ,

[Ames82]

I have depression , anxiety and CPTSD. I have been given anti depressants as well as anti psychotic meds. Previously I was able to take the anti psychotic meds as I saw it as a quick fix as within a hour they kicked in . However now I can’t even take any form of meds because I’m so low that self care is basically Non existent. My doctor says” you just need to put it in your mouth” but if only it was that easy. I have tried a psychiatrist in the past to help with meds but it didn’t help. I’m looking for support in how I can motivate myself to take the meds. I’m really struggling and it’s obviously a viscous circle that I need meds to help with everything but the struggle to take is worse than ever. Any advice would be appreciated

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[Learn to Fly]

Hi Ames82

Thank you for your post. You have really moved me.
I am not an expert so I hope I will not sound silly or naive but this is an idea that came to my mind. Would you consider taking your medication with some food that you always love? A favourite pastry, lunch meal, a sandwich - anything that you always enjoy eating.

[Sophie_M]

Dear Ames82m

Thank you for reaching out here on the forums, we are glad you can feel comfortable asking for help from your peers here.

Motivation in anything can be very hard, especially regarding things of self-care when the depression has its claws in. Often, we have to start out by making the tasks of motivation smaller, less difficult to have 'activation energy' for. (instead of mowing the backyeard, we prune one rose bush, etc) Remember to try to frontload the dopamine where possible (starting the day with a short walk - eating your favourtie foods for breakfast - etc. We do still sometimes have to 'brute force' ourselves to do things from time to time, at least to try to get a routine or regular action started, but try not to resort to that too often. Try to disguise, borrow energy for, or break down the activity wherever you can!

In the meantime you can always reach out to us here, on 1300 22 4636 - and I am certain your fellow forum members will try to reach out soon!

Thank you for being here with us, Ames82!
Regards,

Sophie M.

[blondguy]

Hi Ames82...and a wave of thanks to 'Learn to Fly' and Sophie_M

I understand what you are going through with medication and yes it can be difficult for sure

I have been on meds for anxiety attacks/depression since 1996, I used to be anti meds at the time. Our meds are never a fix all as they work well with frequent ongoing counselling..(even with our GP)

Just for myself...the meds are no different to a person taking meds for an ongoing physical health problem

There is no such thing as a dumb question on the forums Ames82! Any questions are always welcome and good on you for the excellent thread topic 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[geoff]

Hello Ames, spoil yourself and mix it with some ice-cream.

Geoff.

[Karen0901]

I would suggest setting up an alarm and putting the meds next to it. When the alarm goes off, you will want to turn it off because it will be annoying. Then when you are turing it off you take the meds that are sitting next to it with a drink there as well. Hopefully, if you are already there turning the alarm off, it won't be as difficult to also take the meds.

[Petal22]

Hi Ames82,

Im sorry you are finding this difficult, I understand it would be difficult.

Just a suggestion….. you could buy a pill container the ones with the sectioned parts for days of the week…….. set a day of the week aside that you can fill this.

and then write yourself positive affirmation notes about taking your medication and stick them all over the house………. Including on your pill container……

[Banksy92]

Hi Ames82, just wondering if you live with anyone or have someone you trust who could be your support in this for a short time (just while you start to build the habit)?

Maybe they can set an alarm and encourage you to take it each day with some words of encouragement or even by physically handing you the medication and a nice drink to wash it down? If they don't live with you it could be a quick FaceTime each day or a phonecall...

Just an idea 🙂 Let us know how you're going.