Coping with mental illness diagnosis

[Tado]

I was recently diagnosed with OCD and prescribed medication (was previously on low dose antidepressants). It was originally awesome because someone took my symptoms seriously! I was also pumped about meds because they made me ever so slightly happier. Just less “take everything to heart” type. However, after siking myself out about the meds I realize that I have a real medical condition. (I know it sounds stupid but really). I’ve also started therapy again. As “okay” as this is I’ve thought about how I may be on meds forever or that I’m not “right” without them. And that I have to pay for therapy to take care of myself when others can just deal with their issues on their own. I feel like my anxiety and OCD has caused me to lose myself but then I still feel like it won’t be “me” on meds. I don’t want to be needing to be “fixed”...

[Hidden]

I really identify with you on a few points. I also have a hard time accepting my diagnosis of depression and that it may be with me for the rest of my life. I hate taking medication, so for several years I would take them then stop. I didn’t want to admit that I needed them but my reality is that I do. It’s not stupid to have a delayed reaction to the news of a diagnosis that threatens to intrude on your life. It’s taken me years. If you don’t need them that’s great. But be gentle with yourself and be open to receiving help when and if you really need it.

[Tado in reply to Hidden]

I’m sorry to hear you’ve struggled with acceptance as well. I mean, I don’t find the diagnosis bad just new and that can be a lot to take on. Especially with having my 7 month old daughter I’m constantly thinking about how all this will/does affect her. I think that’s also a concern with medication is during the trial period to find what works for me and what doesn’t, I don’t want to act out of character from medication.

[Hidden in reply to Tado]

My experience during the trial period was relief that I didn’t have to experience the pervasive low mood, lack of motivation, and crying spells. It didn’t feel like I had a drug in my system because my doctor started me on a low dose and gradually settled on a dosage that worked for me. So I didn ‘t experience myself acting out of character. If anything I eventually felt whole again, like my real self. I think it’s great that you’ve taken the first step. The rest will fall into place and your 7 month old will reap the benefits.

😊

[Tado in reply to Hidden]

How did you decide one certain dosage wasn’t enough and to move up? Also thank you, that’s comforting!

[Hidden in reply to Tado]

My doctor questioned me about my symptoms and whether I felt a difference. If a difference is felt and you feel like that heavy and dark cloud has lifted then she/he will maintain that dosage. However if you’re not able to report any progress the doctor may modify your dose or change it all together. I was open and transparent with my doctor so I felt comfortable talking to her. Hope that helps.

[Hidden]

I don’t know Tado! I’ve been on meds for 30 years and still feel like me. I honestly don’t care about how “normal” people cope! I cope my way and what works for me given my individualized set of circumstances. I have long accepted my mental illness and have learned to make the most of what I have. That’s a gracious plenty and I am ok with it. I have always needed meds and again, that’s ok with me! I see myself as not being the functional me if I’m not on my meds. I view this conversely to your view, but hey, that’s ok!! 🌞

[Tado in reply to Hidden]

I’m not ashamed or anything. I just haven’t quite accepted it yet. By no means do I think meds or anything is BAD it’s just a new experience that I felt prepared for until now. But it is nice to see your positive outlook.

[RoseyViolet]

My motto is... "You be you!" No matter what day it is, you are still always going to be you. Each day we are a different person because its a new day and we are constantly changing. If today you need meds to be you, then that's you, but maybe tomorrow you will feel differently and that's still you. Meds don't make you a different person, they just help you as you find yourself in whatever stage you are in, if your needs change and you decide to do something different, then that's yours and maybe your doctor's choice.

[Tado in reply to RoseyViolet]

Thank you. I’m definitely not anti-meds but for some reason it doesn’t seem right for me right now.

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, I am 76, and have had as far as I can tell, "Mental Illness" most of my life. Back then it was not spoken of and the treatment was very poor. I felt bad having "Mental Illness", as was the way were treated then, we were to be avoided, and so called friends usually disappeared as we were lepers. A lovely Dr. I had asked me "If your were diabetic or had heart disease, would you take your med's?" Yes I said, she told me I was no different, I needed the antidepressants. I have learnt to accept my illness. Have done lots of research and have learnt 1 in 4 people have mental health issues. So when I go shopping, I play a game with myself, I say One (one being me) and count to four, not knowing if I am with unaffected people or if they too are one in four. Thankfully the stigma is fading, one sees ads on TV for all kinds of help for mental health issues now, and well known people come forward and tell their own story. The brain is such a complicated structure in our heads, took millions of years to evolve, as did our body's to which there are many afflictions, like cancer, diabetic's, blindness, hearing loss, etc., etc., So I now am able to throw off the stigma, and I say "I am mentally ill", and I have medicine to keep me on the healthy road of life. Thank Goodness. Thank goodness, I also am not psychotic, so have not problem with being a bit out of balance, I know non-mental ill people who are not stable in some ways, as I think most of us are not, due to the very stress of life. Hope my tale will help you. I wish you well and live a life free of pain and suffering due to mental health being addressed. I send you love and strength. Sprinkle 1......xxx

[Tado in reply to Sprinkle1]

Thank you so much for you story! I really do appreciate the time I live in and the fact that it’s so openly discussed and that sites like this exist. It’s just been a bit hard for me to accept. A lot of my friends are currently on medication so I know I’m not alone which makes me feel a lot better but still just giving myself time to cope.

[Sprinkle1]

Hello again, yes giving oneself time to cope is not easy, I never thought I would be able to say I am Mentally Ill. You are wise to be kind to yourself, and as the days pass it will fade into the back of your mind. One day hopefully with the new drugs available and the more information there is available it will be accepted like being diabetic. One of my best friends is diabetic and for all the years we have been friends it is accepted, so one day will our illness. Take good care of yourself, be kind and patient with yourself and the days will flow, especially if you learn to live in the moment, for that is all any one of us has. I send you love and strength. Sprinkle 1.....