Terrified of medication, bit don't want to feel like this

[VeeBee]

After my second baby I was diagnosed with PND and put onto anti depressants. After about 6 months on the meds I felt like I could come off them. When I did I had horrible side effects including buzzing in my head and lack of concentration.

Four years on and I have been feeling depressed again. I have seen a therapist once and have booked in again. I'm terrified about being put back on medication. I really don't want to, but not sure if I can continue with the way I'm feeling. I know meds are a nice quick fix for me, but I do not want to be on them for life.

Every time I feel like I'm going well, I seem to drop again. I now have two young boys, work three days a week and have a busy social/sporting life. I can't simply drop it all and spend my days in bed or feeling down.

What should I do?

[pipsy]

Hi VeeBee. It sounds to me that the reasons you don't want to go back to the meds, are the very reason you should. When you first went on them, did the Dr explain how long he thought you'd have to take them? I think it might be advisable if you revisited the Dr and had a talk with him. If you had diabetes, you probably wouldn't think twice about the med needed. Whenever anyone hears the word AD's for any sort of mental health issue they immediately think the worst. Wouldn't it be better to be on them and relaxing, that not being on them and feeling the way you are now. Have a talk with your Dr, explain how you feel about being on them. If you were on them, you probably would be able to do everything without it feeling like it's impossible to function. With severe depression, everything you do seems so much harder because it becomes a war within yourself to get motivated. Once you readjust to AD's, I'm sure life will become less challenging. Does your Dr know you stopped the AD's, if he doesn't, tell him, he won't judge you. He may advise that you shouldn't have stopped them without discussing with him first, but I'm sure, if you talk to him about your fears in relation to not wanting to stay on them permanently, he will explain why they're necessary for your general well-being.

Lynda.

[Guest_1055]

Dear VeeBee

I understand your reluctance to go back on to meds. I don't take any medication at all. Everybody is different though and I respect that. We all have choices. But what I have chosen to do is go the more natural holistic way. So for the last few months I have been researching on ways to improve my mental and emotional health. And also to heal my body without any meds.

Anyway I can let you know more if you like. I am only just learning about the non med way myself. Just thought I would mention all this in case you hadn't thought of it.

Much love

Shelley xx

[VeeBee]

Thanks Shelley,

I would really like to know what you suggest.

Vee Bee

[geoff]

hi Vee Bee, there are people who can cope without taking any medication, while there are those need it and cope well but then decide because they are feeling much better that they can stop taking the medication, but they are only feeling better because of taking the med's and once they stop back come their problems that they had before or perhaps new concerns.
Can I say without any meaning to harm you, is that you're had two replies, both are very good where Pipsy has given her advice and to take the meds, while Shelly Anne has also given you the fact that she doesn't take any medication, both sides of the point being made, but are you sure that your PND had gone, and if not which is what I believe then I have to agree with Pipsy.
Not everyone can cope with life how Shelly is able to as her dementor must be strong, stronger than mine, but please don't reject the thought of having to go back on them, and I will probably be on them for life, that doesn't worry me and I certainly don't feel like I am being weak as it has been able to level out my life.
You have to remember that there are many different forms of depression and PND is at the serious end and looking forward to what Shelly has to say. Geoff.

[Guest_1055]

Dear VeeBee

I am glad to share with you some suggestions. What I did first was research on ways to help my body heal itself. I was depressed after having a baby too. Anyway I am researching because I want to have knowledge so I can make wise informed decisions.

This is what I have found out so far. That the human body has the capacity to heal itself if given the right nutrients and conditions.

The very best source of these nutrients is through consuming vegetables and fruits, whole grains and nuts and seeds. As well as sunshine, adequate light, proper sleep, drinking fresh water, exercise, increasing gut flora, plenty of oxygen, dwelling on beautiful things, being thankful and healthy connections to other people.

I have also found it helps us to not consume processed foods, so prepare meals as close to nature as possible. For example instead of buying tomato sauce, make your own.

Avoid all refined sugar, instead use the natural sweetness in fruits, honey, maple syrup, stevia and dates.

I understand maybe yourself, or even your own doctor or others reading this may not agree. But for me personally I am giving this way a go first.

If you are still interested here is some You tube clips that I have watched just recently. Maybe you would find something beneficial in them. I am glad I watched them.

Google search: Youtube Vegan Vibe depression
Google search: Youtube Brianna Lee depression

Here is some websites from doctors who treat people by prescribing a plant based lifestyle. They are in the US.. They have a lot of info on their sites

Google search : Dr Fuhrman - natural treatment for depression
Google search: Dr Mcdougall- natural cure for depression

This site below has testimonies from people who have had different diseases or illness including mental illnesses. Anyway they have healed themselves by consuming a plant based diet lifestyle.

Google search : Myhdiet testimonies

I haven't seen a holistic chiropractor or a naturapath, but I have wondered if they also would be helpful. If you do decide to go this way after researching yourself, there are loads and loads of recipes online.

Or maybe you may want to choose using the prescribed medications by your GP and in addition change your lifestyle. And see how that goes.

Anyway whichever way you choose VeeBee, I do hope you start to feel better soon. You are so precious and may you really enjoy your little ones. You take care now.

Love

Shelley xx

[VeeBee]

I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who have posted on my thread. You don't know me or owe me anything and you have all gone to great lengths to post something relevant and extremely helpful.

I am going to try the natural approach first and see how I go. If this doesn't work I now realise it is not the end of the world if I do have to go back on AD.

Thanks again. I really do appreciate your input.

I hope you all find happiness and contentment in your own lives.

Vee Bee xx