LETS ALL LAUGH AT PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION!!

harry Bailey esq

haha you depressed mofos,screw yiz all! seriously though,I'm trying to lower my dose of zispin(mirtazapine) and my doc basically said I was on them for them for life.Different doctors have different prognosis,I know that,but has anyone on the thread managed to come off them under medical advice?I want to get them out of my system,but safely.Cheers,Harry.

Shint0

harry Bailey esq wrote: »

haha you depressed mofos,screw yiz all! seriously though,I'm trying to lower my dose of zispin(mirtazapine) and my doc basically said I was on them for them for life.Different doctors have different prognosis,I know that,but has anyone on the thread managed to come off them under medical advice?I want to get them out of my system,but safely.Cheers,Harry.

I actually did come off an anti-depressant by myself which I had been on for years and had been told I needed a maintenance dose for life which was actually quite high. I found a way by pure fluke and decided to test the waters as I hadn't experienced a severe episode for a number of years.

I experienced no unpleasant side effects usually associated with withdrawal from that particular drug (Effexor). My GP was quite surprised when I told him. I am not on any medication now and haven't been on an anti-depressant for a number of years.

I courted the idea briefly of going back on it this year having gone through a few very personal stressful situations in the past twelve months, one of which almost crucified me, but I decided to tough it out. While I might always teether around the edges of depression I found ways to avoid sliding down into the black void of nothingness so hopefully won't need to re-visit taking an anti-depressant at least in the future. I say hopefully.

Otis_taylor2

Here are some songs Devore had mentioned a long time back. I found them really helpful and so did a friend to whom i mentioned them. Just reposting for new users and those who may not have seen the post...such meaningful songs. You should also check out the other songs by Alexi Murdoch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuJsDQHj9s8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCEzoOpG1zQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjHvJE1XU7E

Makapakka

Just had a binge and I feel so sick.. so awful.. physically and mentally. I want to make myself sick but I fear doing that even one time I would start something unstoppable.. just waiting for the nausea to pass and the guilt to set in

Gleeso_Finglas

Anyone ever switch from Effexor to sertraline?

Been down and anxiety through the roof the past 8 months. The docs say it's my behaviour but I vannot change this because I'm so so low and anxious. I want to switch meds but they won't listen!!

stop animal cruelty

What have they got against you changing to this drug?

stop animal cruelty

stop animal cruelty wrote: »

What have they got against you changing to this drug?

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an SNRI whereas Sertraline is an SSRI. The doctors must feel that the dose and family of drug is right for that person. It's also important to keep in mind that such medication will only do so much and act more like a band aid.

Penny Tration

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an SNRI whereas Sertraline is an SSRI. The doctors must feel that the dose and family of drug is right for that person. It's also important to keep in mind that such medication will only do so much and act more like a band aid.

This.


To add though, I did switch from Effexor to Sertraline. The Effexor was making me nauseous and caused me to vomit a lot, so it wasn't having much effect. I discussed it with my doctor and ended up on Sertraline, which suited me better and worked well. If your specialist says no, though, there's probably a reason. If your meds aren't working, discuss the fact that they're not working, but don't suggest specific meds, leave that part to the doctor!




Got some insanely good news on my last doctor visit. I was stable enough to come off my medication around December last year. This happens now and then, and usually 12-18 months later, I need them again. I've been told this will always be the case because of my diagnosis and my background.


However, the best thing happened with my doctor. While my anxiety is still there and gets very bad at times, for the first time since I ever sought mental health treatment (when I was sixteen), my file now says "not clinically depressed!!"


I'm officially NOT depressed (or manic)!! Yes, I still have anxiety and I won't take anxiety meds due to an issue with them in the past (my doctors agree with this decision), but I'm not depressed!!


In the last 10 months, I asserted myself and walked out of a job where I was being paid less than minimum wage, I battled my anxiety enough to go to college for a cert in my field of work (including public presentations!), and did a great interview and got a job I'm really enjoying.


If anyone who was told they'll be ill for life is reading this, I hope it gives you some hope. I thought I'd be needing treatment for life, and now I'm free of all treatment and signed off as not depressed anymore.

PMBC

Penny Tration wrote: »

This.


To add though, I did switch from Effexor to Sertraline. The Effexor was making me nauseous and caused me to vomit a lot, so it wasn't having much effect. I discussed it with my doctor and ended up on Sertraline, which suited me better and worked well. If your specialist says no, though, there's probably a reason. If your meds aren't working, discuss the fact that they're not working, but don't suggest specific meds, leave that part to the doctor!




Got some insanely good news on my last doctor visit. I was stable enough to come off my medication around December last year. This happens now and then, and usually 12-18 months later, I need them again. I've been told this will always be the case because of my diagnosis and my background.


However, the best thing happened with my doctor. While my anxiety is still there and gets very bad at times, for the first time since I ever sought mental health treatment (when I was sixteen), my file now says "not clinically depressed!!"


I'm officially NOT depressed (or manic)!! Yes, I still have anxiety and I won't take anxiety meds due to an issue with them in the past (my doctors agree with this decision), but I'm not depressed!!


In the last 10 months, I asserted myself and walked out of a job where I was being paid less than minimum wage, I battled my anxiety enough to go to college for a cert in my field of work (including public presentations!), and did a great interview and got a job I'm really enjoying.


If anyone who was told they'll be ill for life is reading this, I hope it gives you some hope. I thought I'd be needing treatment for life, and now I'm free of all treatment and signed off as not depressed anymore.

I see you said you battled with your anxiety ......
Did you use any particular coping mechanisms or techniques? Or did you just 'keep going'
Congratulations on your progress

MadYaker

If you're with someone and they start having a panic attack what's the best thing to do?

Penny Tration

PMBC wrote: »

I see you said you battled with your anxiety ......
Did you use any particular coping mechanisms or techniques? Or did you just 'keep going'
Congratulations on your progress

I did some CBT, which basically helped me to think more rationally.

Mainly, and honestly it took a year or two to start working, I tell myself to stop and anytime I'm thinking irrationally, I force myself to say rational things to myself.

I still struggle with anxiety, but as an example, when I had to do a presentation in college, all I kept thinking was that I'd stutter, make a fool of myself, embarrass myself and so on. When I thought those things, I just kept repeating to myself that everyone felt the same way, everyone would make mistakes, I wouldn't be the only one, basically more logical things.


It doesn't always work, but that kind of forceful way of thinking rationally calms down the worst of it

Esel

MadYaker wrote: »

If you're with someone and they start having a panic attack what's the best thing to do?

Not medical advice: if they are hyperventilating, get them to breathe in and out a paper bag for a short while.

Stay with them, try to reassure them and help them to calm down. Being in a safe place would help too.

Hope this helps.

Gleeso_Finglas

The psych docs won't switch my meds because they say my behaviour has to change. How the fcuk can I change this went I'm so so low and anxious. I need something to pull me up. I'm on 4 types of meds and I'm still depressed. I want to change my Effexor but they won't and keep saying it's me that has to change.

I'm in a really bad place I know what I need but they won't listen.

Lollipops23

My neurologist prescribed sertraline a while back- he didn't really discuss the issues at hand, but almost went "well, you have MS, you must be depressed" even though I've been having more issues with my anxiety rather than depression in recent months.

I have it at home and haven't felt the need to take it as of yet, as I've never been on anti depressants before and I'm really not sure it's a route I want to go down if I can avoid it.

Gleeso_Finglas

Gleeso_Finglas wrote: »

The psych docs won't switch my meds because they say my behaviour has to change. How the fcuk can I change this went I'm so so low and anxious. I need something to pull me up. I'm on 4 types of meds and I'm still depressed. I want to change my Effexor but they won't and keep saying it's me that has to change.

I'm in a really bad place I know what I need but they won't listen.

Are you in therapy Gleeso?

You say you are on four types of meds and are still depressed. These type of meds are not to be taken (no pun intended) lightly. I know when you're feeling so low it can be impossible to implementing any changes. Usually the hope is that certain medication will get you on a kind of level where you can fully engage in therapy and in getting yourself a little better.

In my experience, and depending upon the issue and diagnosis, pills alone are not enough.

Gleeso_Finglas

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Are you in therapy Gleeso?

You say you are on four types of meds and are still depressed. These type of meds are not to be taken (no pun intended) lightly. I know when you're feeling so low it can be impossible to implementing any changes. Usually the hope is that certain medication will get you on a kind of level where you can fully engage in therapy and in getting yourself a little better.

In my experience, and depending upon the issue and diagnosis, pills alone are not enough.

Hi

I have done all types of therapy for years

Psychotherapy
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotism
Mindfulness cbt

No I have just started cbt with a new therapist but I feel like I'm wasting time and money because I'm going through a med change decreasing my Effexor to start sertraline on Monday. I would love to hear success stories from people who have go through the same med change as me. I'm like this 9 months.i struggle to make a cup of ☕ and every simple task. I've cried every day for these 9 months so I told me psych I want to switch meds. She's was reluctant but said we can do it.

They have no idea what we really go through! They try their best to understand but unless u have gone through a hellish spell u will never understand.

Feeling hopeless. Sorry for the rant.

Gleeso_Finglas

Gleeso_Finglas wrote: »

Hi

I have done all types of therapy for years

Psychotherapy
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotism
Mindfulness cbt

No I have just started cbt with a new therapist but I feel like I'm wasting time and money because I'm going through a med change decreasing my Effexor to start sertraline on Monday. I would love to hear success stories from people who have go through the same med change as me. I'm like this 9 months.i struggle to make a cup of ☕ and every simple task. I've cried every day for these 9 months so I told me psych I want to switch meds. She's was reluctant but said we can do it.

They have no idea what we really go through! They try their best to understand but unless u have gone through a hellish spell u will never understand.

Feeling hopeless. Sorry for the rant.

You poor thing I really feel for you Gleeso because I've been there.

Changing meds can take it's toll emotionally. I've a head like a sieve and on my phone so can't check back through your previous posts. Was it sertraline you wanted to change too?
When did you start the effexor decrease?

Gleeso_Finglas

[Deleted User] wrote: »

You poor thing I really feel for you Gleeso because I've been there.

Changing meds can take it's toll emotionally. I've a head like a sieve and on my phone so can't check back through your previous posts. Was it sertraline you wanted to change too?
When did you start the effexor decrease?

I started this week I'm down to 150 from 300mg. Decrease every three days till I hit 75 mg. Yes looking to switch to sertraline. Could be mon or Wed.

YFlyer

Do you meditate?

YFlyer

YFlyer wrote: »

Do you meditate?

Meditation is fantastic however it's not for everyone.

Gleeso_Finglas

Gleeso_Finglas wrote: »

I started this week I'm down to 150 from 300mg. Decrease every three days till I hit 75 mg. Yes looking to switch to sertraline. Could be mon or Wed.

Gleeso, do your best to ride out the med changes. Continue to work with your therapist. 300 down to 150 is a big change and moving to a different drug can be even bigger.

Something I used to do, in fact I still do it, is write everything down. How I'm feeling, what brought on the feeling, behaviours, hopes, plans. Get it all down on paper. Seeing your words can give you a different perspective.

Also be very easy on yourself. If you're having a really crap day then just let it happen. Stay in bed if you want to. Eat crap if you want to. Just don't fight how you feel. Don't put yourself under pressure to suddenly be ok.

Gleeso_Finglas

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Meditation is fantastic however it's not for everyone.

Yes I practice mindfulness and sleep meditation.

Today I'm down to 75 mg of Effexor. Hopefully the doc in the day hospital sees me. Felling hopeless.

Drumpot

Deleted User wrote: »

Are you in therapy Gleeso?

You say you are on four types of meds and are still depressed. These type of meds are not to be taken (no pun intended) lightly. I know when you're feeling so low it can be impossible to implementing any changes. Usually the hope is that certain medication will get you on a kind of level where you can fully engage in therapy and in getting yourself a little better.

In my experience, and depending upon the issue and diagnosis, pills alone are not enough.

Agree with you.I have spent the best part of 2 decades trying to find some sort of balance and peace with life. For me, my job, my study, my family, my personal circumstances and financial situation was more a distraction then a cause of my anguish. My emotional problems were more deep routed, but I found focusing on a particular issue at anytime (I haven't enough money etc.) was an avoidance technique.

I found relying mainly on medication to be only helpful for a small period of time and if I didn't do some active work (therapy etc), then the medication because another avoidance technique. After a certain stage I feel completely numb to the world and start asking the question of "what's the point?!". Right now, I do take the smallest dose of medication that helps relax me before sleep (not sleeping tablet) but at one stage I was on a high dose of Anti Ds, sleeping tablets and zanax.

Over the years I made huge changes that have helped. More exercise, dropped alcohol completely and therapy (group/personal). I have a doctor who works with me for a solution and doesn't just prescribe me meds.

I cant stress enough how giving up alcohol (nearly 4 years ago at this stage) has really helped. Its a depressant and anybody struggling with mental health issues, who is making little progress, should consider taking this factor out of their lives. It may not be a solution but if you struggle to give it up for any reason, you may need to ask yourself some hard questions. It is a wickedly deceptive drug that can cause more damage then people realize. My life isn't perfect since I gave it up, but I feel healthier and at the very least I know for definite that its not adding to my pain. Its not always about the amount of alcohol you drink, its the effect and reason you are drinking that can a warning sign.

My dad died in March. I was really close to him and he was my business partner. I am finding it hard to get motivated in work and have days where I feel inconsolable. That said, I feel I react better and have better tools that I use to try and pick myself up. Some days I feel completely deflated and its really hard, but I prefer that to the mind-numbingly zombified apathy that came with medication.

I try to show myself compassion and give myself a break. I try to slow myself down because my mind races a lot, particularly in times of anxiety/stress. My instinct is to speed up and do things quickly, but slowing down and taking deep breaths (even tea break to rest) usually works out better. Paradoxically by slowing down things can get done quicker and better.

I used to get stuck in the repeat behavior spiral, trying to think my way out of pain. I seldom found the answers on my own, but trusting in professionals (doctors/therapy) and support groups, coupled with taking action (actually going to support groups - trying out techniques I may not want to - giving up things toxic like alcohol) has made my life unrecognizable from the one I had. If it was easy we wouldn't need medication and group supports, but its not easy at all. Its hard and making decisions and then taking action can feel like such a huge mountain to climb. But its so liberating when I feel like I am at least taking steps to improve my situation.

I am off to my CBT personal lesson right now, hopefully I learn a new technique to help me deal with my current life problems . . I hope others reading this thread find the tools to deal with their own personal pain . . Keep looking and trying out things like meditation, therapy and exercise.. It may just take time for these things to help and it may take a few combinations of these things, but I can testify that over time things can get better.

Gleeso_Finglas

Psych changed my med I am now on sertraline (lustral) 50mg. Advised I will be on this dose for at least 2 weeks. The above post is a nice post however doing or taking on board what u are saying or doing u need to be in a good place in your mind to apply it. If your really in the midst of things all what is said above goes out the window. I'm attending cbt too but find is so hard to apply because I'm in a **** storm .

Anyone on lustral got any advice or heads up??

Gleeso_Finglas

Gleeso_Finglas wrote: »

Psych changed my med I am now on sertraline (lustral) 50mg. Advised I will be on this dose for at least 2 weeks. The above post is a nice post however doing or taking on board what u are saying or doing u need to be in a good place in your mind to apply it. If your really in the midst of things all what is said above goes out the window. I'm attending cbt too but find is so hard to apply because I'm in a **** storm .

Anyone on lustral got any advice or heads up??

What sort of place in your mind are you in Gleeso? What sort of shít storm?
You need to work through your feelings, to connect with them. It seems your focus is very much on the meds. Bring that focus back to yourself, to how you feel.

How do you feel?

Gleeso_Finglas

[Deleted User] wrote: »

What sort of place in your mind are you in Gleeso? What sort of shít storm?
You need to work through your feelings, to connect with them. It seems your focus is very much on the meds. Bring that focus back to yourself, to how you feel.

How do you feel?[/quote
I am so focused on the meds because it is the only thing that has ever helped. Pouring my heart out in therapy has never helped. I am seeing a cbt therapist but he forgot I can only do Saturdays so forgot to book me in. I am going to see him on Wednesday next week along with my wife.

Right now I feel drained. My mind is stuck and my body is anxious. The constant trembling,the not want to do anything, afraid to do something. My body is aching and I barely leave the room. Why I don't know. I don't love myself enough to comfort me through this. Normally I cry but I'm all cried out. The only time I am at ease is bed time. I am on 4 meds altogether. Wish this episode would just pass. Sorry for rant.

Makapakka

Has any had eating disorder or lack of control over food? I feel like it's running my life now.. it's all I can think about.. I want a chocolate bar, no you can't have one, have one because restricting yourself will only make it worse, I shouldn't have had that chocolate bar, I feel suit, I'm gonna be fat and unhealthy forever, I'm gonna get diabetes or have a heart attack.. oh my God I just want it to STOP. I actually hate chocolate. I hate it so much I can't live without it *cries* my therapist asked me do I eat to the point of physical pain because I want to numb an emotional pain so painful that I can't bear it.. or if it's just a habit n I'm wondering is there something down in my psyche that is causing me to do this that is undiscovered (the thought is terrifying) or if it really is just a habit. How do I know the difference? I'm annoyed at myself because I can as easily eat a banana as a bar but I don't choose it. I know I'm panicking now because I want the problem fixed NOW. I want to be happy now. Because while being think would be great if just want to stop abusing my body with food. Yes. That's what I'm doing. Is it possible to get a sponsor without going to a meeting? Ugh the rambles..

Gleeso_Finglas

Makapakka wrote: »

Has any had eating disorder or lack of control over food? I feel like it's running my life now.. it's all I can think about.. I want a chocolate bar, no you can't have one, have one because restricting yourself will only make it worse, I shouldn't have had that chocolate bar, I feel suit, I'm gonna be fat and unhealthy forever, I'm gonna get diabetes or have a heart attack.. oh my God I just want it to STOP. I actually hate chocolate. I hate it so much I can't live without it *cries* my therapist asked me do I eat to the point of physical pain because I want to numb an emotional pain so painful that I can't bear it.. or if it's just a habit n I'm wondering is there something down in my psyche that is causing me to do this that is undiscovered (the thought is terrifying) or if it really is just a habit. How do I know the difference? I'm annoyed at myself because I can as easily eat a banana as a bar but I don't choose it. I know I'm panicking now because I want the problem fixed NOW. I want to be happy now. Because while being think would be great if just want to stop abusing my body with food. Yes. That's what I'm doing. Is it possible to get a sponsor without going to a meeting? Ugh the rambles..

I'm on heavy meds and I've packed the weight on. All I like is junk food. Especially fizzy drinks like coke. Very hard to eat healthy when you have a mental health problem. I feel your pain.

Gleeso_Finglas

Gleeso_Finglas wrote: »

[/quote
I am so focused on the meds because it is the only thing that has ever helped. Pouring my heart out in therapy has never helped. I am seeing a cbt therapist but he forgot I can only do Saturdays so forgot to book me in. I am going to see him on Wednesday next week along with my wife.

Right now I feel drained. My mind is stuck and my body is anxious. The constant trembling,the not want to do anything, afraid to do something. My body is aching and I barely leave the room. Why I don't know. I don't love myself enough to comfort me through this. Normally I cry but I'm all cried out. The only time I am at ease is bed time. I am on 4 meds altogether. Wish this episode would just pass. Sorry for rant.

You poor thing That's really tough Gleeso. I wish I knew the answer to give you some sort of comfort. That's an awful lot of anxiety you're experiencing. The fear, the aching, the trembling.

There is a reason for all of this Gleeso. Now I don't know what it is and I'm not in a position to get in to it with you here. There really is only so much pouring your heart out a person can do. The real work is about examining your feelings and figuring out what they stem from. Hopefully the CBT will give you some tools to help you manage.

You say you don't love yourself enough, well I bet you don't love yourself at all. You mentioned earlier that meditation helps you. Well there is a particular type called loving kindness meditation. It helps soothe your soul and brings your awareness to seeing value in yourself. I'm on the phone so can't link but have a google and you'll definitely find some guided ones to try.

Think of something you like to do, something that makes you a little bit happy and try and do it. No pressure, no self criticism if you can't. Maybe you'd like to watch a bunch of silly movies or just lie down and listen to your favourite music. Give yourself some space to be good to yourself. You are worth that.

Gleeso_Finglas

Pity the is no IM function. I have also downloaded cbt for dummies audiobook. Fell asleep listening to it the other day so going to give that a listen and I have my note pad and pen that I use with the cbt therapist. Because of the bus strike I did not want to sit in horrible traffic so instead we did a session over the phone and I pay him double when I see him.

Anyone else see a cbt therapist? If so how is it going?