[justfloating]

I know I'm not quite at that point yet, but my doctor says that eventually she'd like to take me off my meds. She and my counsellor have said they'll do it gradually, and that at the first sign of depression I can go right back onto the meds -- I don't know why, but I've been preoccupied by this lately. I'm afraid that all the progress I'm making is due to my meds, and I'm afraid of what's going to happen to me when they lower my dose, and I'm afraid of withdrawal -- did that once, NOT fun -- and I'm TERRIFIED of the depression coming back like it was before. I'm managing it now, I'm getting my life together -- what if it all falls apart when they start taking me off the meds? Has anyone done this before? Was it as scary as I'm building it up to be? I don't know why this has started to bug me lately but every time I take a pill I worry about what'll happen when I don't have the pills to fight off my demons.

[leacon]

Can't say much except I would feel the same way. Least your therapist thinks you are ready to try.

[Elysium]

Rebecca ~ if you would like them!!

This would seem scary to me too. I have experienced withdrawal from my anti-depressant and it is NOT fun.

I can see how you would be concerned that maybe this is all being handled by your medication and that without it things will go down hill. I have that fear too. At some point, you need to trust in yourself and your practitioners to take a med brake and see where you are at. You will never know how successful your treatment is if you don't try.

The good thing is, it sounds like your practitioners are going to ween you slowly which will help keep you out of withdrawal, and it is good that they are open to re-starting you on the meds or increasing the dosage if the depression kicks back in.

I hope this offers some comfort. I think it is very normal to be scared about this. Hang in there, and know that we are all here for you!!

Keep us posted if you want...and good luck!!

[sunflower55]

JustFloating,

FWIW, I recently got off my meds. I'm doing very well. It was a long road, but, I am honestly doing very very well. But, my depression and anxiety was exogeneous - situational - and caused by my son's heroin addiction and my (now) ex's gambling, (he was gambling away the mortgage without my knowledge. He left me in terrible debt and caused us to go into bankruptcy.) Shortly afterwards, just when I *thought* life was getting better, after my divorce, I was in the worst work situation I've ever been in! I thought my life would *never* get better! OY!

But, it did. With therapy, meds to hold me through until I learned the coping skills I needed, and time to resolve some issues that resulted from the above mentioned things, I was able to get past the abyss.
The sun also rises.

I am a strong beliver in taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. These are the aspects of the self that make up our total self. Leave any of them out and there is a hole; an emptiness. That emptiness is called depression in my case. It sometimes manifests itself in anxiety. So, it's very important to do something in each of these areas each day for ourselves to feel good; to feel whole.

That's what works for me. That's what keeps me going. And I can tell when I begin to backslide. It's up to me to keep myself healthy now. Yes, I know I *could* run back to the doctor. But, I also know that I do not *have* to do so. And why would I want to when it's not necessary? Taking care of our body, mind, and spirit is exactly what nature intended. And that's how I choose to live.

Take it one day at a time. If it works, GREAT!
If it doesn't, that's ok, too. You sound like you have a very supportive therapist. That's wonderful! work together and take it as slowly as you feel comfortable going.
And in the meantime, we'll be here for you too.

Peace!

[miray]

(((((((((((((Justfloating)))))))))))0

Yes....I know how you feel. Awhile back mine tried weaning me off. It didn't go well and she put me back on. Now she is talking about weaning me again in a few months. I was completely freaking out for a bit. The thought of the dependency and the depression coming back. Now I'm ok. I have decided to tell her I am difinitely not ready. Nobody knows your body better than you. If you feel ready to try....try. If it works....great...if not...let your pdoc know at the first sign it isn't going well. You can go back to your regular dosage and try again at a later date. Just pay close attention and be sure to convey your feelings...both mental and pysical. Best of luck to you....you will be great