Hi I’m new and I think I need help

[Paulietiger]

Hi my name is Paul and I’m 35 years old the dr told me 10 years ago that I have depression and that I needed to take medication after I couldn’t even get out of bed for 4 weeks. So I took the medication and after about 3 weeks I started feeling better. But it has now been 10 years I started cutting down on the medication 1 year ago but for the past 7 days I’ve been in the dumps All day all I do is think about that I’m dieing I’m worried all the time I feel like I’m going crazy and then I woke up this morning and carnt stop crying is there anyone that can help please??

[White_Rose]

Hello Paul

Welcome to beyondblue.

First question is, did you stop taking the antidepressant in consultation with your GP. This is very important as you can get withdrawal symptoms, pretty horrible, and a return of your depression.

There is a sad fact that some people need to be taking AD for all their life. I have no idea if this is you. There is a kind of honeymoon period when you stop taking meds where you feel good about not being depressed. Although doctors say meds leave the body within a few days the body still acts as though you are still taking the meds.

After that you appear to return to your depressive state. Now this may or may not continue. I am not a doctor so cannot comment. What I suggest is that you see your GP and talk about the whole thing stating with why you decided to stop taking the AD. If you can write down the sequence of events it will be helpful to your GP. The longer you leave the less accurate your memory.

It is most annoying to take any medication when you feel well. I know some refuse to take AD as they fear becoming dependant on them. I don't think people become dependant in the usual manner. But there is no denying it can take time to feel you do not need meds.

Please let us know what is happening.

Mary

[Paulietiger]

No I didn’t talk to my gp I just did it as I was feeling really good but now I don’t feel good is there a chance that I could get depressing back? I’m just really scared and don’t know what to do

[White_Rose]

Hello Paul

I think the name Paul must be the flavour of the month. I know five people called Paul. You make the sixth.

May I suggest you go back to your GP and have a long chat. Make a double appointment. Depression, AKA the black dog, is a sneaky beast who drops in at its convenience not yours. Though is it never convenient to have visit from the dog.

Some people have a degree of depression all their lives but live quite happily once they make the suitable adjustments. I have a friend who gets depressed from time to time. She gets back on her AD then stops taking them when she feels better. I think I will be taking AD for the rest of my life. My psychiatrist commented to me recently that the AD were helping me by taking the edge off my depression. Even so I can get into a mess very quickly if I get overwhelmed by problems. For me the trick is to work on the problem straight away to shorten its stay.

Please do not be scared by the thought of depression. You have lived through it and come out the other end. I presume you feel you have a good life, well at least until you stopped taking the meds. I really fought against taking any AD and I had all sorts of side effects. Finally I ended up with an AD that was OK and I have resigned myself to having to take it for the rest of my life. No one need know you are taking it. Lets face it, people are taking all sorts of medications that no one notices. If it helps then stay on them.

Perhaps have an annual chat with your GP to see how you are going. You have been going well with your life until the past few weeks and there is no reason to suggest your depression will return. Just keep a buffer in place.

I decided to stop taking my AD at one time. I thought I would take one every other day. NO, no, not at all the way to go. Really was a mess. Anyway I will not tell you anymore depressing stories. Chat with your GP and let us know how you go.

Mary

[Paulietiger]

Thank u so much Mary for taking your time to talk to me it means a lot I’m going to see a psychologist on Tuesday do u think it will help me?

[White_Rose]

Hello Paul

It depends on why you are going. Do you want reassurance or do you want to re-explore your previous depression and work out what next. I know that will be hard, the more hurtful things are always difficult to discuss and manage. I think that will help you to feel more comfortable.

I know you want the psychologist to say the way you feel is normal and due to getting off the antidepressant. That may well be the true and I do sincerely hope it is the case. I think it will give you more reassurance to have several sessions and really put it all to rest. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications. Some have a reasonable knowledge of this but it may be best to see your doctor about it. Wait until you have seen the psychologist if you like but I think having medical advice will be good.

I often cry in therapy and my psychiatrist gives me a box of tissues and carries on talking. I always have a bit of a laugh knowing all psychiatrists and psychologist have a box of tissues on their desks. I wonder what they did before tissues. I asked one of them if tissues were a tax deduction but he did not think it funny.

I do hope I have been helpful. Hope all goes well on Tuesday. Love to know how you feel about it.

Mary