spouse doesn't understand...

[junglebook]

I've dealt with depression and anxiety issues for years.  I currently take medication for it but due to the side effects I'm going to try another medication.  My husband doesn't understand why I don't just quit the meds.  He thinks I'm taking too much medication for different things...I have daily meds I take for depression and stomach issues.  Then I have occasional meds I take for anxiety, migraines or stomach problems.  My current side effects have put a huge damper on our life...I'm always tired and never feel good.  His theory is that I take SOOO many medications the side effects are just compounding each other and he wants me to stop everything and not take any medications at all.  

I keep trying to explain to him you can't just stop antidepressants first of all or you'll have bad side effects.  Well that was like talking to a brick wall.  It's very upsetting to me, I just wish he could understand....he thinks he does but he really has no clue what any of this is like.  It's causing me more stress then just trying to deal with the underlying issues.

[idesofmarch]

too take many meds, like 12 different kinds plus vitamins/suppliments.  I assume that your husband doesn't believe in taking meds or that he has good health and doesn't need any meds.  You could bring him to your pharmacy and have the pharmacist talk to him about the meds you are on and how stopping cold turkey would effect you.  Also that you need what you take for your illness'. YES depression/anxiety are ILLNESSES as are your other health issues. My husband didn't believe that I needed my meds at first either.  He also saw the effect on me when I ran out of my pain meds and when 2 other meds were stopped cold turkey.  It was scary for him as for me.  He now takes meds of his own for his health issues and has a better understanding of my issues.  I hope that your husband understands real soon because his unbelief and bad treatment about you and your meds is ACTUALLY HURTING YOU AND MAKING YOUR ANXIETY/HEALTH WORSE. Please have him read all the responses to your post.  Best of luck to you on this problem.  

[ettebette]

Hi.  I too, take many medications for many conditions.  I can emphathize and sympathize with what you're going through.  Do you have a therapist at this time?  If not, I would highly suggest you ask the doctor who has prescribed the antidepressants for some names of good therapists.  It took me years to find a good therapist, but I've FINALLY found someone who is excellent.  A good therapist can be a great support for you.  You need to have someone on your side.  Your husband, unfortunately, is like many people who do not understand that mental illness is just as much an illness as a physical illness.  Please seek psychotherapy if you haven't already.  It doesn't have to be a psychiatrist or a psychologist.  I see a social worker, and she's wonderful.  Please keep in touch, and let me know how you're doing.  Good luck.

Ellen (ettebette)

[boogieman]

hi. you could have your doctor speak to him and explain the pharmaceutical issues. you could also re-evaluate your conditions/treatments with your doctor, and see if there are any additional alternatives, or if there may be ways to minimize the side effects. but no matter what anyone says, they can't fully understand what depression, anxiety, or migraines are like if they've never had to deal with them themselves. good luck,  gm