Trying medication for the first time

livm88 · ‎02-10-2017

My feelings of depression and anxiety seem to come and go (i'm mostly anxious), for the last 10 years or so. I've only recently seen a psychologist (doctor referral, 6 free sessions), but I don't feel they helped at all.

I seem to always have things in my life that take the focus (with a negative view), whether it's stress about not enough work, not having friends (and never wanting to try making them), to an overall feeling of thinking there's not much in my future.

I went to the doctor this morning, and was surprised how easily just by asking, he prescribed me medication without some Psychologist/other doctor diagnosis. Is this normal? Do I really need them? I hear you have to be depressed/anxious more days than not, and I can't say I am completely, it's more an overall negative view on life that has been shaped over the last decade.

What made me decide to go to the doc was a fight with my dad (i'm stuck at home still because of poor life decisions), I got so mad I threw my wine (not glass) at his face (not my finest hour, very immature I know....but at the same time my pride wont let me apologise, even if I do I wont mean it?). He threw his usual insults about how it's his house, I should move out (when he knows this is my goal- i'm just not financially able to yet!).

I don't know.....maybe it's just me, my personality....maybe medication wont help. Or maybe some people aren't meant to make it in life...

geoff · ‎03-10-2017

hello Livm, I see you have been on the site for awhile, so that's good, and please excuse but I hope that I replied to you before, if not I'm sorry.
If your doctor believes that you are showing signs of depression and anxiety, (because these two always go together), and by asking you questions and how you respond then they will prescribe medication, and especially if you may have told them that the 6 sessions were not much help, is another reason they want you to try out AD's, so this normal, it's up to you whether or not you take them.
AD' s help so many people while at times people may not respond to them or the side-effects are too great so they refuse.
I'm been on them for years and will still be taking probably for life, that's what I have accepted, because I know if I miss a day or two I fall back into depression.
By having a negative view on life only points that you have depression, whether it's only minor at the moment could mean that it will increase, and chances are this will happen.
If you are receiving Centrelink benefits then the government will provide the bond money, and where I live there are special accommodation flats which have furniture already provided.
You could also go to Anglicare, they will provide you with accommodation, but it may only be temporary until you get your feet on the ground.
I don't believe that anything will work while you still live with your father, and suggest you try and do what you can to leave him.
When I say this I mean that anything you do will not be respected by him, so first move out, then the AD'S maybe of great benefit for you, but please let us know and any more questions then please ask them. Geoff.

MarkJT · ‎03-10-2017

Hey Livm, I just want to touch on my experience with meds.

I have PTSD, depression and anxiety and went nearly two years after diagnoses without meds. I wanted to see how far I could take my recovery before trying them.

Around Christmas a couple of years back, I decided that it was time to try as I had plateaued in my recovery. I discussed with my psych and he prescribed me a type of meds.

I showed some side effects and in consultation with the psych, tried a different kind and have been on them since. Like Geoff, I will probably be on them for the rest of my life and I am fine with that. I see no difference to taking AD's as to someone who takes Aspirin for heart matters.

Being on meds is a personal choice but they have certainly helped me keep my symptoms at bay and function quite well.

You can always go to a different GP and get a second opinion if you are doubting what he has said.

Happy to discuss further if you want.

Mark.

livm88 · ‎03-10-2017

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for your help. I see what you mean really, I suppose it's not normal to always have this view on life (which I seem to have had since a teen). I guess the thing i'm worried about is the side effects (when I read a lot of people have nausea! I've already suffered enough of that the last year...with anxiety and probably IBS). But I think I will take them, see how if it makes a positive change.

I'm working towards moving, it was hard to work out, but finally, my sister, cousin, and I all have casual jobs now, so we are all saving for the initial costs of moving (I'll check out the centrelink thing....didn't know you could get bond money! that would help a lot).

Thanks again 🙂

Olivia

livm88 · ‎03-10-2017

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your help. I'm definitely leaning towards trying them, I've got them here....just deciding whether or not to take the plunge. Sounds rough what you have to put up with (all three issues!), good to hear the medication is able to help 🙂

I guess with me it's that feeling of.....am I really depressed/anxious? Is it just my personality?? But I have been feeling the same way on and off for years (I mean I can go months of the year feeling ok...it seems more like when I believe there's something stressful in my life, ie work situation, living at home etc....I get more worked up). But I suppose on the other hand it's not normal thinking I wouldn't mind if the world ended tomorrow....

Thanks again 🙂 Olivia

geoff · ‎04-10-2017

hi Livm, if you google all the AD's the companies have to mention all or any side-effects for legal reasons, but that doesn't mean you will have them, I hope you are good, but just remember that any side-effects may happen, but as soon as your body adjusts to them they will subside. Geoff.

Doolhof · ‎04-10-2017

Hi Olivia,

As Geoff and Mark have mentioned, medication can be very effective in helping those of us who have mental health issues. One thing to remember, when you start to take the medication, try to persevere with them, it may take a while for you to reach the level where the medication is helping.

If you decide to stop the medication, please talk to your Dr first. Starting, stopping and starting medication again can make you feel a whole lot worse.

You mentioned you had some sessions with a psychologist, did he/she offer you any suggestions on therapy like CBT (Cognition Behavioural Therapy) or Helpful V Unhelpful thoughts or how to deal with Anxiety?

If you Google these topics, you will find lots of information and strategies you can use at home to help yourself. I also borrow books from the library on depression for example. The more I read, the more I understand what is happening to my mind!

Cheers for now from Dools

MarkJT · ‎04-10-2017

Olivia, although I am very open about my journey I still have times where i second guess myself and wonder if I have PTSD, depression and anxiety at all? The nature of mental health conditions is that you can be going along pretty well then hit rough patches that can extend to big amounts of time.

Regarding the side effects, every type of medication for every type of physical and mental ailments have side effects. Some people are not affected whatsoever but others are. One of my best mates was on the same meds as what i showed side affects for and he had none. Some people set into their AD's first go, others take a couple of goes before they find a medication that settles with them.

Basically saying, there is no perfect formula to matching to an AD.

Mark.

livm88 · ‎04-10-2017

Hi Geoff,

That's a relief. Well i've taken the first day, not sure when the side effects kick in (but they haven't today). Although I will admit I was yawning a lot more than usual today, and the doc said it might worsen anxiety symptoms for a few days haha that could be it.

Olivia

livm88 · ‎04-10-2017

Hi Dools,

Yes that's what the doc said too (takes a while to feel a change, and not to go on or off them suddenly).

I will admit, I do a lot of googling 😛 Which is where I get some info that makes sense (like....oh yeah that's me!), including other forums, and also the negative stuff.

I took the first pill today, so i'll see how it goes.

As for the psychologist, I only had the 6 free mental health care plan sessions. We spent most of the time talking about me, my situation/family/relationships etc, and a few things about breathing techniques (which didn't work for me) and 'rebooting' the brain 'software'. So not too much help for me really.

Thanks for your advice 🙂 Olivia