Haven't told anyone yet

[Bigbalesofhay]

I am so happy to say that I am antidepressant-free after 9 years. I started reducing my dose in January before lockdown and carried on throughout because I didn't want to start from scratch. It was incredibly hard.

I started to take them for the wrong reasons - due to horribly dysfunctional controlling extended family. Very long and complex situation but of course during lockdown, all of this and their nastiness was harder to deal with in my mind and on top of the withdrawal was hell.

I'm ashamed to say that I had two very extreme outbursts during lockdown witnessed by my immediate family. They don't know how far I've progressed and I can't wait to tell them and to say thank you.

I've also been helped on here under different names during the dark times so thank you to all of you too!

I tried to withdraw (too quickly) 4 years ago and suffered a 'breakdown' and had to leave my job so I am SO happy that I've managed it this time. I never ever ever thought I would. I so nearly increased my dose many times.

Just want to say, antidepressants are great and not bad in themselves. They help so many people but they weren't right for me because of the reasons why I took them.

I really can't believe that I've managed to do it.

well done onwards and upwards from now on

That’s great news.

I’m just wondering if its been done with the support of your gp? It might be worth just checking in with them.

Thanks both of you. I did speak to my GP, and whilst they were easy to talk to, they implied I should have been able to cut down over a shorter period as 'most people' do . I knew I needed longer.

It sounds like you’ve been really sensible. All the best for the future xx

Purpledaisies - I'm sure you're one of the people who helped me! ❤️ I can't access my other threads but your name really rings a bell.

Well done! I’ve been there, and it’s a huge achievement.

Thank you and well done to you too x

Well done OP!

Well done op - re your GP thinking you could do it over shorter time, I'm glad you stuck to your guns - sometimes we instinctively know and need to trust our own instincts ❤️
Congrats to you, I'm really happy for you xxx

Well done OP

I would like to say I’m shocked by your GP, but I’m really not. What a horrible thing to say. Anyway, very pleased you stuck to your plan... it’s the only way I’ve ever managed it, and even then I’ve never come off them completely.

I actually don’t think I ever will be able to (because of outside factors), but would like to lower the dose. It’s on my list for about a year’s time

You've listened to what your gp had to say and decided on the best course of action for you.

Thank you everyone and I really hope you manage to get to where you want to be Iborgia.

Still waiting for/expecting everything to crumble but really hope that doesn't happen.

Self-indulgent bump!

Would it be better to ask for this to be moved to another section so I can carry on chatting a bit more? Maybe 'chat' isn't the best topic for this.

Thanks all.

I’m wondering why you felt the need to stop in the first place?

My first GP who prescribed ADs was brilliant. He said they’re based on the idea that you are missing a certain level of serotonin, and so it’s no different to needing insulin. You wouldn’t, as a diabetic expect to one day be able to stop using insulin, so don’t put the pressure on yourself to consider an end time for these.

I am curious as to how long you were taking them to start with?

Have you tried the mental health area, not sure, but you might get more responses. I’m in a different time zone, so chatty doens’t really work!!