[Always be a unicorn]

While I've suffered from depression and anxiety since primary school, I was only formally diagnosed last year. Before then, I would often experience severe fits of depression and/or anxiety, sometimes going so far as to consider self-harm (or worse).

Once my psychologist gave me a diagnosis, I went straight onto medication which has helped enormously. I still have an occasional episode, but they've become incredibly rare and aren't nearly as bad as they used to be.

Because I appear to be getting better, my psychologist has suggested weening me off my meds. Worse, my parents are putting a lot of pressure on me to come off.

Just one problem: if I go even one day without taking my regular dose, I'm straight back to that dark place and it's like I was never on them.

I don't know what to do. On the one hand, I don't want to be dependent on pills for the rest of my life. On the other hand, I don't want to go back to the days when I was afraid to even be around sharp objects. Any advice would be most welcome.

Hmm. It's a difficult thing. I guess it's more of a "try it and see" sort of thing? Ask your psychologist to do the weening veeeerrrry slowly so hopefully your body won't even notice and it's slow enough so the lessening of effects aren't as noticeable? If you notice a big change then let your psychologist and parents know that it isn't working out and stay on it for a while longer It's definitely not a bad thing to ween yourself off medication and I definitely understand wanting to be off of them. I guess just don't let fear stop you from hoping that it'll go well.

Best of luck! Let us know how it goes!

[Frankbtl]

Absolutely agree with keeprolling!!!
And while you're discussing decreasing your medication changes with your psychologist (before they start!) make sure you're discussing the "what if's" (how it might cause problems) and have some coping strategies/plans in place for if x, y, or z happens. For instance if you start to feel....you'll........(phone a friend to talk, get out and about, do something distracting/relaxing such as.....??).
Although these things might not happen having plans in place may help you feel a bit more confident in both decreasing your medication- which should be real slow- and in the case that they did start to happen.
And make sure you've got a contact number/helpline or access to any help if you are really struggling at any point e.g. when your psychologist isn't going to be immediately at hand.
Not trying to panic you there (!!), but if you feel you've covered all eventualities it might help a bit??
And, yes, trial and error. Even if it can only get as far as a reduction in dosage for the time being, that's a good thing, right?
And remember, we're here for you............
Best wishes
Alison

[SeekerOfLife]

I have been weaning off Klonapin for longer than I can remember (two years?). I started at 3 mg. Went up to 4 mg. Then I started on my psychotherapy. After a while the pdoc took me down to .5 mg tablets (three a day). Now, with her guidance and patience I take half tablet morning, noon, and quarter tablet at bedtime. I am very sensitive to dosage cuts. She said the longer you are on a med the longer it takes to get off it. That includes dosage cuts. One month ago, I cut my bedtime dose from half tablet to quarter tablet. I still have not adjusted to the dosage cut. My body and mind will tell me when I have adjusted. By the way, I do not know if this will help, but I take Buspar for anxiety, and I KNOW it also helps with the depression. I have told the pdoc this, but she never responds to that statement.