I really need help making this decision.

[Meyer_Gdmnx]

Hi guys firstly if you have read any of my previous posts you’ll know I deal with health anxiety ocd. Recently I have been faced with making a tough decision due to a number of issues cropping up of the past few weeks. One issue is that last May I had a blood test that showed a folic acid deficiency from research I found out that it can cause neurological damage which I’m now terrified I have because I feel like I’m not mentally sharp and I can’t think or speak fluidly. Number two and possibly the largest issue is the fact that throughout this saga I have been against taking anti depressants to help battle my anxiety/ocd mainly through fear of side affects. And through the past 16 months of battling I’ve made some significant progress I feel physical symptoms but I no longer panic about them. But they still cause a fair amount of distress. I eat better sleep moderately okay. And have become gradually more active playing football and going to shopping centres which was unthinkable this time last year. However I’m still in a place where I feel those physical symptoms and feel they affect my life greatly and I’m constantly focused on my bodily sensations and I’m worried that I’m just burying my head in the sand by not taking the anti depressants designed to help me and waisting time? But if got through this without any medicine how great would I feel at the end of it (not taking anything away from people who do choose anti depressants you are strong and powerful and are conquering it in a brave and courageous way) any thoughts?

[Meyer_Gdmnx]

Also Happy New year everyone

[tnulbc115]

Hello. I feel like I was very much like yourself. I had anxiety and major physical symptoms on and off since the age of 12. I am now 22 and only now have decided to give In and accept the medication. I hate the thought of having to take medication and I feel guilty that I am not head strong to get over this anymore. Previously, I managed to change the way anxiety ruled my life and it didn’t get in the way, however after a bad case of IBS it has come back and now I’ve accepted that maybe I do need a little help, but it does not make me weak. My biggest fear at the moment is feeling sick, I have constant gagging and the fear of taking medication (side effects of nausea) took over, however I’m happy to say I had none of that and I’m actually happy I decided to take them. I’m only on week 3 of Citraloplam so it’s too early to say if it’s changed my life as of yet, but if you feel you need a little help I would definitely consider it and chat to a GP, it may put your mind at ease. Hope you find the fix you are looking for soon, happy new year. X

[Meyer_Gdmnx in reply to tnulbc115]

Thank you for the reply and of course I absolutely agree it’s not in slightest bit weak if anything it’s strength to admit that you need that help I’m just unsure of if I’m in that place at all but honestly you should be so proud of taking the brave leap if taking medication especially after such a long battle wish I had your guts happy new year!

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Have they told you why you have this deficiency? That would let you know if there would be a Neuro involvement later. Not all folate or acid deficiencies lead to Neuro involvement. Is it food, medication, genetics?

If it’s genetics try hyperbaric oxygen chambers. It will help white blood cell production.

If it’s a long history of malabsorption or food issues then eat like a pregnant woman. Eat black-eyed peas daily. This is not a joke. Those little suckers have everything you need as nasty as I think they are.

Are you adding an antidepressant for your worry? Seems unnecessary when there are so many things you can do to avoid Neuro involvement.

Idk. Just my opinion.

Good luck. Doaty💛

[Meyer_Gdmnx in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Hello Doaty thank you for your reply I really appreciate it. From what I recall my GP firstly said there is nothing to worry about you have a very low folate level without anaemia which my mum and dad both suffer with but not genetically just separate medical conditions. She gave me some tablets that did to my phobias I’ve been to afraid to take but I changed my diet quite a bit I have eggs every single day as well as acidic fruits and quite a bit of fish and cheese. And good question I added the anti depressants thing in about a separate issue that is just a long standing diet of emotional issue I suppose but really thank you for the info put my mind at ease

[NeuronerdDoaty in reply to Meyer_Gdmnx]

Well that sounds good. Diet is the way to go and if you’re not anemic that’s wonderful.

I know we’ve had the discussion about giving your brain the chemistry it needs. It will ultimately be your choice. Please get what’s right for you from the doctor though; not things from people who love you and mean well. You know I worry.

💛

[Meyer_Gdmnx in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Happy new year to you as well

[Hidden]

We are all a mechanism of biological, psychological, neurological factors. 15% of the population suffer from such symptoms. Homeostasis or the perfect balance of these variables is necessary for optimal mental/physical wellbeing. Medications are needed to increase the missing chemicals in our brains. Lack of serotonin, neuroepinephrene, dopamine can create havoc which will not just go away without proper medication. The sertaline pill, for example, such as Zoloft, is a mild non addictive daily supplement to stabilize things out of whack. It’s good for an umbrella ☂ of Stress/anxiety/depression- related symptoms. Depression is as real and a second leading cause of disability, after diabetes, in the 🇺🇸. If you had diabetes you wouldn’t have any problems taking your insulin, right? You wouldn’t just wish it to go away just by itself . Same goes with depression. We need our meds. As taxpayers we pay for all this research that goes on to help us live balanced lives. That’s my take on your concerns. By the way, the only possible mild side effects of sertaline , at least in my case (severe stress, incapacitating general anxiety disorders, panic attacks, gloom n doom, brain fog, blurred vision, insomnia, forgetfulness, sadness, ruminating thoughts of past mistakes, you name it, I have it...) may be some nausea and irritability while your doctor is trying to find the right dosage for you.( My doctor prescribed both Zoloft and Xanax together) . And, you will not gain any weight...in fact, you may loose a few pounds. I’m not a doctor. I’m a 60 yo sufferer who has never stopped doing my part in learning about the subject that almost destroyed my life. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Chase888]

It is good that you go out.

As for medication I take Citalopram and it doesn't make you sleepy.

Just monitor your health and see how things go.