This is too much

[Joevik]

I've been on ssri's, atypical antidepressants, xanax for over 30 years. I've switched over three different such meds within a 3 month period but they don't seem to be working for me anymore. My docs want me to take antipsychotics and/or mood stabilizers but I am so scared of the side effects. I've also been living in a country where I can't seem to find the support I need. I have never felt so helpless, so scared and feel like I'm losing my mind

[Hidden]

I'm sure someone here knows more on the subject. I just wanted to send a hug.

Pooh hug

[Joevik in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, that brought tears to my eyes...

[Hidden in reply to Joevik]

🫂 a cleansing tear can clear your thinking.

[Crazy-Crafter]

It's a little scary when you don't have the necessary support system in place. I've had to have my medications changed and updated recently due to developing a tolerance after so much time. Stop the stigma and give yourself the opportunity to feel better. If these meds aren't made for you either, just speak up, don't give up. You have value and deserve to feel like you can exist and enjoy your life ❤️

[Kayaker73]

I’m so sorry you’re going through that. I’ve been going through something very similar. Keep pressing on and know that there is hope. You have the support of this community.

[Joevik in reply to Kayaker73]

thank you so much; I sincerely wish the best for you as well

[bethelbee]

Hi! Have you considered alternative treatment other than medication? I was on meds for decades and a few years ago became treatment resistant. The last few meds I was tried on either didn't work or gave me intolerable side effects. My therapist recommended TMS(transcranial magnetic stimulation) and for me it was a game changer. It's a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses targeting a part of the brain to reduce/eliminate depression. You said you can't get the support you need in your country. May I ask where you are? Maybe see if they have TMS. It's worth looking into. BTW. I'm in my late 60's,

[Joevik in reply to bethelbee]

Thank you so much for reaching out and letting me know that this alternative treatment worked for you. I am actually in Peloponnese, Greece and have been to most doctors here but it seems they all work the same way, overprescribing, and I have not been successful in finding alternative treatments. I will try to see if I can find TMS treatments and will let you know if I do.

[bethelbee in reply to Joevik]

Hope you are able to find a treatment that works for you! I hadn't heard of TMS before my therapist mentioned it.

[Joevik]

thank you for reaching out; I agree that changing meds this frequently did not help but I was overwhelmed with the side effects and the fact that I experienced phobias where I would wake up in the middle of the night with my whole body shaking, made me do it. I would not be happy to gain weight or have hair loss but the medications I have been told to take have much more severe side effects them being Steven Johnson's Syndrome and akathisia and being that I am very phobic and overly anxious on taking medication in general, I am in a great dilemma.

I am so happy that you find that it's worth it for you and wish you the very best!

[Joevik]

I have unfortunately been taking Xanax for over 30 years - .25 to 0.5mg per day and have not stopped it, therefore the anxiety would not be from withdrawal

[Joevik]

Thank you so much for getting in touch, I hope you are well! I have upped my dosage of Lexapro to 20 mg and the terrible side effects have onced again resurfaced with a vengeance. I am taking small doses of Xanax but they don't help as much this time around, and am trying to be patient and hope they will go away soon so I can feel some long awaited relief.

[Joevik]

Thank you for sharing that with me. It really means a lot to hear from someone who understands what it’s like. I’m also just trying to take things one step at a time, though some days feel so overwhelming. It’s good that you’re taking steps to manage how you’re feeling, like with the mood stabilizers. Do you find they’re helping at all?

[RS1974]

I'm on antipsychotics and mood stabilizer for schizoeffive bipolar disorder. They work good and help.

[Joevik in reply to RS1974]

Thank you for sharing that. It’s encouraging to hear that your medications are working well for you and are helping manage things. It’s always nice to hear when someone finds something that helps. It gives me hope that there’s a way to find balance, even with all the challenges.

[RS1974 in reply to Joevik]

Yes and I wish you well and hope you find something that works for you 😊

[Joevik in reply to RS1974]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. Wishing you the best too

[RS1974 in reply to Joevik]

😊

[Joevik]

Thank you for sharing all that. It sounds like you've been dealing with a lot, but it's amazing that you’re finding ways to break things into smaller steps and tackle them. Even something like getting the bed all cleaned up sounds like a real accomplishment—especially with three cats! It’s great that Depakote has been helping with the manic episodes, even though I can see how frustrating it must be to not find the same relief for the depression. I hope restarting the omega-3 supplement gives you a bit of a boost too. You’re inspiring in how you keep going and celebrate those small wins. Peace to you too.

[Hidden]

Everything will be alright.please don't loose hope .......we are here with u❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ love care n hugs

Arpan

[Joevik in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much, Arpan. Your kindness means a lot. Sending love and hugs back to you. ❤️

[Hidden in reply to Joevik]

You are most welcome:)

[Joevik]

❤️