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Post by tnr9 on Aug 11, 2018 17:29:55 GMT
For the last 3 weeks, I have been on a very low dose of an SSRI because my doctor believes that my serotonin levels are low. I will admit...I was initially very resistant to going that route since my dad was a psychiatrist and always made me feel like there was something wrong with me. But my doctor was very clear that an SSRI is like taking blood pressure medication or thyroid medication..and it does seem to be working. I still have "moments" of rumination and sadness...but they don't last as long and I find it much easier to focus on other things...such as work, hobbies, friends. I would describe it as "grounding" me where before I felt like a balloon that was tossed this way and that. I still have a lot to work on...but the medication is making that easier to access.
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andy
Full Member
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Post by andy on Aug 11, 2018 21:34:44 GMT
Good for you for doing whatever allows you to focus on your healing and adjust your baseline mood to the point where life's challenges are easier to confront. I think it is important to challenge stigma and stereotypes about psych meds. Even in progressive circles, many people hold beliefs (ableist beliefs, I would say) that big pharma can only ever affect our lives in mind-controlling, opppressive ways, and they shame people using psych meds when they would never in a million years judge someone for using a cold or allergy med manufactured by the same company. My contentment in life has been steadily improving since a life-threatening low point 10 years ago, and an anti-depressant has been one small part of that process.
It has been helpful for me to cultivate friendships with people who speak openly about their own mental health and are open-minded about what can help. It's different for everyone, right? More power to you.
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Post by ocarina on Aug 11, 2018 21:41:20 GMT
For the last 3 weeks, I have been on a very low dose of an SSRI because my doctor believes that my serotonin levels are low. I will admit...I was initially very resistant to going that route since my dad was a psychiatrist and always made me feel like there was something wrong with me. But my doctor was very clear that an SSRI is like taking blood pressure medication or thyroid medication..and it does seem to be working. I still have "moments" of rumination and sadness...but they don't last as long and I find it much easier to focus on other things...such as work, hobbies, friends. I would describe it as "grounding" me where before I felt like a balloon that was tossed this way and that. I still have a lot to work on...but the medication is making that easier to access. Absolutely good on you Tnr9 I think sometimes our brain dips beyond the point where we can help ourselves out thought wise. It's a brave step against your conditioning to get out there and actuallyaccess this kind of help. From here you have more choice, more chances, more options to heal. We all have a lot to work on, but it's lovely to hear that you have sought this kind of healing. Onwards and upwards. You were missed by the way - I was wondering what was up! |
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Post by leavethelighton on Aug 12, 2018 0:01:31 GMT
I know I've posted this before, but I agree medication can be a useful tool. For me, a month into Wellbutrin I finally stopped feeling that sort of enduring longing that makes it difficult if not impossible to break free from an AP-DA sort of dynamic... I could finally after years, and in a way that was real and on a deep level, imagine a life in which NOT having a certain person in it could seem equally meaningful to one that did have them in it...
It's like it took the edge off things. I even have times of true contentedness and serenity. I'm hesitate to ever go off the med though I know I probably shouldn't stay on it forever.
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Post by notalone on Aug 13, 2018 3:46:21 GMT
I’m glad it’s working out for you. The stigma can be tough. It’s a very personal choice to take meds and no one should be judged for their decision. If they help you that’s great.
I know a lot of people compare psych meds to other meds, but there’s one big difference. There are no definitive concrete test for mental health conditions, for example there’s no test to prove anyone has low serotonin levels, or any other mental health illness. The meds are not understood as clearly as those used to treat many illnesses. Mental health diagnosis are based on questions, answers and interpretation, verses a test that says difintively yes, you have diabetes and need insulin. That’s not to say psych meds can’t be helpful. I’m just saying they’re less understood, and there’s a difference between a med like a blood thinner, where we know exactly what the problem is and how the med works to treat it, and psych illnesses and medications.
I’ve been on meds for about 20 years. At first it really helped me. It doesn’t seem to be doing the job anymore. I switched recently and I’m still feeling like it’s not helping me. But I still take them and will continue to asses.
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