Has anyone that’s had a severe episode just felt better like without meds or anything. I’m currently in a 3 month episode and just want to know I will get a break soon. I’m really scared of medication but I think that’s my only choice now
I was also terrified of the medication but I need it. My brain just cannot process things appropriately without it. I’ve only taken sertraline and it’s worked really well so far over the past few years. See a psychiatrist and tell them your concerns- they will help you. You don’t need to live in this torturous state. If they recommend medication, think of it as if you had diabetes or a heart condition that required medicine. The brain is an organ of the body too 💕
@r.m.1 Thank you I really appreciate this. I’ve been prescribed the medicine for about two weeks now and just working up the courage to take it hopefully. The difficult thing is I’m the Uk the gp’s just hand the medication out and don’t really check in so it’s extremity lonely
@iqqqrah I’m sorry I’m sure that’s rough. Maybe you have a family member or friend who can do weekly check ins with you about your emotions to provide objective and supportive advice/care? It takes about 8 weeks after each dosage increase to notice full effects so it’s a slow process with this one
@r.m.1 What dose are you on? I was going to start at 25/50 and just thought that would be enough? Do you think I would need to go higher
@iqqqrah Your doctor needs to start you on the lowest dose then taper up. Typically anything above 50mg is therapeutic but it’s based on how you feel while you’re on the medicine
On my 5th day on Prozac, remember that meds take time.
@Anonymous Do let me know how it goes! Good luck
Hey about a year ago I went though a mental health crisis and was in an outpatient program. I was doing all the therapy and exposures but I really didn't feel reprieve until I was on the correct medication, which for me is 200mg of Sertraline combined with 20 mg of a beta blocker. I was terrified of taking medication too, but it's a thousand times worth the stress of starting a new medication in the long run. My life has completely changed for the better since being on medication.
@Pronged_ping Thank you! I’ve got the medication at hand. Had it for a few weeks just working the courage to take it now
I had a break down about 18 months ago and I’m now on Luvox and abilify, it hasn’t cured me but it makes things much more tolerable. I stopped taking my meds for a little while and the symptoms came roaring back. Don’t be like me, do what the psychiatrist or doctor says and stay consistent.
@Just trying to survive Thank you are you based in the uk?
@iqqqrah I am based in the US
I once tapered off my medication thinking that all the tools and skills I’ve learned would help me handle it, but it was just too overwhelming and I went back on them. You’re not a failure for your brain needing assistance to do what it’s supposed to do. Also remind yourself you are in control. If you start meds and don’t like them, you can taper off of them
Totally! Years ago I had a high level of OCD but my therapist still said I didn't need to be medicated. I recovered and went into a period of remission by using ERP in combination with behavioral activation (for depression), ACT, and healthy lifestyle habits :) If you're scared of medication, it's not 100% necessary to use it. But it can be helpful if your Ocd is severe enough to need it
It took me years to get comfortable with medication. Because I feel better on it at this point I think it is worth it. I look at is as giving my body what it needs like a vitamin. I know its not exactly a vitamin but I look at it that way giving my brain what it needs to function properly. That seems to work for me. It may take time to get used to or maybe not so much time for you but I personally overall think its worth it to feel better. Quality of life is important. You know? The medication can help fix the chemical imbalance and improve your mood and functioning.
I’m in the same exact place, struggling hard the last 3 months and just got to the point that medication might be the only way through it. I’m starting fluxoamine today and though it may be a different hard i think it’ll be worth it. keep your head up :)
@Anonymous Let me know how it goes. I got offered fluoxetine but I struggle to sleep so I thought sertraline might be better but I still haven’t started it
@iqqqrah i’d be worried about that to. guess we only know if we try
@Anonymous true. It’s really difficult as no one in my life knows about it
@iqqqrah - yeah you need to try that seroquel, it literally puts you to sleep and completely stops the bad thoughts
6 months ago I had a severe panic attack and it’s changed my life. Scared of 99% of foods, can’t take meds out of fear, been hospitalized a few times cause of blood sugar drops and other health scares due to poor eating. I’m constantly scanning my body finding any little thing that’s uncomfortable and then fixate and panic over the smallest things. Whether be a smell I’m unfamiliar with, a weird sensation in my arm literally anything freaks me out….. who has had success with exposure or has dealt with similar issues. I feel like I’m unintentionally slowly killing myself but I’m too scared for meds and therapy doesn’t seem to make much of a dent right now. Please share some success stories I need hope.
I had a very bad session with a therapist today (NOT FROM NOCD). She basically told me I can’t be helped without medication, said I am too needy and if I keep being needy, people will continue to leave me, and my past trauma from relationships is my fault. I then had a second session with my old therapist who helped process and explain that OCD is lifelong and some people manage it but others have flare ups and I think I’m having a bad flare up (a month long basically) and that I may need medication which I’m terrified to go back on. Does it get better? Will I need meds? I’m scared. I don’t want to get worse and I don’t want these thoughts to scare me.
I understand that everyone is different but lately I have been debating on medication just because of past experiences but does anyone have any good experiences with medication that has helped them with their OCD as well as therapy or treatment? As of now I’m dealing with it by myself but it feels like it may be getting worse
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