Questions for you guys. I was watch One Day at a Time’s second season. One of episode is about anti-despression med. The main character (the mother-forgot her name), take it for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. She was ashamed of it and didn’t want her new boyfriend to know. She went off the med, and get worse. She thought she could handle the despresson herself because she have the tools now to coping with it.
Here the spoiler, her neighbor or “that weird best friend” told her that she have to live with it. That she may have to continue keep take it for rest of her life.
Now my question, do you agree with that? I was take back on that statement the episode made. I don’t know if it is either they don’t know enough about people with mental illness or what. I only start it roughly two months ago (very glad I take it because it does help) but I didn’t realize that I may have to depend on it rest of my life?
I now realize missed a day is not big effect as missed pills for a week or so. But, to be honest, I already am scared before watch that show, that I will go back to old self if the med stops or I somehow end up not take it. If I went back to old self, I don’t think I will be able to go back. I was stuck in that dark place for four months straight.
3 comments
That’s TV. In real life if you miss a dose take it when you remember. Or skip it if it’s time for your next dose. I’m glad the medication is helping you. It may do the trick for years. Or you might not want to be on it that long. The choice is entirely yours.
I have been on meds for depression/anxiety/ptsd for 15yrs (almost half my life) and suffer 7 mental health disorders.
If I miss 1 day of meds the symptoms are heightened (keep in mind I am on high doses) buy a couple days after being back on track, all calms back to the usual medicated levels.
I’m not sure every person on meds can be 100% certain they will be on medication for life, but for me, (Psychiatrist’s recommendation) it is most probable that I will be medicated indefinitely for life.. Perhaps in time, a lower dose here or there may be appropriate with considerable work.. BUT that being said, after 15yrs of intense therapy 2-3x weekly, I have seen little progress. Perhaps I am an exceptional case?
I’ve have a friend who was able to ween and stop using antidepressants within 12mos of starting them (depression and anxiety), by engaging in therapy to help with effective coping strategies.
Perhaps that may be a good route for you to start?
I did and still am see psychotherapist once weekly for a while before I start medication. She did give me and explain some coping strategies, and I did improve with separating my own emotion/thoughts from myself. My therapist is very sweet and optimistic about my process… But, I disagree. Something does not settle with me still… I have been deal with this for long time. So, I have my doubt. I would love to not deal with all thoughts jabs at me all day. It will jump in between the seconds whenever I am not busy. Just one day without my brain would be nice but I kinda doubt it will come. I already accept it as part of norm for me.