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| 1 out of 5 Adults Suffer from Depression |
Two months back I tried to go off of Zoloft on my own. You can read about my struggle here
and here. After my horrible visit to the Emergency Room
I tried to wean myself off the way I had wanted to originally. I cut my 50mg pills in half and took the 25mg
for 5 days. Then I cut the 25mg in half
again and took the 12.5mg for the rest of the time. The only problem was that I was noticing my
short temper coming back and I was very emotional right before my period. But what choice did I have? I don’t have health insurance and I couldn't afford the doctor.
Luckily someone was listening. A family member that I love so much called me
and surprised me by telling me how they had fought with depression all of their
life as well. They were also on
anti-depressants and had long ago come to terms with the fact that they are a better
person when they take their medication and that they just have to have it.
Notice that I am using a non-disclosing voice here. I’m not planning on saying who this was,
because it is a very personal matter and it’s not my business to share their
personal life.
Just knowing that I wasn’t alone made me want to cry with
happiness, that person was exactly what I needed. Just being able to talk to someone and know
that someone else has gone through this makes all the difference. But just to make it even more amazing, this
person sent me money to go to the doctor and get my prescription. This time I did cry.
At the doctor I was told that you should never try to go off of an
anti-depressant without a doctor’s supervision.
Apparently one of the side effects of withdrawal from Zoloft is
basically a short circuit in your nervous system. This short circuit can cause the heart to
stop working. I’m not kidding, this has
happened.
When I was going through withdrawal I felt mad that it was so
hard to go off of the drugs, and I wanted to try natural remedies, but the
doctor pointed out to me that more than likely I have an actual chemical
imbalance in brain. After all, mental
issues run in my family. If this is the
case then there are no natural fixes, the drugs are there for a reason. It’s like having diabetes in your
family. You certainly wouldn’t try a
natural fix for that now would you?
I've always felt a little embarrassed by my mental problems. But I’m beginning to think that is part of my
problem. I should not be scared to share
or be ashamed of my condition. I have a
disease, just like an alcoholic or diabetic.
There is medication to make my life easier and I should take it.
I wanted to write this because I want other people to know
they are not alone. If you are
struggling with depression there are resources for you too. Check your local area for a toll free number
for you to call. Or you can email me! I’ll always respond and maybe just talking to
someone who has been through it will help you to, I’ll also use my resources to
try and figure out how to get you help.
If you have to take medication then don’t feel ashamed of
it. And no matter what do not try to go off your medication on
your own.
I'm glad that you were able to get the help you needed. There is nothing wrong with having to be on medicine to control it. I know it has a stimga, but no-one would tell anyone to get off their medicine if it was a heart issue or something else like that.
ReplyDeleteI know I shouldn't have gone off my medicine on my own. Thankfully it worked okay for me. Though if I ever have to go on anti-depressants again, I will wean under a doctor's supervision.
You have no idea what your post meant to me I too am a stay at home mom with An 18 month d child I wAS searching the internet trying to find out what was causing my brain to feel like it was short circuiting and I had no idea it could be linked to the fact I quit taking my Zoloft. . . I know it may sound dramatic but you potentially saved my life. I had no idea my heart could stop from NOT taking any medication I have two pills left I will be taking one tonight and calling my Dr in the morning. I can't thank you enough. . .
ReplyDeleteIt's not dramatic at all. I know how you feel! Describing it as a short circuit in the brain is actually a good description.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that my ordeal could help others, that's why I write my blog. I want there to be answers for others who are going through problems. I hope your doctor gives you the answers that you need. Please feel free to email me directly if you ever need to talk.
I found your blog searching for help. I took my last 12.5mg dose of Z three days ago and don't know how I'm going to go to work in the morning. Two days now I've been a mess. I'd been tapering for 2 months and thought a quarter of a pill was a logical last step. Not sure what tomorrow holds for me.
ReplyDelete