Back to popping (happy) pills?

[glasgow_DFW]

I have been off my work for some time now. I have been depressed before and at that time I did take prozac and it worked. I then after some time lowered the dosage and then eventually stopped take it (with my doctor.)

When I first went off I was so sure that I did not want to take drugs again but here I am again with prozac and just staring at the pack thinking do I really want to start this again?

I have 4 more secessions of CBT and then I will be able to get 5-6 more with another practitioner, should I see haw I am with the CBT and then diced if I need to take the pills or go with the two together.

I don't know the real purpose of this post, if I want reply s or if I wanted to get this out there, I have not told my family that I am ill again (feel like I have failed.)

Thanks for the attention.

[chnelomi]

you have not failed.... you have made the most important step all by yourself.
You recognized the problem
You sought medical help
You are considering all options
You are already recovering.

Well done:j:j:j
I think your family would be proud of you.

[glasgow_DFW]

thank you, it would be nice to think so.

for the first time in my life i spent the whole weekend on the verge of crying. but of coure no one knew that.

Too good at the front that I have that letting go scares the **** out of me

[monochromic]

When you get physically hurt and you're in pain, nobody thinks twice about taking painkillers. It's funny that when it comes to drugs to help your mental health, people's attitudes can be totally different. Although going back on the meds might feel like a step back, the way I see it, if you were to start up on them again you'd be taking a step in the right direction towards recovering and feeling better again.

I wish you the very best of luck, and can only agree with chnelomi's post. Depression is the most terrible illness and I'm sure your family would recognise that despite everything it piles on top of you, you have still managed to get so far, which takes a lot of strength.

[glowgirl]

Have you thought about a different medication, a family member of mine who had depression and anxiety switched to propranolol (these are beta blockers) with great results and no side effects including when they came off them, before anyone shouts at me for giving medical advice this is just a comment based on the experience of another person:)

[MsChazzer]

I agree with monochromic. I've been on and off prozac for nearly 12 years and it's just a medication that works for me and lets me lead my life. Sometimes medication helps take the edge of so that you can deal with the taking therapies more effectively. You haven't failed.

[glasgow_DFW]

Thank you all for all you replies.

I have talked to my family and they now know that I am off again and that will be taking prozac (again) they are supportive. I have a occ heath appointment at work not looking forward to that at all. Before when I have been off i have had something to point at and say that is it and this has caused this but there is nothing.

My father is ill (very) but this is not new to me and the start of his downturn was after I went off.

Rambling now sorry, I want to go back to work but I don't want to go bad in work if that happens I could never go back. Its not until later in the month so i will try not to dwell on it.

Thank you all again.

[lostinrates]

FWIW someone close to me refuses medecine for their depression and TBH, I think it is not helpful to them or their family, sadly they can't see that. The medecine is to help make wrong things right: themedecine, itself, is not the thing that is wrong.

I throuroughly believe their are many other things that work as well/better/in combination for good result, exercise, talking therapies, whatever, but medication has a place and I think recognising you need help is a LONG part of the journey behind you. :)

Good luck!

[rabbit8587]

I am in a similar position, was on propanalol & citalopram for anxiety for about 2yrs then came off them bcoz thats quite a long time really and i was happy with my progress. However, Ive now resorted back to the propanalol.

Just a :money:question... do you get ur prescriptions free or do u pay? £14.40 a month seems a lot and this is partially what motivated me to get off the meds. Now i jus wish id stayed on them even though i felt ok... maybe i wouldnt be going thru this stress now if theyd been in my system the whole time.

[morocha]

hi OP i dont think you have failed... i suffer from deppresion since i am a teenager.. i never got help with it. i wasted years of my life trying to make everybody believe i was ok. I am 25 yo and have a daughter, 2 yo, again tried to cope with everything on my own. till three months ago when i could not carry anymore and saw the doctor, got my pills and i am proud of myself... i know in today's sociaty it seems like a failure to take pills and that, they do not understand that it is an illness, we do can not control it. we need help.
wish you the best.

[jeannieblue]

Speaking generally now...

If you have a headache you take paracetamol. If you have diabetes you take insulin, if you have a leg amputated you have anaesthetic (I hope :D). If you break your leg you get it plastered. If you have a chemical imbalance you take prozac or similar etc...

Society is still so very prejudiced - amazes me the ignorance still out there.

OP - you are not well. Being unwell is not being a failure. I wish you well and enjoy the happiness that is to come .. :D

[Jojo the Tightfisted]

I know someone who also takes propropanolollolololololo (whatever) and citalopram. It's revolutionised his life.

Anyway, there's no stigma with the beta blocker either...it's regularly used to help artistes manage stage fright, and if anti ds work for you, why the devil should anyone else have the right to tell you not to use them?

If you had a second bout of flu in a years, you wouldn't bat an eyelid.

[wannabepennypincher]

I wouldn't say you failed because you take meds to help you manage your symtoms. I think you done the right thing is getting yourself help. Hope you get on OK with your CBT sessions, I'm 4 sessions into mine and so far I've noticed a major difference to my mood and I'm starting to look forward for the first time in years.

[dmg24]

rabbit8587,

It would be worth starting your own thread, as people are replying to the OP, so you may not be getting the responses you need.

You may be able to get help with your prescription costs if you are on a low income or means tested benefits. Alternatively you can get a prepayment certificate that may lower your costs.

Please don't stop your meds because of costs. Your health is worth so much more. If you are struggling, perhaps you could ask your GP about getting a three month prescription, which will cost you the same as one month.