I decided against Citalopram

[moghub]

It was a while ago I posted about my agonies of whether on not to take Citalopram, and it was dominating my life. In the end I chose not to take it and instead embarked on a self-help approach.

I cycle 10-15miles each day (before light), and walk a minimum of 3 times a week, at least 6 miles. I have shed 16 lbs and am inside my BMI (top end but inside nonetheless) for the first time in a while. I ditched all of my hobbies of many years to free myself up (I don't miss them), I signed up to headspace and use it every day with over 1k minutes achieved. I looked at my diet and reduced the sugar intake (I don't drink or smoke). I started to do things with my hands (drawing for one).

I can look back and honestly say that the time off work to do these things has been the most positive thing I have ever done for my health. The headspace app has been a revelation (I saw someone mention on here and followed it up).

It has been tough at times but I believe I only had around 1.5 wobbly days.

For the first time I can remember I sleep easily and if I wake up, incredibly I can go back to sleep (never happened before). The sleep is a huge bonus which means I can function so much better.

My fit note runs until May but I am returning early to work later in Jan (phased return).

I struggle around negativity, which I pick up on instantly, whereas before I was part of it, or even the instigator.

I fully accept that this is not the route for everyone and it takes a lot of time (not willpower as headspace will teach you) and having a supportive partner and two grown children means more 'me time' to fix things. I also appreciate that it is early days and I am now on a life long journey.

Thank you for listening and hopefully others in the same should I/Shouldn't I situation can see that there are alternatives.

What an absolutely brilliant post. I'm so glad things have worked out for you without Citalopram.

I was on it for years (almost decade, I think.) At first I thought it was the best thing ever, as it really did lift my mood. But by the end I was a happy zombie. I put on 2 stone in weight. I slept 16 hours a day and my brain couldn't handle even the most basic challenge which became a huge problem as i am a uni lecturer.

I ended up taking an unpaid year off work to come off the drug and get well. Like you, I focused on health and overall well being. Still not lost the weight but I swim, walk, do yoga, and have a full life, as well as returning to work. It was the best decision ever.

I lost years of my life to depression and then years more to ADs. It's a real challenge keeping off medication if you have long term clinical depression, but I want to and your post gives me hope.

I find reducing or ideally completely cutting out processed sugar and alcohol has a big impact on me. I don't walk as far as you do (2-3 miles usually, tops) Would it help, do you think, to increase the miles?

And was Headspace crucial to regaining your health do you think?

@OneStepMoreFun

I am not sure about increasing the miles but I try to walk mindfully (being in the present), I don't make it about time. The most important thing for me is being in nature so I walk on the coast, in the forest, in parks etc. Taking the time to stop and look around and being present and bathed daylight works on my walks (not on my cycling because it is dark). I am not in competition with anyone and certainly not myself.

I should say that I need to work on the social side of things more now as I detached myself a lot over the years. That will be a challenge but I am positive about it. I don't have any other social media apart from MN.

Ooops sorry the last question: Headspace was a key component and I personally think it is truly wonderful