[idontknow13]

Today I went to get the report from the psychiatrist and my general practitioner concerning my condition and although they both told me that I would have to be off work for at least another 3 months, seeing it in a written report was a shock. I also have to change my antidepressants and in order to do so, go cold turkey for 2 weeks, very scared of withdrawal since getting off the benzos and I have to take Ativan in the meanwhile, another Benzo...I am getting very frustrated with all of this, I really wish I could go back to what I was, although depressed, a functionning, productive adult, anxious but not paralyzed with fear and anxiety!
I am so grateful I found this site where I feel understood without being judged and not so alone.
Well, like I wrote 3 days ago, it is time for a change...a positive change, a life free of fear and crippling anxiety, all I want is to feel like my normal self.

[leacon]

Sweetie nice to see you facing things better. I am glad you found this place also.

[*freak*]

I really hope things will get better from now on

Take care

[justfloating]

(((((((((idontknow)))))))))


I'm glad you're making these changes for yourself and keep reminding yourself that they will help in the long run even if they're scary right now. Have you ever changed meds before? I had to come off mine faster than you're really supposed to (NOT fun, not fun AT ALL!!!!!) because my doctor was worried I wouldn't last that long without new meds, and the withdrawal SUCKED, especially since I had a bunch of essays and tests to write for school at the time. What I found REALLY helped was getting my priorities in order -- which meant doing the bare minimum, so I'd show up to write tests but I wouldn't let myself stress over them, I'd call my family once a week as usual but I wouldn't stay on the phone long enough to get overwhelmed, I did groceries and stocked up on the really easy foods like granola bars and cereal so that I could force myself to eat without putting in any effort to prepare it, and in between I made sure I got a LOT of me time, either to sleep or watch tv or maybe just cry it all out ... It's impossible to get rid of all of your life's stressers and I'm honestly glad that I went through my withdrawal with a room of my own to retreat to and no family breathing down my neck (in fact, they were a whole ocean away!), as well as a T only a phone call away the entire time. But do try to put aside as many of the little stressers as you can for those two weeks or so, and spend more time than usual on YOURSELF. Going through withdrawal from antidepressants is a total go-ahead for a little bit more self-indulgence than you might usually allow yourself.

I really hope I haven't scared you, as I really just mean to give you a couple of suggestions for making this easier to do. I'm not saying going into it with a game plan is going to make it painless, but it's certainly going to make the withdrawal easier to deal with. And while it's happening, remind yourself that what you're feeling is temporary, and post here as often as you can, so you can get some support that way as well.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

[susan888]

(((IDK)))

I'm sorry you are going through this. I will be thinking about you and sending you good thoughts!!

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((((( idontknow ))))))))))))))

[ECHOES]

I don't know what antidepressants you currently take, but if you are taking SSRI's then you are not getting good adivce to stop them cold turkey. You may wish to get a second opinion. All good doctors respect the patient's right and desire for a second opinion. This is, after all, our treatment. We are seeking others to provide treatment to us. We have opinions and we have a voice in our treatment.

I hope these changes are good for you, make you feel much better

[turquoisesea]

I hate it when reality sets in, and you have to face what you least want to.
I hope that in facing it, your can reach a better point in your life, and feel better for it. Best of luck to you, keep posting and good luck

[Naturefreak]

Don't have any encouraging words right now but I wish you
the best in getting relief from your crippling fears and anxiety.
(((idontknow13)))
Take care and good luck .