So slow 😰

[NiBa5]

Myself stil hasn't come back yet since I started having PAWS (postscute withdrawal symptoms) from the cessation of antidepressant thst I was on for 20 years. It's been 2 and a half years. I'm a lot better but my brain recovery is so slow. I'm tired, fearful and impatient.

[ebonytigger]

Hugs Niba5

[NiBa5 in reply to ebonytigger]

Hi how's your new year' s day going? Love ya and your girlies. I occasionally post here.

[Trying1268]

Hi NiBa,I am sorry that you are feeling like your recovery is so slow. I can totally relate. I was on Effexor for over 20 years and I just stopped 5 days ago.

Every symptom I feel is horrible. I am trying to cope with CBT and mindfulness. I just had a hot shower and freaked out! Who does that? Ya I do, since temperature is one of my triggers.

You are my HERO for accomplishing 2 1/2 years!!! That is amazing!!! Never forget how far you have come. We have to be strong and use all of our other tools to conquer our mind!

Please let me know if you have any advice for me.

Be well.

[NiBa5 in reply to Trying1268]

Hello Thank you so much for your response. It helps me to feel I'm not alone. PAWS is terrible....I know it so well now. Yes as you mentioned, withdrawal is scary. I went through every single scary withdrawal symptoms. I was also hospitalized for several weeks. Finally, I'm getting better but extremely slowly. I'm still struggling. Please keep in touch.... I truly hope you won't suffer as I did. Big hugs

[Trying1268 in reply to NiBa5]

It has been such a struggle, I truly wish I never went on medication in the first place. However it was my best option at the time. Looking back at how young I was, I would not have been patient enough to deal with my panic using CBT or Mindfulness.

How are you currently dealing with your panic? What symptoms are you currently struggling with?

If I am being intrusive or to forward, I apologize, feel free to not respond to any questions you are not comfortable with

As I said earlier, I feel like I have a new Hero to look up to! I mean that with the greatest sincerity. I just want to learn how to get to at least a week medication free. Honestly my strength is wearing thin.

[NiBa5 in reply to Trying1268]

Hello

You can send me a personal mail if you want anytime. I know what you're going through so well since I've been going through. Please feel free to ask me anything. I'm open.

I went through severe depression, severe anxiety, depersonaluzation and etc. It was "hell" to be honest.

[HyacinthBucket1 in reply to Trying1268]

Effexor is evil stuff...I am in the process of coming off it....I am down to taking about 12mg a day...just to keep the brain zaps away. Last time I tried to come off it by going cold turkey I had awful side effects where I kept wanting to take an overdose..not to end my life but just because I felt I had to. I really thought I was going crazy.I can't imagine how hard it is to come off off after 20 years...I was only on it for a year.

Good luck with your journey x

[NiBa5 in reply to HyacinthBucket1]

Thank you for reaching out. I suffered enough. My brain still hasn't come back yet. I'm just scared if SSRI may have caused permanent damages in my brain. I used to feel going crazy as you said. Please take care of yourself and I truly hope you won't suffer so much. Hugs

[Maggiedog123]

I've been on an anti-depressant for 50 years. I was very lucky to have gotten on one that has worked for me. I Have suffered no side effects. It has enabled me to have a good, fulfilling life. I am now in my late 70's. Am going strong and though am having to work extra hard to keep the depression at bay, even with the anti-depressants, because of the challenges that Covid has brought us all, I am forever grateful for the medication I needed for my illness. My husband is diabetic. He needs insulin. I see no difference. I offer my heartfelt sympathy for anyone dealing with this illness.

[NiBa5 in reply to Maggiedog123]

Hello Thank you for reaching out. It sounds so good you're doing well. Please take care of yourself. Hugs.