The Black Dog Gang

Thanks both. New GP so he doesn't know me but he prescribed a lower dose. I Googled it and found that it is supposed to be really hard to come off and it was suggested to reduce it by 10% at a time but how do you do that when the meds only come in 3 sizes? I am doing better than I would have expected after everything I read and plan to halve the pills next week and see how that goes. If I don't try I won't ever know will I? I still have some of the dose I was on so can go back and take them again if I want to. One of the problems is that I already have a condition which lowers my metabolism and these meds make me crave carbs (known side effect) and I am sure I would feel better if I lost a stone or maybe a bit more. I make myself go out and walk briskly most days and hope to work up to joining a gym, just not yet.

I have to learn to live with some of the rubbish life has thrown at me and it is very hard but pills won't make it go away. I am a really positive thinker which sounds great but means I am often disappointed with myself when I don't achieve what I think I can.

Nonnie, you will be well and truly sick of my meddling but here goes........don't google, it doesn't matter if the new doctor doesn't know you, and most importantly of all do not mess about with your medication .

Who told you to half your dosage? Who told you to keep some of the original dosage in reserve and who told you that you are doing better than you would have expected?

Look at the language you are using....." I'm disappointed with myself" " Whats the point" " I make myself go out"

Perhaps some more people will add their perspective.

Some of you might like this, I know I did.

Nice post maw ?

That's lovely Maw

How lovely that is Maw.....Thank you for sharing it with us.
Annanymous.....I did exactly the same as you when coming off citalopram and had no side effects really, needless to say I'm back on medication but feeling okayish most of the time. My best wishes to you all?

That is fantastic maw what a great thing for them to have done.

I disagree with anti depression medication being given for grief, grief is not a mental illness, it is not depression

Absolutely agree Anniebach .
But how do you, do we cope with that long grey tunnel which is life?
How do you go about your daily existence without the tears washing over you?
Rhetorical questions I suspect, if we had the answer the world would be a different place.

When does grief turn into depression?
I was quite determined to mourn the loss of my girl in my own time, in my own way.
Unfortunately, in my position that hasn't been 'allowed'.
I have had to get up, go to work, go to court, and deal with caffcas, the unhelpful school, and my grandson.
Not to mention 5 or 6 letters each day from government agencies.
I just couldn't cope with it all.

Thanks for the kind messages. I do judge myself although quite tolerant of others.

About Googling, I feel OK about doing it because if I look at 10 symptoms and only have 9 I believe I don't have whatever it is. I only looked about what to expect when reducing the meds after the decision had been made so, again, I think it was just to get useful info which has in reality made me feel that I have so far done better than expected which can only be positive. If DH Googled his symptoms he would only have to have 1 or 2 to be convinced he had something serious! Guess which of us is the glass half full!

Honestly Nonnie, best of luck with whatever you decide.

Have you discussed tapering off the medication with a doctor?

time for you check in, gang members, good bad or indifferent.

Checking in oldbatty, had a peaceful day but the anxiety is hovering on my shoulder. I've managed to slap it down a couple of times with positive thinking and keeping busy, but it's definitely around. I'm sure everyone on this thread will know what I mean. I've ordered a couple more books on amazon re depression, stress related illness and anger management, so will let everyone know via this thread whether I think they would be helpful, as I think they are all inter-connected sometimes. How's everyone else?

I'm quite fed up this evening.
I think its because of real issues, so does that count?
Flat is messy, lots to do, can't be bothered to do it these days.
There is only so much bodging I can do; the place is falling apart.
It no longer looks my charmingly shabby flat - more like a squat!

Yes Misadventure that counts, real issues weigh us down , so far down X

real issues....of course....it is all linked together.

Well, whilst I'm having a good old moan, i'll include this damn sweating problem I'm having.
Honestly, I could cry about it.
My hair is plastered to my face, my neck is soaking wet.
It was hardly worth me having had my hair done last week.
I feel like a big greasy blob!

is that an illness of menopause? If it is the latter, you shouldn't have to put up with that.

I went through the menopause over 5 years ago ; probably about 8 years actually.
Its a recent thing, so I'm not sure exactly what is causing it. (Stress, maybe?)
Sweating is listed as a rare side effect of anti depressants, so possibly that?
Anyway, I have left off my anti depressants, solely because of the sweats.
Maybe that's why I feel so blooming miserable, now I came to think of it?
Its really hard to function when you're dripping with perspiration.

A chat with your GP MissAdventure ?

I’ve been thinking since this thead started (thank you MissA ) if you are a victim of cruel circumstances and you can’t see a way forward/out?

Ah, well gilly, yes.
I think I am just having trouble climbing out of a pit of sadness, anger, and so on.
Its a very steep and slippery pit at times, and I lose my footing.
I have to get out though.
If I could just stop sweating I may be able to think straight.
Annie I don't like my gp very much. I think the lady is a locum, but I find her to be really hard work.
I was there last week regarding my hearing (lack of) but she made me feel quite uncomfortable, as if I had to prove it.

MissAdventure, is it possible for you to see another GP. She must take time off ?

Yes, I suppose I could.
I really hate going to the doctors though.
Still chatting on here has made me think that I'm sweating despite having left off the meds, so I shall start again with them.
I may as well be sweaty but slightly less miserable, I think?

How long have you stopped them ?