Support, Anxiety and Meds

[RUNJPR]

10 weeks ago I was diagnosed with anxiety, which has been bubbling away for years. I guess at least 38 years. In March, I turned 43. So, this will give you an ideal of how deep-rooted the problem is. Again, in the 80’s, there was no such thing as anxiety or depression, only feeble and worthless people. I’m dyslexic, so in my early years, was subjected to relentless mental bulling and torment. As, in those times, dyslexia was a word given to the academically inept and the stupid. Even the teachers would mock me in class, never mind the kids.

I’ve just never seen anyone about it; I’m a typical alpha male. Boys don’t show their emotions and we just need to suck it up. Hence why suicide numbers, in men, rocket by the day.

I was prescribed Sertraline last month and more recently, I was prescribed Amitriptyline due to experiencing daily tension headaches. I’m now also on Sondate XL.

I’m now anxious about forming a dependency on these heavy-duty prescription drugs.

Your comments, feedback and general support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance 🙏

[Hidden]

Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. Sertraline is a good drug for both. When I started sertraline for my depression, my doc explained I need to be on it for a minimum of 2 yr as it takes that long for the brain to start producing the chemical I was lacking that caused the depression. When the time comes to go off it, it just needs to be slowly stopped, but I dont worry about it. My anxiety is alot better with sertraline. I cant tell a huge difference but my husband says Im alot more positive and relaxed since Ive been on it.

[RUNJPR in reply to Hidden]

That’s brilliant, Hoski. I, too, have had positive results from being on Sertraline and the other two meds, Quetiapine and Amitriptyline. How long have you been on Sertraline and what is your daily dose? If you don’t mind me asking.

[Hidden in reply to RUNJPR]

I started on 50 mg, during a rough patch I went up to 75mg and 100mg. Now back to 50 mg. I have been taking Sertraline almost 3 yr.

[RUNJPR in reply to Hidden]

Ok; thanks for sharing that with me.

[mrmoto]

I agree with Hoski that anxiety and depression often present together. In the late 1980s and 1990s, warnings about drug dependency and anti-depression drugs ran rampant through the media. Drugs that affect brain chemistry should be taken only after careful consultation with your medical provider. When I discussed these issues with my physician, he simply replied that my condition would gauge which medicines to take, how much to take, and how long to take them. Understanding this and trusting in my doctor's judgment help me cope with this very important concern. If you can, have a frank discussion about your worries with your physician.

[RUNJPR in reply to mrmoto]

Oh; believe me, I have. I’ve discussed my concern about dependency and being in a drug-fuelled surreal place in relation to my mental health. Also, physical and mental damage in the future as a result of taking this medication now. My doctor reassured me and addressed any concerns I had It’s about using common sense and listening to your body, as well as your mind. I was prescribed Gabapentin and Propranolol. Both of these drugs presented unwanted physical side effects. So, stopped them within 7 days of starting a course having been prescribed them by my GP.

[Hidden]

My own experience with depression and anxiety medication is that the medication helps me and what others think about it is of no concern of mine. I only have a few close trusted friends I discuss it with because of the stigma that is still attached to it, and I am a woman and it took me many, many years to learn that. If the medication is taken as prescribed and helping you feel better, then I would suggest you continue. In my opinion, that is taking care of yourself and you can not help anyone else if you aren't healthy (ex: if the plane is going down, you have to get the oxygen mask on yourself first before you can help your children or the person next to you). I have been on antidepressant medication and also highly addictive anti-anxiety medication for 20+ years now. My Psychiatrist and I closely monitor these medications and I take them exactly as prescribed. It has taken me quite some time to come to acceptance of the fact that I need these medications. Early on in my treatment, because of my own ignorance and the opinions of misinformed people (without medical degrees), I went off my medication and became suicidal. Thank God I did not act on it and sought immediate help. So, I have learned the hard way that even though I would rather not have depression and anxiety, I do and they need treated with medication and therapy. I have had weight gain and get headaches from the anti-anxiety medication, but I am alive and live a reasonably happy life. It also took me quite a while to find the medication that was a good fit for me with as few side effects as possible. Each medication affects each person differently, so don't be afraid to tell your doctor if your have negative side effects because there are so many new and old good medications out there available to us. Hope this helps!

[RUNJPR in reply to Hidden]

It has; yes, absolutely. Thank you so much for sharing your story, which I’ve found genuinely inspiring. You’ve given me hope and put my mind at ease.

[RUNJPR in reply to Hidden]

Thank you; I appreciate you sharing this with me. I’ve got a good relationship with my GP who has prescribed medication that has given me unwanted side effects. So, they’ve either been stopped or swapped out for different medicine, which treat the same adverse symptoms. I’m also working with a therapist who is helping understand myself and accept the man I’ve become today. I’m focusing on my achievements and things I’m proud of, which is helping me forget the years of torment and bullying I endure at school 30+ years ago.

[Hidden]

Im pretty transparent( for better or for worse, lol). I bring up this on my facebook page, that I struggle with depression, anxiety. Im 67, pastors wife in a small town of 5,000. Ive been a home health nurse here for 20+ yr so half the town Ive seen professionally it seems. In my transparency about lifes issues, I always get deep comments from people who never comment on my regular stuff. Some men who admit to lonliness, hopelessness that would never tell me otherwise, so I think putting my stuff out there in a positive way, it kind of opens the door to those lurking and need to say something. Plus I think being older snd a retired nurse, slit consider me “ safe” to open up to.

[RUNJPR]

Agreed; I’m not ashamed or embarrassed to have mental health issues. And, nor should anyone else be. I take pride in overcoming these challenges today, ensuring I’m a stronger and more resilient person tomorrow.

[RUNJPR]

That’s amazing you support others; these random acts of kindness would have help save many from going into deep depression or worse. Good for you.

[RUNJPR]

That’s interesting. I’m not ashamed that I suffer from mental health issues. I’m also open about. That I couldn’t care less about. In fact, I tell people that I’ve achieved great things in my life, overcoming adversity, which makes these achievements even more commendable and inspirational. That is something I’m proud of even though I have very low self esteem and continually feel like a failure.