Speaking as someone who took antidepressants for 24 years, here. It’s not much of a comparison to say running works as well. I would hope it works much better.
This was my experience on antidepressants. One relative told me I was acting like a zombie. I also couldn’t experience any happiness. No wonder I felt like I was dead. I wanted to be dead.
I have a similar story to yours. You can find it on this website. Congratulations getting free of the poisons. I now have a deep abiding distrust of pharmaceuticals. At least I’m happy now- better than I have been my whole life. What irks me is that for you it started with grief over a lost relationship. By definition that is not depression. It’s treatable with counseling. Disgusting. Have a great life!
I have experience with this psychiatrist who was extremely ill treated as a young person. He’s the first person who is ever able to help me. In my view only someone who has been through a trauma can help another.
Yes, I don’t really trust the pharmaceutical industry at all anymore. The are pushing drugs with evidence that, at best is deceptive and at worst, lies. They probably manufacture some good drugs, but I don’t know what they are!!! No wonder people are interested in natural remedies. SIGH. At any rate, what you are going through will continue to evolve and improve. I’m amazed at how much your article has affected me. Know that I am thinking of you
Graciela, what a beautifully written story. As a fellow survivor I get your story. I’ve been med free for almost 3 years, now. I was fortunate like you to find someone who could really help me. My story was published on this site too. Isn’t it wonderful to get a life, again??? I’m just sorry it took until my mid 60’s to get help. I wish you a wonder filled life. Congratulations!!!
It took me just over a year to taper off of my anti-depressants after almost 25 years. I’ve taken many of the same ones you did. I sympathize with your battle. Congratulations, keep up the good work!!!
betsycam,
My therapist uses many techniques to help me. With his encouragement, I have been doing some “inner child” work during my mediations. You have to look at the injured child within you and give her messages that encourage her. Some examples include “I will always love you” “you are perfect just as you are” “You are beautiful” “You are intelligent”. I’m sure you can think up messages of your own to include. This needs to be done often and on an on-going basis. I hope that helps.
Betsycam,
Learning how to meditate is a long process. I’ve been doing it 2 years and still consider myself a beginner. However, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t had an impact on me. Quite the opposite in fact. My teachers tell me that learning how requires a great deal of self-compassion. I recommend attending a meditation class. I’m learning a number of different methods for focus. You will be more accountable that way. Best of luck on your journey off meds. It’s so worth it.
Thank You Wynne. Benzos are the worst, I know because of relatives and friends who are withdrawing. Good for you for taking a road that is most helpful for you!!
Thank You all for your best wishes. I continue to struggle with my emotions because I haven’t had them for so long, I don’t know how to do it!! I am amazed by the response to this article. All my best to those of you still struggling to get yourself off your meds. An additional book I just read is “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari. It’s only about antidepressants, but is is a great and easy read.
Speaking as someone who took antidepressants for 24 years, here. It’s not much of a comparison to say running works as well. I would hope it works much better.
Report comment
This was my experience on antidepressants. One relative told me I was acting like a zombie. I also couldn’t experience any happiness. No wonder I felt like I was dead. I wanted to be dead.
Report comment
I have a similar story to yours. You can find it on this website. Congratulations getting free of the poisons. I now have a deep abiding distrust of pharmaceuticals. At least I’m happy now- better than I have been my whole life. What irks me is that for you it started with grief over a lost relationship. By definition that is not depression. It’s treatable with counseling. Disgusting. Have a great life!
Report comment
I have experience with this psychiatrist who was extremely ill treated as a young person. He’s the first person who is ever able to help me. In my view only someone who has been through a trauma can help another.
Report comment
Yes, I don’t really trust the pharmaceutical industry at all anymore. The are pushing drugs with evidence that, at best is deceptive and at worst, lies. They probably manufacture some good drugs, but I don’t know what they are!!! No wonder people are interested in natural remedies. SIGH. At any rate, what you are going through will continue to evolve and improve. I’m amazed at how much your article has affected me. Know that I am thinking of you
Report comment
Graciela, what a beautifully written story. As a fellow survivor I get your story. I’ve been med free for almost 3 years, now. I was fortunate like you to find someone who could really help me. My story was published on this site too. Isn’t it wonderful to get a life, again??? I’m just sorry it took until my mid 60’s to get help. I wish you a wonder filled life. Congratulations!!!
Report comment
It took me just over a year to taper off of my anti-depressants after almost 25 years. I’ve taken many of the same ones you did. I sympathize with your battle. Congratulations, keep up the good work!!!
Report comment
betsycam,
My therapist uses many techniques to help me. With his encouragement, I have been doing some “inner child” work during my mediations. You have to look at the injured child within you and give her messages that encourage her. Some examples include “I will always love you” “you are perfect just as you are” “You are beautiful” “You are intelligent”. I’m sure you can think up messages of your own to include. This needs to be done often and on an on-going basis. I hope that helps.
Report comment
Betsycam,
Learning how to meditate is a long process. I’ve been doing it 2 years and still consider myself a beginner. However, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t had an impact on me. Quite the opposite in fact. My teachers tell me that learning how requires a great deal of self-compassion. I recommend attending a meditation class. I’m learning a number of different methods for focus. You will be more accountable that way. Best of luck on your journey off meds. It’s so worth it.
Report comment
Thank You Wynne. Benzos are the worst, I know because of relatives and friends who are withdrawing. Good for you for taking a road that is most helpful for you!!
Report comment
I agree. don’t buy into the pharmaceutical industries dialog of brain dysfunction.
Report comment
I wish you well. The right therapist is key. Don’t go too fast!!
Report comment
That is quite the documentary. A lot of it I experienced as well. So terrible.
Report comment
Thank You all for your best wishes. I continue to struggle with my emotions because I haven’t had them for so long, I don’t know how to do it!! I am amazed by the response to this article. All my best to those of you still struggling to get yourself off your meds. An additional book I just read is “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari. It’s only about antidepressants, but is is a great and easy read.
Report comment
I hope you are doing this with some medical support as I did. It IS scary. I know. Please be well.
Report comment