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Trying medication for the first time

livm88
Community Member

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...

15 Replies 15

livm88
Community Member

Hi Mark,

Yes that makes sense, in a way like how most allergy tablets don't work for my hayfever 😛 but do on my mum. And similarly....my brother tried many medications for epilepsy before finding the current one (and hasn't had a fit in over a year!).

Olivia

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

thanks Olivia, if you feel tired you will eventually get used to it, not particularly meaning that that's good, but learn to cope and adjust with this.

It may mean having a cat nap or go to bed earlier, you may even wake up tired as well, but if the AD can help you then I guess that's what you're after.

If you don't have any side-effects that are a real concern within a couple of days then that's also good. Geoff.

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Liv, great to hear that you are okay so far.

With the breathing exercises that haven't worked, have you tried mindfulness?

If you have not as yet, give it a go and it is a learned skill so if you could persist with it.

Download the app, "Smiling Mind" and this will help teach you.

Mark.

livm88
Community Member

Hi Geoff,

No luckily I haven't had any side effects- I've taken the tablets for 6 days now!

livm88
Community Member
Thanks Mark, i'll look it up 🙂

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Liv, great to hear that the meds are settling in well.

With the App, it takes practise so do not be dismayed if you don't "latch" onto it quickly (although i hope you do!!).

When your mind wanders, and it will, just gently bring it back to concentration. Don't get pissed off, acknowledge that your mind has wandered and as said, gently bring it back.

Mark.