I was diagnosed as being clinically depressed 5 years ago. I've gone on and off different meds, and have even tried going without any meds at all. It worked for a while, and then all of a sudden, depression hit me in some form. (whether it was a true fear of driving, suicidal thoughts, or anxiety attacks). My question to you is, do you think my chances of having to take meds all my life are larger than I hope for? Or do you think I may have a chance at leading a normal life without any meds at all one day?
~Thanks for your posts!
2006-09-12 08:24:27 · 14 answers · asked by lilfireyballofhate 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Have you tried therapy, yet? I'm in group therapy right now, I think it's really lame, but supposedly the group is supposed to help people like us out...I just haven't figured out how, yet!
2006-09-12 08:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is hope of leading a life without meds after a diagnosis of depression. I am medication-free for the first time in 9 years, after being on as many as three depression meds at the same time. Be sure to quit with the help of a doctor or psychiatrist because the way you quit can greatly affect your success.Therapy helped me tremendously, but the biggest help was some of the changes I have made in my life. I have been successful at surrounding myself with positive, supportive people rather than negative, abusive ones. And I have learned to never believe my goals are impossible. I know this is not the answer for everyone, but it was for me. I have worked for a mental health agency for several years and I realize that there are some people who will require meds for the rest of their lives, while others may need them just during stressful periods in their lives. Find a therapist you can be completely comfortable with (this may take some trial and error) but you can find the appropriate answer to your question.
2006-09-12 15:56:41 · answer #2 · answered by Miss E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you should be worried more about living a normal life. Meds or no meds. Meds will help you feel better about life, if you have a chemical imbalance then you will need to be on medication in order to feel better. I suggest trying Effexor. It helps with anxiety and depression. It makes me feel much better about life and issues that arise when before I was suicidal at the smallest issues. Don't go of your meds, just keep trying until you find one that works. I suggest Effexor first, Remeron, and some of the newer class anti-depressants.
2006-09-12 21:09:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem. They kept switching my medications and all had different unfavorable side effects. Paxil made me a compulsive shopper, Celexa made me bi-polar. After those I said NO MORE. I still have panic attacks and I take Lorazepam for them. I say that one day you will be able to live a normal life. Look into some herbal remedies. If you get the depression down to a few anxiety attacks, get a medication you can take only when you need it, like Lorazepam.
2006-09-12 15:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by strawbrrybabe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my boyfriend of 5 years has been clincally depressed since before i met him. When we first got together he was on a lot of depression medication. He said he didnt like the way a lot of the medicine made him feel, and he weaned himself off of them. He hasnt been on any medication for 3 years now, but still experiences the occasional panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, etc just as you have. A lot of times he becomes depressed and doesnt know why. He says a lot of times he just needs someone to listen to him rather than eat a lot of pills. I dont have a direct answer for you, but I do want to let you know that sometimes seeking professional help and having someone listen to you is the best help.
2006-09-12 15:32:20 · answer #5 · answered by ~Ang~ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should really talk to your doc about this. I have been on depression meds for two years and when I went of them I had a very dark period. I thought I was drowning. I tried going off myself because we had lost our health care and it was so expensive. Thank God we have health care again because I do not think I would be here without the meds. Please be careful in dealing with this issue, listen to you doc at all times,
2006-09-12 15:32:29 · answer #6 · answered by blzabobb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've passed the first hurdle in recognizing that you suffer from depression.
You may need professional help to determine why.
Until you discover that, in the meantime, take your meds to improve your life.
There's always a good chance that you will not need them forever.
I don't use any, but I don't have a future.
Too old to worry now.
I wish you God speed.
2006-09-12 15:38:02 · answer #7 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can tell you from personal experience that a very close family member was in the very same situation that you are, and she started an intense daily exercise program three years ago and has been medicine free and fine ever since! Oh, and I'm not one of those brainwashed crazy scientology cult members.
2006-09-12 15:32:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't think in terms of maybe having to take them your whole life. If they work, who cares if you have to take them? They come out with new psycho-therapeutic drugs all the time so just find something that works for now and stick with it. That's the important thing.
2006-09-12 15:33:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes i think you do have a good chance of leaving a 'normal ' life.It really all in the head as i always say..now u just have to convince ur self u can and u will find urself doing it in no time
2006-09-12 15:33:27 · answer #10 · answered by Sara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋