A relapse

[Hope4me1]

I have just had 2 sleepless nights where my anxiety and sense of dread has left me lost and frightened. I had been a little down and tired lately and just getting through the days with little joy. Before this I was doing so well I decided to try going off my meds slowly in a time period of a few months. This was successful for a little over a month. Now this. I am so disappointed and disheartened. I of course restarted my meds again. I hope and pray I get over this soon and return to my normal state. Please, any encouragement is most welcome. Unfortunately I have few close friends and fewer that I can talk openly to.

[Hidden]

Hi Hope4me1. It'll take some time for your meds to build back up in your system but hopefully it won't be too much longer.

Love and hugs to you. 💜

[Hope4me1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, Soprano611! Your support means so much to me!😊❤️

[pink318]

I’m so sorry you are going through this. Thank you for sharing with us so honestly about how you feel. Feel free to post anytime, we are here for you.

Please stay strong. I hope you feel better soon. Praying for you that God will give you peace as you go through this season. God bless you.

[Hope4me1 in reply to pink318]

That is my prayer, pink318, to feel peace in my soul again! Thank you for your encouragement and prayers❤️

[pink318 in reply to Hope4me1]

Hello,I'm glad I was able to encourage you.

How are you today? Please stay strong. Feel free to share, we are here for you.

God bless you.

[Hope4me1 in reply to pink318]

Oh! Worlds better, Pink! Your prayers were helpful as I am calm and have peace in my soul once more! So thankful to you and all who helped with kind words and encouragement. God bless you!❤️

[Expo123]

I have just been through the same thing, although with one difference. I stopped taking my medication but not because I was feeling well. Instead it was because I was feeling very down and depressed, even though I was taking them, and I figured what was the point to continue if they weren't helping me. I didn't really notice any difference one way or the other for around 2 months. Then it got worse. Terrible anxiety and an even worse depression than I had before. I spoke to my doctor last week and he said it can take up to 3 months for the full effect of the medication to leave your body and that even if I hadn't felt great while I was on the medication, it was probably helping me more than I realized. I had no idea it took that long for the effects of the medication to leave the body. Long story short, he prescribed a new medication which I just started and also gave me something for my anxiety. I was feeling exactly like you mentioned. Disheartened. I know you will feel better soon though. Just give yourself some time for the medication to start working again and don't be too hard on yourself that you stopped taking them. My doctor told me this is very common. When people feel better they think there is no need to take them (or when they feel the meds are not helping enough), but depression and anxiety are just like any other medical condition. If we find something that helps us feel better, that's all that's important. It doesn't mean you'll be on them forever. Just that right now it's best for you if you do take them. Hope this helps a bit so that you realize you are not alone. If you were feeling well when you were on them that's a good thing because it means you have the right medication and won't need to waste time having your doctor test out different ones until you find the one that helps. Good luck and I hope you feel better very soon.

[Hope4me1 in reply to Expo123]

You are right. I was feeling confident and comfortable and thought I might be able to go it on my own. I have been taking Prozac 10 mg every other day since 1992! I had my good and bad times on it as well over that time period. But it has worked well in that span. I just thought that it was a long time to be taking a drug. I have to be positive and think that the dose I take is small. It helps enough to keep it up. Thank you for for your response. It makes all the difference when you know people care and can relate.❤️😊

[Caroline_24]

I am really sorry that your have been down lately. I'm dealing with anxiety as well and I can understand how it can consume all your energy and enthusiasm about almost everything but please don't give up, stay strong.Try to eat vegetables and drink water and do exercises if you can and also take deep breaths every once in a while and don't forget that : the darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn.

[Hope4me1 in reply to Caroline_24]

What a beautiful and positive response! I will use your great suggestions and thank you so much for your support. It means so much for my recovery❤️😊

[pam4him]

First, Kudos for realizing you still need the meds. Remember to be patient with yourself, it may take a few weeks to build yourself back to the level you were. Second, you know what, you got this! It takes knowing yourself to realize that you weren't ready to lower the meds yet. And that's ok. My depression was a chemical imbalance caused by stress. So I needed the meds to fill that gap. That may be where you are. Keep in mind we are each unique in how we react to meds, how our bodies start to compensate for them, etc. Hang in there, you'll find balance again soon. Prayers for peace, patience and strength.

[Hope4me1 in reply to pam4him]

Pam4him, thank you for the words of encouragement. All here have been so helpful and kind. I am feeling lots better already. I have much to learn from you and the people here.😊🙏🏼❤️

[Hope4me1]

An update—To all—I slept very well last night and feel very hopeful this morning. I got my tasks done nicely and I am at peace at last again! Thank you all for your helpful advice and kind support. I hope I can do the same for others in need.❤️❤️😊

[Tfaze22]

I’m here for you to talk to. We will get you through this.

[Hope4me1 in reply to Tfaze22]

Thank you! And I am here if you need as well!😊🌻