Coming off Anti-Depressants and Methods of Self Help

Any anti-depressant is hard to come off. It can take numerous attempts whether it's fluoxetine or paroxetine. I'm writing this post to inform you about my experiences while I've been on fluoxetine, my current efforts to come off them and methods of self help for whether you or taking them or coming of them yourself.

Last summer I visited my psychiatrist for the first time and was told I needed to be put on anti-depressants. Fluoxetine was more suited to my symptoms so this is what I was prescribed, along with melatonin, as my depression affected my sleeping habits therefore my body wasn't producing enough of this hormone to allow me to sleep. My diagnosis then was general anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder. Over this spring and summer I visited a private psychotherapist who diagnosed me with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is something I'm not going to go into great detail about as only a small selected group know about the reasons behind it and I'm not really ready to talk about it yet. But nevertheless, I will still be giving self-help tips for people who have PTSD in this blog post.

There are so many side affects for anti-depressants. Some of these include; sickness and dizziness, dry mouth and smelly breath, slight blurring of vision, insomnia, powerful nightmares,drowsiness, potential erectile dysfunction for males, failure of orgasms, high or low sex drive, weight gain or weight loss. These are normally within the first 2-3 weeks of treatment so the side affects will normally settle after this as your body will adjust to the medication.
 Sometimes, certain medicines don't work for certain people. Some side affects of anti-depressants may vary from person to person. These side affects can include things such as enhanced depressive feelings, suicidal thoughts, self harm and enhanced anxiety. If you experience these symptoms book an appointment immediately with your psychiatrist or GP to talk about an alternative treatment.

Coming off anti-depressants is also a bit of a shock to the system. It can take many attempts before you feel like you are well and truly ready for this big step. I'm now on my third attempt. The first two attempts I made resulted in me realising I wasn't ready at all so I had to go back onto them. I felt like a massive failure. Now, I've reached a new milestone. I have gone for three weeks without taking my fluoxetine on alternate days. Before, I only managed about a week. It is important to know that you are not a failure if you have to go back onto them after realising you aren't ready. It is such a hard step to make and it takes a truly brave person to admit they are not ready. Equally as brave as deciding to come off the tablets!
 There are also side affects when coming off the anti-depressants. I'm still experiencing my PTSD symptoms a lot at the moment but I'm trying to power through it and use alternate methods rather than medication. The side affects of coming off anti-depressants are basically the same as when you first start out on them, as your body is, again, adjusting to the changes.

Some people, however, don't like the idea of relying on medication to help with their mental illness. Or, they want something else to help them while they are taking them/coming off them. Here are some ideas of self help that I have either tried or heard about from other people...

1. ' A Brilliant Life' by Andrew Cope

My mum very kindly bought me a selection of books to help with my depression so I didn't become to reliant on my medication and also to help me have a speedy recovery. This was one of the books she ordered me.
 This is a short fictional story based on a new subject called 'positive psychology'. Positive psychology is basically the study of happiness and wellbeing. Many psychiatrists now use this to inspire happiness and self-belief in their patients. This story does just that and gives readers ideas on how to think positively about life and overcome obstacles, no matter how big or small they are. The book may look a bit childish but it is aimed at readers of all ages.

If you are interested in this book here is the link to it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brilliant-Life-Andy-Cope/dp/1907798250/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417715325&sr=1-1&keywords=a+brilliant+life

If you're still not convinced that this book is suited to your age, there is another book by Andrew Cope for slightly older readers too which can be found on Amazon by clicking on this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Being-Brilliant-Transform-Doing/dp/0857083716/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417715325&sr=1-4&keywords=a+brilliant+life


2. 'Beyond the Blues' by Lisa M. Schaab

This is another book that my mum purchased for me. This isn't a reading book, though. There are bits in the book that you can read but it's more of a work book. There are lots of fantastic activities in this book and guidance on how you can complete them. I've personally found this book really handy for when I feel I am about to have a panic attack or feel as though I am slowly becoming upset. I wouldn't recommend putting pressure on yourself to complete any of the activities when you are in a very depressive, angry or anxious mood. I've done this myself and I answered a lot of the questions very bluntly and even destroyed some of the pages. Nevertheless, it's a great book that has been put together by an American psychologist and psychotherapist, so the activities are effective. There are no deadlines and you can even complete some of it with the help of friends, family or your counsellor if you are not sure what to do/write.

You can also find other books by this same author on Amazon. Some of her works include work books on dealing with bullying, social phobias and anxiety. Just type her name in on Amazon or Ebay and they will come up in the search results.

Again, here is another link to where you can buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Blues-Workbook-Overcome-Depression/dp/1572246111/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417716106&sr=1-1&keywords=beyond+the+blues


3. Equation: 'Moving Forward' and 'Self Esteem: A Positive Guide for all Young Women'

Sadly I wasn't able to get images of covers for these books. But, they are supplied by a charity called Equation (registered charity number 1140240). But if yo9 want to keep an eye out for them they have really arty and fun front covers with coloured silhouettes of women jumping and stuff.These were given to me by CAHMS for my PTSD and self esteem issues. Again, they are activity books but this time they are aimed more at girls and young women. Moving Forward is an activity book to help girls cope with traumatic events or abuse that has happened to them in the past. Self Esteem... well the title speaks for itself really. This book will help get to the route of why you have low self esteem and help you gain confidence with activities and tips.
 If you want a copy of any of these books, describe them to your counsellor or have a look on the charity website for more information: www.equation.org.uk

4. Creative Therapy Colouring Book and Art Therapy Colouring Book

Art  therapy is a highly used treatment for various different things. If you are a creative thinker and vent out your stress through art these books are perfect. I came across them in Costco the other day with mum and fell in love with them. Hopefully I will get one of these from Santa this Christmas or for my birthday!
 These are suitable for people who like drawing and colouring, There are some bits of un-finished drawings you can develop yourself and there are extremely beautiful images you can colour in with a variety of techniques whether it's painting, drawing or calligraphy. You can purchase these either from Costco or Amazon.

Art Therapy Colouring Book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Therapy-Colouring-Book-Creative-Grown-ups/dp/1782432221/ref=sr_1_2 s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417719394&sr=1-2&keywords=creative+therapy+colouring+book

Creative Therapy Colouring Book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Therapy-Colouring-Book-Creative-Grown-ups/dp/1782432221/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417719394&sr=1-2&keywords=creative+therapy+colouring+book

 

 

Here are some other techniques you may wish to use to help conquer your depression and support yourself:

 

• Go out for a coffee with friends or family
• Exercise, even if it's just a brisk walk to the shops. This will release all your endorphins.
• Make a list of 15 things you are grateful for. Keep it in your pocket or wallet and read it whenever you feel down.
• Feeling angry? Right a letter to the person who is making you angry, or to a person you know and write about a situation that is making you angry. Go all out! Don't feel guilty about anything you write. Once you're finished, burn or rip up the letter. Destroy it! This always works for me when I feel aggressive. You vent out your feelings then get to destroy something. What could be better?
• Read or watch a nice film
• Do anything that makes you feel happy!