[WntMyLfeBck]

I've been really thinking about getting off meds completely. Sometimes I am convinced that they are doing more harm than good (side effects).

I've started seeing a holistic doctor who says this can be done using natural vitamins to help along with therapy. Was curious if anyone out there has done this and been successful?

Thanks

[i dont matter]

You REALLY want to talk to your meds doctor about this. Cold turkey can leave you in a very dangerous place.

I have no issues with anyone trying to live without meds - just do it smart.

No, I haven't done this, but I would like to try it. I am on Medicaid now and can't afford to see a holistic doctor (or to buy the supplements.) There are a number of doctors in my area and even one very good psychiatrist who advocate treating certain types of mental illness without prescription drugs.

Having said that, my diagnoses are "plain vanilla" depression and anxiety. There are some diagnoses that I'd be more hesitant to try this with.

Also, if I was going to do this, I'd want to add all the holistic stuff and then start tapering the meds down.

If you do this, I hope you'll let us know on this forum how it goes for you.

[WntMyLfeBck]

I currently am seeing a holistic doctor and are on a ton of supplements. The plan is just as you said... get the vitamins in my system then slowly back off the meds. It is very expensive. They don't take any insurance.

Been doing it for about 3 months now but not sure if I notice a difference. Wanted to see if anyone has taken this path and if it worked or not for them.

I have so many doctors now... Psychiatrist, Therapist, Family Dr. and now Holistic. Each one blames the other. The only one who insists I stay on meds is of course my Psychiatrist. The rest are pushing me to get off them and go a more natural route.

[Blue_Bird]

Therapy can be very helpful for anxiety, as far as meds versus going all natural, neither is wrong, but they both have their benefits and cons. Make a list with the benefits of doing it each way and a list of cons then see which one seems like the better deal for you at this time in your life. You can always change and go back.

What kind of therapy are you in? If you're not in CBT it may be something to consider. (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) good luck

[WntMyLfeBck]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

Therapy can be very helpful for anxiety, as far as meds versus going all natural, neither is wrong, but they both have their benefits and cons. Make a list with the benefits of doing it each way and a list of cons then see which one seems like the better deal for you at this time in your life. You can always change and go back.

What kind of therapy are you in? If you're not in CBT it may be something to consider. (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) good luck

I keep hearing about CBT but never actually attempted to see what its about. I'll look into it. Thanks.

[SillyKitty]

You might also want to look into ACT. It worked much better for me than CBT.

[LifeGetsBetter]

I am familiar with CBT. What is ACT?

[FireKitty]

The facility I am currently attending for intensive therapy after hospitalization uses a combination of methods - CBT, DBT and Mindfulness. I'm adding new "tools" to my coping toolbox every day.

My anxiety is a component of my Bipolar. I take Buspar which doesn't get rid of it completely. I can have 0 level days, but thinks can still spark an anxiety response, though not as severe as unmedicated. I still have to use my tools to calm down when I get anxious and I like that. Hopefully I can stop the Buspar at some point.

[SillyKitty]

It is where you stop and decide if this is a mental or physical experience. Then you ground yourself. What am I touching, seeing, hearing, etc. I definitely suggest the book The Happiness Trap. It helps to get thru an experience, rather than avoiding it. I can't even tell you how many times it has helped me get thru what could have been a full blown panic attack and how many times I've used it to stay sober. I'm dedicated to ACT therapy. CBT never helped me much.

[WntMyLfeBck]

Originally Posted by SillyKitty

It is where you stop and decide if this is a mental or physical experience. Then you ground yourself. What am I touching, seeing, hearing, etc. I definitely suggest the book The Happiness Trap. It helps to get thru an experience, rather than avoiding it. I can't even tell you how many times it has helped me get thru what could have been a full blown panic attack and how many times I've used it to stay sober. I'm dedicated to ACT therapy. CBT never helped me much.

The Happiness Trap?? I'll have to add that to my list of things to read.

[WntMyLfeBck]

Just read the first chapter on Amazon... Should be at my house by Saturday. Seems pretty interesting. Thanks SillyKitty!!!!!!

[SillyKitty]

My therapist recommended it to me. it!