Thinking about going back on medication

maggie1 · ‎23-01-2017

Hi all,

Im writing for advice on treating my anxiety and depression. I have been extremely low at the moment and thinking about going back on anti-depressants (i had been taking them for about 6 months and stopped taking them over a year ago) . The reason i went off in the first place was because i wanted to be able to fix my problems naturally, eg. Yoga, meditation....and i also felt like was loosing my memory at times. I was on a low dosage and they did make me feel better, but i worry if i go back on thats me just taking the easy way out and not fixing my problems. Look forward to hearing from you.

1113 · ‎24-01-2017

Peaceful welcome maggie1,

Firstly I would love to introduce myself.

My name is Matt. I have a handful of different disorders and have been a suffer now for over 20yrs.....

Before I go any further......yes you should get back on medication.

I really like a mixture of natural and medicinal practices to cope with my mental illnesses.

Its sounds like you have quite a few skills already and maybe now going back on medication would allow you to do the same as me.

Its super important to find quality of life, which in the nature of depression is extremely hard to find.

I am happy to philosophize this with you.

Can you first tell me of cultural or religious beliefs you have? It's important for me to not offend you in any way.

If there is any info about yourself you feel need to express before going any further would help me understand you better and my help to you would only benefit that.

Peace to you

Matt

maggie1 · ‎24-01-2017

Hi matt,Thankyou so much for writing, not easily offended so would love to hear some more advice. I have always had anxiety for as long as i can remember, but over the past few years it has gotten much worse, after a bad relationship and breakup i developed depression. I have seen a therapist for a short time and was on antidepressant for about 6 months or so. My anxiety can stop me from leaving the house sometimes. Im just worried i will if i start taking them again i will need to be on them forever. And worry about long term health risks, eg. The slight foggy memory.

1113 · ‎25-01-2017

Peaceful hello Maggie1,

Cool name btw.

I have to stay on medication for the rest of my life. I find that balance between health and Medications to be the best.

Balance comes with dedication and methodology.

I find routine to be best, it doesn't have to be hard work either. It can be designed for your current level. Age, abilites any other medical issues too.

Diet

Fitness

Medication

drs/pschs etc.

I did CBT many years ago, i pretty sure i could teach it even though im not a professional. I found that to be very helpful. Im very creative now with my mental health due to experience.

I dont mind telling you more when I next chat

Peace

Matt.

geoff · ‎25-01-2017

hi Maggie, I am very pleased that you want to go back onto AD's, and can I say that this medication shouldn't be stopped and then started, and I'm not blaming you here, but I have been on AD's for over 20 years and will still be taking them until my time comes up, I gather that my mental health is much more important than any other repercussions.
Positive health is better than living in a jungle of depression. Geoff.

Just Sara · ‎25-01-2017

Hi Maggie and welcome to our caring community;

Firstly, I'd like to let you know I've been coping with anxiety, panic and post trauma responses for many years. I've used medication as a complementary resource, along with psychiatric/psychological support to combat chemical deficiencies in my mind.

It's great you've come here to ask questions, so I'm happy to help in any way I can. You didn't say if you stopped AD's under supervision of your GP. Did you decide to do this on your own? AD's can take quite a while with some people to stabilize imbalances.

With me, AD's didn't help my anxiety, but it did with depressive mood and confusion. My psychiatrist advised to use a benzodiazapine to curb my anxious and panic responses to triggers; this saved my life. I'm not telling you to do this; I'm not a professional at all ok? I'm expressing what worked for me.

These 2 medications helped to calm my mind enough to cope with everyday life and especially decision making which overwhelmed me. This is the point I'd like to make with you. We sometimes need chemical support to get through the day (to cope) with a sense of calm and productive thought processes.

Please talk it over with your GP and psych because a treatment plan and goals will help to bring back some balance and purpose. There are also links to information you can peruse below that may help.

I'm sorry about the break-up, this can be a difficult issue to let go of and deal with in general. I'm here to chat if you want.

Please take care and let us know if there's something specific you'd like to talk about.

Kind thoughts..

Sara

Just Sara · ‎25-01-2017

Sorry, I forgot to add:

I only use benzo's PRN. That means when my symptoms overwhelm me (and to sleep in the beginning when insomnia was present) I use mindfulness techniques to ground me first. If this doesn't work, I take a very small dose to bring back calm. I haven't had an anxiety attack in over a month, so medication is at its lowest in nearly 3 yrs. I now sleep unmedicated; I'm proud of my hard work and achievements.

Have a great day!

Sara