Anti depressants to cope with parenting?

[pearfigsandoranges]

I’ve been struggling for a while… my son is on the ASD pathway and I love him dearly but it is so demanding and challenging most days.

I know that parenting in general is hard. But I am also trying to work part time and struggle getting him into school most mornings. I get sworn and at kicked when getting him dressed and then refusal to go out of the house. Won’t sleep in his own bed. He has a pda profile so most things are not straightforward.
he only seems to want me.

I also navigated a very difficult and stressful divorce a few years ago.
he doesn’t like going to dads either.

It all just feels very stressful and today I’ve sat and cried and am considering taking some medication to help.

I hear you, my dd12 is pda and I had no hesitation in asking my GP for Prozac. Life is tough.

Have you tried anything else? I suffer terrible with anxiety and depression.. and having two young children doesn’t help with stress. I even recently left my full time job due to stress.

I don’t take anti depressants because I worry about side effects and the need to slowly come off then if you need to.

I have however started taking CBD gummies/oil.. and it has definitely taken the edge off of my stress. I feel like a calmer parent, I’m not getting as frustrated with them and I’m rationalising the things I should and shouldn’t get annoyed with.

it’s also helping my anxiety and sleep.

I also try to listen to meditation podcasts but I fail to stay regular at this so not sure how much it helps tbh.

@IlljusthavethebreadsticksI know they say parenting is hard but when every little thing feels up uphill battle and a negotiation. It becomes so draining which I feel awful for saying. Does the Prozac help?

Parenting an autistic child is another level ! Prozac seems to take the edge off. Too scared to come off it now.

I think my comment is hidden because I mentioned ‘Cee Bee Dee’ gummies and drinks btw I haven’t said anything offensive I promise lol. There widely available in Holland and Barrett (I use TRIP) so I think it should be accepted.

My situation was very different to yours. I had three baby’s in four years and also an 8 year old and really struggled. I saw the GP and she gave me sertraline.
It was the best thing I ever did. I was on it for 18 months and it made such a difference.

Parent of many asd kids, venlafaxine has saved me

Citalopram has been a game changer in helping me cope with the demands of parenting an AuDHD child. I'm a much better, calmer, parent now i'm on the meds. We don't argue as much as we used to and I can cope better with how LOUD she can be

No shame at all.
It is an imbalance in the same way as some people have blood pressure / insulin / thyroid imbalances etc and they wouldn't think twice about it .

i have been on/off various meds since my kids were small . No specific trigger (just juggling kids with part time work, no family support , money worries blah blah blah)
They keep me stable (along with lifestyle tweaks too)
All the best x

I think you should talk to your GP.
IME, ADs only really help if you’re clinically depressed or have problem anxiety. Do you think you are?
If the problem is that you’re very stressed out for an external reason, you may find they don’t do all that much.
The benefits usually have to be weighed up against the side effects too.