anyone else not taking anti-depressants?

[cinciti]

I was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety at age 18 in 1999.  I was in therapy from 1999-2002, on and off.  I was first referred to a psychiatrist in 2001 and Prozac was suggested, but it was not what I wanted to do.  Yes, I was very depressed, but the counseling was helping a great deal and I didn't know very much about the drug and have always been iffy about taking any kind of pill (part of the anxiety).

Last May,I got a 5150 and 5250 and I was basically required to take the meds while on the psychiatric hold in the psych hospital.  I asked a lot of questions, but the doctor seemed to feel like I was just a worrywart.  While I was in the hospital, I had a whole lot of other drugs at my disposal.  I just had to request it.  Being suicidal with an addiction problem, this really wasn't a good thing.  I was taking ativans and ambiens and some other stuff that was supposed to help with "voices" in my head.  When I realized that I wasn't helping myself by trying to be high off all the drugs, I stopped, but I had a very aggressive episode after that.

Anyhow, I stayed on the sertraline at 100mg for five months following the hospitalization.  I got off of it abruptly which I know is not recommended.  That is not something I want to do again- felt really dizzy for about a week which led me back to my substance of choice.

At my last visit to the psychiatrist, I put it on record that I don't want to take the meds anymore until after I exhaust all other measures to feel better- namely:  weekly counseling, exercise at least 3 days/week, journaling, avoiding substances, group therapy when possible.  I have had success without the meds previously and taking the meds doesn't seem right when I'm not taking other measures to feel better.

Is anyone else saying 'no' to anti-depressants?  How is it going and do you recommend anything beyond what I mentioned?

[Rucnfun]

Hi,
I have been on an anti depressant for 4 years now and I tried to go off of it just recently. I First I started taking half doses, then after doing that a few weeks I would just take 1 every other day. not sure if thats right or not but I didnt have insurance to go to the doctor. well I slowly started just acting like such a brat! I was soo moody and would cry for no reason and just be irritated so I ended up going back on then ( 100 mg a day ) and I would suggest I stay on them for now. I didnt like the way I was treating other people and there are so many people out there who HAVE to take multiple meds every single day or they could die..heart meds, blood pressure, etc. So I know I am lucky to not have to take a lot of medicine and I am just fine taking my anti depressant! Good luck!

[cinciti]

I agree that this illness can definitely come in episodes.  My experience with it certainly has been that way.  However, I feel that I must take all measures before resorting back to the meds.  If, after all measures are exhausted, I end up in another major depressive episode then yes, I will consider getting back on the meds.  I appreciate your input.  Thanks.

[cinciti]

I appreciate your support.  Thanks

[cinciti]

Hi there- I should have clarified about the "voices".  I took it just to see what would happen, but I didn't really have "voices" in my head.  I just remembered what that med was- it was respirdal.

Thank you for the advice anyhow- it was helpful.

[shaz853]

I suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, ptsd, argraphobia, Ocd and most recently i was diagonised with major depressive disorder. I have been prescribed medication but i won't take it i am afraid of medication part of my Ocd and the fact that i have been allergic to alot of stuff i have taken. I do believe it can be done without medication but its not easy i coped well until i became depressed then i have had constant suicidal thoughts and been in hospital because of them. I know that in my better times exercise really helped i went to the gym four a five days a week it really helped it really cleared my mind and made me feel good, a healthy diet is also a good help. I'm not sure if not taking medication is right for everyone but you would know your own mind better than anyone. Good luck

[therese83]

Illness can come in episodes, so you might be fine at some time and then another episode can hit you.  I came off meds, did very well, but was hit again.  My sister had one episode of psychotic depression at age 19 that bought her close to death, really, she did not eat for months,  and has not had a repeat of that she is 41 now.

Everyone is different, and i wish you the best with your health.  Exercise is fantastic hey !

[M4Y0U]

Well,

first of all I'm not in a position to diagnose you right on the fly on this website but what you described in your post seems to me like schizophrenia. There are many kinds of schizophrenia ranging for the schizoid to schizotypal to other forms of schizophrenia. Anyway I do respect your choice to go with the no meds approach and it is not uncommon to see schizotypal personalities to refuse treatment options. Deep inside of you, you might know what's best for you and might just need a ''outside the box thinking'' as you are wishing to help you cope with the traditional and easy propositions that have been offered to you.

There are many books available on the market that might help you ranging from meditations techniques/inner self journey kinda off books to self help books to help you cope with your current state of mind.

One thing I must tell you is that you are a human being and mind can act over matter no matter what. What you think is true might just be true and vice versa and sadly sometimes it is a negative truth that might be just a lie you are making up and therefore is why I see the importance on working on your inner self. Let's see what's going on here and the answer lies into you.

Best regards,
M4