Relapsed again :-(

[CM97]

I have a long history of poor mental health - lots of childhood trauma and an abusive marriage and single parent to 5 kids has meant I've been on and off antidepressants for the best part of 10 years. Every time I come off them, I get depressed and anxious and my relationship breaks down. It's happened three times now and each time I end up back on them, vowing not to come off them again.

So now I am single again... gp has restarted them but I am not sure. Has anyone had good results with CBT?

Just so fed up with the relapses 😔

Why keep coming off the meds? I get it...i was diagnosed with bi polar decades ago. You have a lot going on to even consider coming off the meds. I had cbt but it wasnt for me tbh. It can work though, worth a go right?

I think if you're in a calmer situation where you can make changes in your life now, and find the space to process everything, then some proper counselling would be good. CBT will give you some tools and coping strategies but it's a bit of a sticking plaster. If you're still a single parent to several children (I'm not sure if they are now grown up) then your situation is hard and I think I'd stay on the medication (single parent on sertraline here).

Been off and on sertraline etc for nearly 30 years. Have finally realised it’s just a tablet I need to keep me on an even track so won’t be coming off it again.

Stay on your meds until you are better. I was on meds for years due to an abusive marriage. I came off them about five years after, once I had got over all the shit. It takes time and effort, there's no quick fix. Take the meds, do the work, stay single, get well. Counselling from Women's Aid helped me most. CBT didn't.

My question is also why do you need to be off them if they help? CBT can provide some coping strategies but I’m not sure it’s the right thing for childhood trauma and so I think do some research about therapists who work with trauma if this is what you’re looking for.