Do I need medicine

[cagedpotential]

For years now I have gone it alone when it comes with my depression and anxiety by just telling myself it will get better but always found myself in the same place, feeling low, worthless, jittery and purposeless. For years I thought taking meds would make me feel crazy... but I’ve been coming to the realization that this feeling I have now is crazy and there’s nothing else I can tell myself to make it better, so maybe I do need meds but I don’t even know how to go about it, I only just recently started seeing a therapist about it. I’m also terrified the meds will have me walking around like a zombie, but the way I’m living now isn’t even living so it would have to be better than this right!

[Jtgreen]

I understand what you’re going though I just started taking meds talk with your therapist to see if meds will be beneficial for you. I’ve been on meds for about 4 weeks starting to feel a bit better but not zombie like because I was worried about that also

[cagedpotential in reply to Jtgreen]

Thank you Jtgreen I’ll ask about them this week.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the community, Cagedpotential!

I felt the same way before I started taking a very low dose of meds. The thought of taking meds scared the heck out of me! I came to this community with the same concerns and I got tons of good feedback and advice.

I had never taken any meds for anxiety and bipolar 2 disorder until a few months ago. I struggled with the emotional rollercoaster all my life, so naturally doing something different was frightening. My mind would tell me that meds weren't a good idea.

The decision to take meds was one of the best decisions I ever made. Life changing!

[Pushingforward]

My story is similar I felt that I have gotten through worse times then what I was dealing with. So I just told my self I didn't need no meds and I wasn't depressed. I finally hit my breaking point and had to get some help medication and counseling has made a very big difference in my life.

[David0987]

I encourage you to talk with your therapist and talk thru the pros and cons and see if they can recommend a good psychiatrist regarding meds. Unless you're on strong antipsychotics I really doubt you'll feel like a zombie. I cant speak to bipolar but never felt like that on many different antidepressants (30 yrs). In fact you'll probably feel more likely your true self once you find the right med and dosage

[Gaviota79 in reply to David0987]

You have been taking antidepressants for 30 years? How do you know that an antidepressant you have taken or you are currently taking is no longer effective? I have been taking 40 mg of Viibryd for 5 years and it has been prescribed by a neurologist who I see every 4 or 5 months. I am anxious, have insomnia, I get upset easily, I have low energy, and I am not motivated to engage in activities which I enjoy.

[David0987 in reply to Gaviota79]

I have had a lot of trial and error and various meds but I'd say you know it's not working when physical and emotional symptoms get worse or start becoming an issue again (sleep, diet, wt gain, irritability, anxious, etc but everyone's symptoms can vary). I hope this helps.

[Gaviota79 in reply to David0987]

Thanks for the feedback.

[countryboy1]

I love your name cagedpotential, awesome. Your name implies that you have potential but perhaps right now you struggle to access it. Well I think that you are on the right track by joining this community and by starting seeing a therapist, great job! As far as taking meds, work with your doctor, if he or she thinks you need meds, I would take them. Report back to the doctor if you don't like the way the meds make you feel. There are a great variety of meds available. You will find the right med and right dose for you. I look forward to hearing about how you have gained access to your potential in future post!!!

[cagedpotential]

Thank you to all the people replying with love and all the info from yalls personal experiences. I have only been here for 3 days and I can tell this is the right community for me people who actually care! Thank y’all again

[Jvicks]

I agree with the previous replies. Making the decision to begin meds is difficult. For me, having a postpartum mood disorder, I needed meds. After over a year obsessing and attempting suicide, I finally found meds that help! It has changed my life. Find a good psychiatrist. Best of luck! ❤️