Depression

[caramelbambii]

Hello everyone,

I'm not even sure what to say, I'm drowning in depression, anxiety and just a variety of negative feelings. I was prescribed antidepressants yesterday but I'm not sure what to do? I've heard once you start taking them when you come off them you feel worse than before? Do they help? How does it help? I just carry this pit feeling in my stomach and chest everyday, from the moment I wake up until I get some sleep which is barely any, perhaps around an hour nap a day or couple minutes here and there that totals up to an hour. I've self harmed two times now in the last year when things have become too unbearable. I've self referred to Icope but their waiting lists are long anyway. Im used to being the help, but now that I need it I seem to be hitting brick walls. I just don't know what to do, I have work tomorrow (I'm a teacher) and just the thought of going into school and having to pretend all day is already having me anxious. It's a new job so I can't be taking time off but I don't think I'd want it. I need to be busy but it's so difficult pretending, coming home crying then repeating it all day. I feel empty. I feel so alone. I don't have support systems because I am the support system. I'm struggling very badly. I've been going to the gym, I've picked up art therapy, I try to keep my mind occupied but nothing works. I just don't want to feel anymore.

Hi, I started Sertraline about 4 weeks ago. I had barely any side effects and it has completely changed my life already.
My only regret is not taking them sooner. Give it a go, and view it as an act of self care. Good luck

When did you start feeling this way? Was there a particular trigger or is it an accumulation of things?

Thanks for replying. I'm glad it's going well for you and I hope it carries on. I appreciate your advice

It was just an accumulation of life. I've got 2 chronic illnesses so I'm in pain physically daily with other symptoms alongside suffering from incontinence the past few months, 2 losses the last year etc. I'm 24 and it just feels as though my body is deteriorating and my mind has just gone in the same direction

That's a heavy burden to carry at any age but it must be galling to be so ill at 24, I'm sorry you're having to go through this. It is possible to get your subconscious mind (the part of you that controls your emotions) on your side so that it supports you rather than adding to your problems - this would reduce the anxiety to an appropriate level and allow you to cope with your reality.

I had serious stress when I tried to quit drinking. I understood that this is a very destructive habit that will completely ruin my life (which was already falling apart), but I couldn't do anything with it due to psychological reasons. As soon as I started treatment, i.e., abstinence from alcohol, I had severe depressive episodes. I was recommended Normotim by Normopharm to reduce depression, and make my mood more stable. And Normotim by Normopharm actually helped me a lot. It's been a year, and I haven't had a drop of alcohol. I occasionally take a course of Normotim, and I feel great!

Thanks for replying, how do I do get my subconscious mind on my side?

Thank your for sharing your story, I'm glad to hear you're mentally health has progressive improved. I've been prescribed Citalopram (28 day course) but I haven't taken it yet as I've heard apparently antidepressants in the long run actually make you worse? I'm just afraid to have to depend on something else for the rest of my life that I could maybe one day defeat on my own without medication? Apparently with antidepressants if you stop taking them whether you wean off them or abruptly stop they make make you worse than how you felt before?

I don't have support systems because I am the support system.

That's really sad, OP. I feel for you. Let me read your post again and see what comes up

Meds can help. Not every brand has side-effects, and not every will make you addicted to them for the rest of your life.

When you start taking them, you start to feel woozy for 2 or 3 weeks until your body adjusts to them.

Meds don't have to change you as a person, it's just that you don't experience your lows very low but your highs aren't that high.

You can still laugh, fall in love, be productive, be happy and such whilst on meds.

They are a buffer of sorts so you're not irritated by every single thing and you can gradually address the root cause of what's troubling you. It helps if you think of them as something that helps, not something that will fix you.

If you're anxiety or depression or stress are very high, you can take half/quarter and see how your body reacts to it.

And I'm not an expert obviously, and I'm sure other people know about it too.

I intenetionally didn't give any suggestions because (really) what helps someone might suck for someone else.

Easier said than done, but try to cut toxic people out your life and chat with peopke that make you feel good after your convo is over xx

Apparently with antidepressants if you stop taking them whether you wean off them or abruptly stop they make make you worse than how you felt before?

This isn't true. Where are you getting this info from? Did you talk to your GP about this when they gave you the anti-depressants?

I took anti-depressants years ago when I was in a very dark place mentally. When I felt better, I stopped taking them. I was on them for 9 months. I also got CBT during that time. I was fine when I came off them and have never needed them again.

One thing's for sure, you won't get better just looking at the box of anti-depressants. You need to actually take them to get the benefit.

It's important to talk to a mental health professional or a counselor who can offer the support and guidance you require. They can help you understand the benefits and potential side effects of antidepressants and explore various therapy options that may be beneficial for you. Remember, reaching out for depression overcome help is a courageous step, and there are people who care and want to assist you.