Fluoxetine/antidepressants

[Cloudd]

Hi. Need your advice/positive experiences...
Couple weeks ago I was diagnosed with severe depression and generalised anxiety disorder so started fluoxetine/Prozac for first time. It’s been 3weeks now, a did a week on 10mg and then to 20mg. I’ve seen an improvement in my mood and energy, from a 0 to a 4, but will this continue to improve over the following weeks or is this the best it’s going to get? I still feel down during the evenings, when did it start to work for you/noticeable improvements? Xx

Thank you so much @Maidenpink, I knew you'd understand better than most. It's funny that what I did today, others seem take completely for granted (as did I previously) whereas for me just getting out that car was huge and took a lot of courage. Definitely a step in the right direction and I feel proud of myself for doing it.

Oh absolutely, you should feel very proud @polelynn. Another step on the road back to freedom. So pleased for you. 💖 Wanted to ask ... was this part of your homework or something you just decided to do? I think today is therapy day (though maybe off for BH Monday?). If it is though, hope it goes well and let us know how it goes.

Hope everyone has a peaceful day. X

No, not homework. Just decided to do it. I was going to wait but felt it was the right time and circumstances to at least try to leave my very narrow comfort zone. There were only 2 other women there, both masked so it felt safe to exit the car. It's a very small farm nursery so nothing huge.

No session today, session 3 is next Monday. Feel a bit guilty I've perhaps gone too far ahead too soon but feeling okay about it this morning. Was a bit upset though with my DH who barely even mentioned it til I prompted him late last night. Despite me trying to get him to understand, he just doesn't or can't or perhaps doesn't know what to say. It makes it harder as, other than on here and one close friend, no one really gets it but on the other hand I know my recovery is solely in my hands.

Have a lovely day. X

Hi all,
I hope you’re having a good day.

@polelynn you put a smile on my face😁🌟🌸 I’m so pleased for you! I also feel motivated by your progress. That was really brave of you. I can only imagine how you must have felt and yes you should be proud of yourself. That step forward took a lot of inner strength and it shows that you have strength although you may feel drained you are starting to move forward and it wasn’t even homework. As @Maidenpink Said it’s an incredible achievement!

Sorry to hear you didn’t feel supported by DH, do you think maybe he thought he was helping by not making an issue of the achievement and trying to act as if it was a regular occurrence if that makes sense.

Remember we are rooting for each other so always remember that 💕💕💕💕

@FiloFaxx it’s good you’re aware to take breaks from online to help your MH, I hope you feel better re the groups. Life can be full of so many different pressures and we have to remember we’re all different for a reason and to be kind to ourselves🌸

I hope you’re meds’ are kicking in and hopefully sleep will also improve. It’s so good to feel calm.

What time does everyone take their meds? I take it lunch time having tried AM & PM. Sorry if I’ve asked this before.

@Maidenpink I’m pleased to hear your vaccine went well and the helpful buzz and your neighbours being there..these things make such a difference and your frame of mind in helping society. It must feel like a relief and a positive step forward 😁

I also feel like the sun helps me but sometimes it depresses me...it can’t win!

@polelynn I find plants relaxing...the nursery sounded like a good venue for your trip out😁

Currently playing relaxing music to unwind from work where I had a bit of a panicky morning from stress but I feel calmer.

I did have intrusive thoughts preparing to go home from a nice day out yesterday back to an empty home. I think I’ll have to put relaxing music on when I feel like that.

I’m glad MH is talked about more in the news. I do beat myself up when I reflect on my life at times but I need to learn from those experiences and move forward and be thankful I’m I’m a situation where I’m seeking help and trying to be kinder to myself.

I hope you’re all having a relaxing evening XXX

@polelynn sorry I missed your reply on Monday. Sometimes my notifications get spammed for some reason. I wonder why you might feel guilty about your going out on a Sunday. You can do this at your pace because it is your recovery. And you say you felt good about it. That's what counts. 💖 Sorry you feel your husband isn't acknowledging your achievement. It hurts not to feel seen. I think it's reasonable to look for a bit of acknowledgement and support from your partner given how life defining this has become. It is your recovery but nobody really recovers alone, we all need support and connection through this process. Asking for what you need is so hard as a woman. We are conditioned to fulfil the needs of others first and foremost.

@sugarlost sorry you were feeling panicky but I'm glad you found a way through. In answer to your meds question I take mine in the morning with breakfast. I like to get it out of the way. And I know what you mean about the sunshine ... When.you feel bad sometimes it can feel like an insult to injury. I think the beating ourselves up is really a classic depressive way of thinking. I try to notice it and provide an alternative view. One of the most powerful things is to think that whatever I'm feeling, whatever has happened, it is part of being human and if I feel this then so must millions of others. It increases the feeling of connectedness which is so crucial to being well.

I woke up today and yesterday without the fear. Feeling so much better. I am very tentative because I know from past experience 2 swallows don't make a summer. Still one day at a time.

Sending love to you all. X

Thank you so much @sugarlost. As I said to @Maidenpink I knew you both would understand. I'm glad it has motivated you too, change and happier days will definitely come and I'm proof that it is possible.

I take my fluoxetine first thing too. I was worried about it affecting my sleep as a previous SSRI did so opted for the morning. I had insomnia in the very early days but it soon settled.

I can understand it must be hard coming home alone after a day out with others. Do you have a pet? Could this be a possibility?

@Maidenpink really delighted to hear the fear is abating. Let's hope this 6 week stage is the turning point.

In terms of my DH I told him he upset me. I think he just doesn't want to say or do anything to exacerbate the situation. I've reassured him that it won't and given him some more pointers on how he can support me going forward. I feel this whole situation is helping me work on my boundaries and needs too, particularly as I've always been a people pleaser and focussed on putting others needs before my own.

Have a lovely evening and let's hope tomorrow is a good day for us all. X

@Maidenpink it's good to hear how you are feeling. I hope you continue to feel better.
It really helps me to communicate on this platform and not feel so alone in my thoughts. You're so right about remembering millions of others will be also going through our experiences and the importance of this.
One day at a time definitely helps in the way forward X

@polelynn there is light to guide us all ahead, we need to believe in ourselves as we will be able to get through the challenges we are all facing.
do you take your medication with breakfast?
I can't currently have a pet but should that change it would be lovely to have.

I felt ok this morning but had an encounter with a shopkeeper who had no people skills and made me feel flustered and I was annoyed at myself for how I felt. I thought Id take a chance and collect a parcel there as it was convenient but I should have known better after reading reviews about his attitude online. I won't go there again.

I sorted through my things today to bring some items to a charity shop which felt good. I was motivated after watching a blogger online.

Feeling ok and hoping this continue.

I hope you all have a restful night.

Xxx

@sugarlost I'm sorry you had an encounter which upset you. One thing I try to tell myself is that I cannot control (or even necessarily trust) others behaviour, only mine. This is something I do and will really struggle with as I get back out there.

I have my fluoxetine pre-breakfast, usually just with a large glass of water.

Well done on your clear out, I hope you have a happy day today. X

Hi all, I good you're having a good day☀️

@polelynn I think I'll remember your thoughts regarding others behaviour to help me when in these situations. Sometimes I think they're not happy within themselves when it's uncalled for. At times I feel am I coming across as too soft and they're taking advantage of me. I just don't need to deal with attitude for no reason...I haven't got the strength.

How was your day? The sunshine has helped my mood today and I also felt good wearing a dress.

Thank you for your update re Meds.

I did more clearing out today and brought a bag to the charity shop which felt good. I'm also organising my clothes so I feel more confident when choosing what to wear.

I forgot to add I don't have a pet and it's not possible at the moment but yes that would help me. Hopefully in the future 😊

I just need to try and keep busy to try and distract intrusive thoughts. I felt sad this morning about being single but I need to stop dwelling on it and by lunchtime I was much better.

X

@sugarlost I can tell you are getting stronger and more in tune in a positive way with how you are feeling. Your motivation has inspired me and I'm going to have a look online today for some new casual clothes seeing as the rain is back with a vengeance - plants are loving the wet and warmth combination though. I've not treated myself for a while and I feel like I deserve too.

Any nice plans for your weekend?

@Maidenpink any nice plans for you? Weather here looks like it'll brighten up again for tomorrow.

@polelynn how are you?

Yes I feel more stronger at times, when I have time off work that also helps my mood to be more relaxed. I'm glad I've inspired you and you definitely deserve a treat.

When I organise some areas of my life I feel like a weight is lifted and I think the decluttering is part of that.
I haven't managed to declutter the kitchen today but in my mind I've started to list things that need to go so feel better.

I do feel better about the way I look when I make an effort with my outfit so will try to keep this up. Anything that can assist my mood in a positive way I need to try and do. I also have a few plants as I find them relaxing.

I should be meeting friends this weekend but have a feeling tomorrow may be cancelled but if that's the case I will try and go shopping for something to do.

I hope you found some clothes you like.
Do you have any nice plans for the weekend? Do you have a big garden? It'd nice to see some of my plants start growing again.

@Maidenpink & @FiloFaxx I hope you're having a good day.

XXX

@sugarlost I hope you are having a nice day either with your friends or shopping. I didn't get round to going online shopping yesterday as was very tired yesterday, probably the build up of the few things I've done outside my comfort zone.

No, we don't have a big garden but finally had it hard landscaped last year after living here over 15 years and it's become my sanctuary, planting borders from scratch. I'm going to be planting up some pots this weekend with vegetable and salad seeds and adding to my herb area.

Going to try to do a couple of things next week to push myself a bit further, with a localish trip planned down the coast as DH still off.

@Maidenpink I hope everything is okay with you, and you @FiloFaxx.

Hi everyone, sorry I've been quiet ... have had a busy few days and a very difficult day yesterday which wiped me out. Thursday lunchtime I started feeling anxious and a bit unwell. Wasn't sure what was going on but I had a difficult thing to do yesterday and it may have been anticipatory anxiety. I was meeting a family member to visit a very elderly family member in a care home. I've not felt strong enough to do this until honestly this week. Anyway, it was very distressing as the family member is very frail and elderly and has really declined since I last saw them. And the family member i went with filled me in on some family stuff that's been happening which was hugely triggering for me (I'm out of contact with my close family for reasons too complicated to get into here but believe me it's not how I would choose to have things if there could be another way). So I was very, very upset yesterday and really worried about how I could process it all given I've only really started feeling better recently. It's knocked me but I still slept okay and went out a swim this morning which really helped. So I'm hoping I don't get too off track again.

@polelynn and @sugarlost catching up on your messages and you both sound as though you're doing better. Really pleased to hear @polelynn that you're looking ahead to new challenges, that is really fantastic. Are you feeling less low now? And @sugarlost you sound as though you're getting things done and that's helping to lift your mood too.

Sending love to you all. Xxx

@Maidenpink It must have been a shock and upsetting to see that your relative has declined as they have, and together with having to hear about close family dynamics when you are more estranged than you'd like, you are bound to feel as you do. I'm absolutely sure your relative appreciated your presence so well done for feeling strong enough to manage that. That's a big step. Sending you a big hug and a reminder to take it easy for a few days. It's been a full on few days for you one way or another. ❤️

Hi all, I hope you're doing well.

@polelynn I had a lovely day yesterday and today with friends and I'm lucky I have friends who were available. I realise how much this lockdown has affected me through no social life. I came home today and climbed into bed as felt a bit sad the weekend with friends has come to an end but it's ok. I'll keep myself busy and not long to bedtime. Also I'm lucky to be meeting friends next week. I making the most of it as not sure what the future holds with the pandemic but I'm sure things will be ok.

It's great you've created a sanctuary. Did you manage to rest and also plant any seeds? I need to get soil for a few of my plants.

I hope you're plans next week go well. It's so good your making plans, I know it's not easy for you. You're doing really well☀️

@Maidenpink sorry to hear of your experience and how it affected you. It's good you slept okay and the swim helped. Family issues can be so draining and upsetting and when your already dealing with illness it Makes situations so much harder to process. Do you think it may be better if you're not updated in future regarding family until your feeling stronger? I try and distance myself in certain situations but it's not always possible.
How are you feeling today? I hope brighter.

I have been feeling good this weekend as I had plans to look forward too. I feel a bit flat returning home but thats to be expected as my mood can be up and down. I do feel calmer which is good.
I'm going to try and go to the charity shop again next week and try and continue to be motivated.

@FiloFaxx I hope you get some rest this weekend.

🌷🌷🌷 Thinking of you all too and sending love back X

Thanks @polelynn and @sugarlost. I'm still feeling off tbh which is disappointing after having a really good few days this last week. The anxiety has been there the past four mornings again. Don't get me wrong, I'm nothing like as bad as I was but definitely a setback. I've felt on edge with depressive thoughts though thankfully with a lot less intensity than before. Just need to keep taking it a day at a time. I know from experience that feeling better can lead me to overcoming which can cause a setback.

@sugarlost really glad to hear you've been getting out seeing friends. I understand that fear of it all going back to the way things were. We just can't underestimate the impact this last year has had on our sense of connectedness and wellbeing. But I'm hopeful things will on the whole be better now.

@polelynn hope your therapy session goes well today. Let us know how you get on. Are you feeling better overall as you approach 7 weeks on 40mg.

@FiloFaxx hope you're doing okay.

My house was in a bit is disarray come yesterday and I spent time just catching up and plan to continue that today at a gentle pace. I'm still feeling really tired.

I hope you all have a peaceful day. Xxx

Overcoming * overcommitting

How's everyone's Monday going? Mine started not too badly but I've been feeling very sick all afternoon and my anxiety has been higher. Ended up going for a lie down. Not sure if it was something I ate, some vaccine after effects, hormones, stress from Friday or a combination of all of them! I hope it passes soon. Think I need a bit more rest.

Xxx

I'm 2 months in... I think it's making me sleepy

@Maidenpink quite a calm day for me and managed a walk in a wide open space with DH. I found myself getting upset during my therapy session earlier and feeling drained now. Part of me wants to move quicker than we are and I feel I'm constantly having to relive experiences during the sessions in order to make them fit a cycle. On the other hand I'm afraid that I may never go back to the old me, free of these irrational fears and intrusive thoughts as my biggest fears seem insurmountable. I know I've overcome difficult times before though - I've always said I'm pretty resilient given what life has thrown my way, but that resilience has upped and left.

I'm not surprised you are wrung out. As I said last night it's been a full on few days for you. Weather is looking gorgeous over the next few days where I am - hoping you get plenty of opportunity to get in the sea for some swims.

Yes 7 weeks into the higher dose now. It is definitely helping and I think I'll stay at 40mg for a while. What are your thoughts about your dose?

@sugarlost I'm really glad you had a lovely time with your friends over the weekend. Yes, I did plant some seeds with DD. We are growing baby carrots, radishes, baby beetroot and spring onions. Well hopefully we are.... the squirrels may put pay to our plans if they dig them all up. Going to see if I can find some wire in the shed to protect them. I hope you have had a calm day today.

@cravingthelook welcome 👋🏻 . I think the tiredness is normal with this medication. How's your appetite been?

@polelynn that's absolutely great that you went out a walk today! Please remember what an achievement that is given how things were a few weeks ago. I'm sorry therapy was hard. I can identify with that feeling of reliving things and trying to make them fit into the model being presented. It's very upsetting. Things will get easier and honestly the fact you are setting yourself challenges like going to the garden centre and then going a walk in an open space. You keep going in this direction and you will get well. Everything I hear you say.points to someone committed to their recovery. You will do it. You are stronger than you think.

I had a check in with the GP today and am staying at 40mg for the moment too. I think there is still more to come from this dose and it's about getting us to a level of stability to do the other things we need to do to recover. I will review again in four weeks.

The nausea went away a few hours ago thankfully. It's not been a great day but hopefully tomor will be better. Going to force myself to take it easy.

Xxx

I agree @Maidenpink, I think we can expect more from the 40mg so like you, I'm in no rush to change. I hope you are having a relaxed day as you'd planned. I went out on other walk this morning and by myself. It was easier than I'd anticipated as not having to manage others and can wholly focus on what I feel comfortable with. I had to hold back when I returned to the car as a couple had parked very close to mine and were sitting in their convertible. If I was with DH or one of the children they don't get why so I find this adds unnecessary pressure though on reflection perhaps it is helpful to have my over-cautious behaviour pointed out to me.

@sugarlost I hope you are having a good day.

Well done @polelynn, I think it's brilliant that you did that yourself. The couple in the convertible was an expected extra but it sounds like you handled it. I think it's okay that you weren't quite ready for that, it wasn't part of your plan. It doesn't sound like you need your over cautious behaviour pointed out, you seem well aware of what is reasonable. Being aware doesn't make it easier for you to do. Well done though. You're making good progress.

I slept better last night but today hasn't been great. Did all I needed to but ended up in a sobbing heap this afternoon. One of my kids is struggling and I just felt awful about it. I was already not feeling great. Just so tired and nauseous, and my thoughts are quite depressive and my obsessions are popping up a bit more. Ugh. Don't know if it's hormones, stress or what. A setback anyhow. I'm going away on Friday for a week's holiday. Just an apartment a couple of hours drive away but even getting organised for it feels a lot. Hoping I pick up again. Felt so much better last week.

Hope everyone is doing ok. Xxx