CMM
- Date posted
- 4y
adaptocdadaptocd
- Date posted
- 4y
I was in that position for my entire life until earlier this year. I took the step and began taking an SSRI five weeks ago. I’m grateful for it, and I wish I hadn’t allowed fear mongering and stigma to scare me out of utilizing a tool that’s made a world of difference for me. All medication comes with risks, but leaving a mental health condition untreated is a risk in itself. I’ve experienced a general reduction in my anxiety and I’m able to go longer intervals without obsessional thinking. The only side effects I’ve experienced is vivid dreams and a stimulated appetite (which is an upside since my depression had depleted them). I would steer from the Internet horror stories, and discuss the option with your mental health professional and physician.
JustmesadlyJustmesadly
- Date posted
- 4y
I think you have to activativly make the choice for yourself. I wish someone had told me I needed to do therapy first to see bc medicine isn’t going to magically going to make everything perfect and go away. For me I couldn’t be convince since I hate medicine and think it’s horrible for you. But I am religious and I had reached rock bottom and the next week at church the pastor explained his mental health journey from college which was so low it led him to SSRI which i took as a sign so I started them a week later. I got off them 2 years later bc I went back to hating medicine and decided to work on myself
CMMCMM
- Date posted
- 4y
I have been doing therapy...I definitely know there is no magic pill. I did counseling 9 yrs ago...did really well without medication for several years. Unfortunately my anxiety and panic disorder came back and 10xs worse this time. I too am a Christian and know that God will never leave me nor forsake me....but this for me isn't about Christianity....it's a mental health disorder.
JustmesadlyJustmesadly
- Date posted
- 4y
@CMM Girl I wasn’t making it about Christianity ... I was explaining what it was that made me decide to finally chose to take medication and overcome the anxiety and hate I had for them ... don’t change my words! Based on your post there was no way for me to know you are already doing therapy so I was giving you the advice I had to offer !
JustmesadlyJustmesadly
- Date posted
- 4y
@CMM Also I don’t like to have any correlation to God and my mental health bc it just makes me angry when people say just pray or that God took away their anxiety bc that’s not how mental illnesses work. So please please please don’t think I was making any sort of connection or reference in that way
CMMCMM
- Date posted
- 4y
@Justmesadly No I didn't think that at all. I know exactly what you mean. It makes me angry also. It makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong with my walk with christ. I get what your saying...no worries!
JustmesadlyJustmesadly
- Date posted
- 4y
@CMM Okay good
CMMCMM
- Date posted
- 4y
Thank you for your feedback. I did start a low dose SSRI and I am having some side effects I'm dealing with...which make me anxious. Hopefully I can get through the first 2 weeks and not become too discouraged. The side effects really make me panic 😒
adaptocdadaptocd
- Date posted
- 4y
If you just began the SSRI, you may experience a temporary onset or increase of anxiety symptoms. This is normal, and a lot of people undergo this phase and then begin to feel recovered as they continue taking the medication. The only way out is through it, and it may be well worth it for you in the end. Whatever you do, please don’t stop them before you’re finished, this can cause worsened issues in the long run. I hope you’re able to find a treatment to suit you soon :)
CMMCMM
- Date posted
- 4y
@plathocd Thanks so much for the encouragement! Truly appreciate it!
Kls2121Kls2121
- Date posted
- 4y
Did you see a therapist or regular doctor? I am also so nervous to get in meds.
CMMCMM
- Date posted
- 4y
@Kls323 I saw my family doctor for yrs and tried...but was always too nervous and the thought of taking a pill made me nervous and panic...so this time I took the route of seeing a phystrist....they were able to explain to me about different medications....side effects and were willing to start me out on a pediatric dose an work my way up so that the side effects were mild to none.
Kls2121Kls2121
- Date posted
- 4y
@CMM Thats awesome!! Good for you! Thats a really great step you took. I saw one regular doctor once and they prescribed me Cymbalta but then got way to scared to take it. That was 2 years ago.
CMMCMM
- Date posted
- 4y
@Kls323 Good luck! I know it's so hard! I'm on day 4 of Lexapro I was also given a benzo to use to help stay calm if the anxiety increases. I'm hoping to push through the mild side effects I'm having and finally break free of this horrible cycle. I know there is no magic pill but a combo of therapy and this I feel hopeful!
Kls2121Kls2121
- Date posted
- 4y
@CMM Oh wow I didn't know you could take benzos with anything else. That's great. I know there is no magic pill either but even if something helps a little thats great!! You got this!!
CMMCMM
- Date posted
- 4y
@Kls323 Thanks for the encouragement...truly appreciate it!
Kls2121Kls2121
- Date posted
- 4y
@CMM Of course!!!
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