Things that help me.

[Lizziedee]

Hi everyone bit of a long post so please bear with me. I was on paroxetine for years after the death of 2 of my baby’s (premature) this medication was brilliant for more than 10 years, however a few months before Xmas I was the worst with anxiety and was switched to mirtazapine (now 45mg) it worked right away but after a few weeks I was as bad as ever!! My gp has prescribed me promethazine but I didn’t take it as I’m very cautious with sleepy meds due to ending up addicted to prescription pain killers (3 years clean) I now have quitiapine 25mg to start soon. I want to tell you the things that are making a difference for me, I walk every morning it varies from a small walk to 6 miles, I take a multivitamin and a B12 tablet every morning, I honestly feel better for this and I know when I am anxious it can be so debilitating but I choose mornings to walk as it’s quiet. I am fortunate I have a very close family and brilliant support network. My partner and teenage son are also amazing. I thought I would be anxiety free due to studying mental health nursing at uni but unfortunately it doesn’t discriminate. I do online cbt which really works. I just want to say I know how dark omit can get when suffering mental health illness, but please never give up!! It wasn’t so long ago I felt utterly defeated and of course i still get my bad days but no where near the way I was. I’m always on here so please don’t hesitate to message If you want a chat. We are all on the same journey we are all loved and needed. This too shall pass ❤️

[MJD-]

So sorry to hear what you’ve been through. In my experience after years of treatment for anxiety disorders both through the NHS and private. The most effective treatment is first of all getting a specific diagnosis from a psychiatrist who will be able to identify what specific anxiety disorder you fall under they can also help find the root cause for a disorder which can often be another undiagnosed disorder. They can quite quickly identify and issue an effective treatment plan. I spent so long jumping from one medication to the next with no medication helping. Eventually got a specific diagnosis and got on the correct medication. Of course never hope medication is a fix all option as a combination of various therapies, getting support from the correct specialist, learning how to implement self care and reflective skills, daily meditation. all of this combined had for me personally the most effective treatment (not cure. As you have to accept it’s usually not curable and you’ll have to deal with this your entire life- which took me a while to comprehend but once I did I made the decision I was going to do everything possible in regards to treating and dealing with the symptoms effectively in order to life a functioning life.) I’ve found various augmented medications combined with Talking therapy and CBT treatments, skills, tricks that you can implement into your daily routine. Also regular exercise have in my experience been the most effective treatment of symptoms.

[Lizziedee in reply to MJD-]

So true, medication can only do so much. I have also found it’s trial and error which is frustrating especially when things that used to help no longer do. I always say education is key, learn about your diagnosis and medication. You also seem to have great insight to your mental health which is great. I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me and find your words comforting and can relate to so much. X

[Stu888]

This is a very nice post I thought you were asking advice but when I read have seen that you are giving it so thank you. I myself had terrible trouble a year ago coming off 15mg mirtazapine onto 25mg Sertraline. Saying that I stopped the mirtazapine overnight not realising you should taper medication down gradually to avoid side effects plus we are all different and react differently. The 25mg dosage of sertraline was also sub therapeutic so not a good alternative for a straight switch from 25mg of Mirtazapine. I am now on 75mg sertraline and 100mg Quetiapine and much better mentally. Like you I found exercise therapeutic particularly swimming and cycling. Also relaxation music Marconi union has a song called Weightless that is supposed to be as calming as anxiety medication. To help sleep there are many sleep hypnosis sessions available free on YouTube and I found ones by Michael Sealey particularly good.

[Lizziedee in reply to Stu888]

Thankyou for sharing this, I will have a look on YouTube. I love swimming also and can’t wait to get back to it.