I wish.
No, I don't mean a positive test. I mean a positive (for the most part) meeting with the therapist. We didn't really get into more than the tip of the iceberg about a lot of things that I want to eventually talk about, but she seemed to get it.
The one thing that I'm not really excited about (and I'm probably the exception rather than the rule) was that she suggested that I might want to think about asking my doctor for a prescription for Zo.loft. She said that it would help with the anxiety. I may need that at some point, (like when/if I get pregnant) but for now, I really just want to talk.
I'm not sure if I feel happy that she thinks I'm messed up enough to need an anti-depressant (meaning that I'm really not crazy, and someone else thinks that I'm sadder than a normal person should be) or if I'm a little put off by the fact that she's almost trying to throw drugs at me to even me out and make her job easier.
So, anyone have any experience with Zo.loft or other anti-depressants? Any thoughts? (You can send me a private e-mail at wheresmywhitepicketfence@hotmail.com if you'd rather not talk about it in the comments.)
On The Off Chance…
4 years ago
4 comments:
I've been on le.xapro for years. (And no, that is no cause of our miscarriages. We even saw a 'medicinal effects' dr, or something like that.) I don't look at being on le.xapro as being weak. It helps me slow down and be able to process my emotions. Email me if you wanna know more. But yes, anti depressants have drastically helped me.
Hmmm...I don't know how a therapist after one session with someone can recommend an anti-depressant. It seems a bit jumping the gun to me. Even if you are candidate for medication, I don't believe that even the best of therapists should give the ok to resort to medication before they take a full history and give a good go at therapy first. My doctor refused to give me an anti-depressant without me seeing a therapist. And my therapist on my first visit recommended we try EMDR therapy not medication. EMDR is a form of therapy used to help move past anxiety, depression and traumatic events. A simple light is used to induce rapid eye movement which helps the patient revisit difficulties in their life and try to relieve the pain and bring it to a more manageable level. I was able to visit my past traumatic experiences (my losses) through this therapy which took the sting out of my memories of them. Now I'm much more comfortable with my losses and feel strong enough to try again. My new mantra was founded during these sessions. So I just want to let you know that there are many different options to consider trying before medications. Google EMDR therapy, for more info on what I did specifically. It may not pertain to you, but it is one of many alternative therapies out there and available. But please know that I’m in no way against medication, I believe it was created for a reason. I know many people who are thriving on anti-depressants, and I would certainly take some if my therapy didn’t work out so well. Also this post is just my opinion, and in no way do I expect you to take any advice I’ve given. I just know that it’s nice to hear what others think when you are weighing your options. So I totally support ANY decision you make, and hope that whatever you do gives you some peace. (((Big Big Hug)))
My best friend had PTSD after being attacked, had panic attacks, insomnia, etc. Her therapist explained that part of the reason people are prescribed meds for the short term is that sometimes a person suffering from panic attacks tends to escalate their tension. They're overwhelmed by a bad thing that happened so they have that one very bad trauma, then everytime they have a panic attack it adds another bad memory on top of the first one. If untreated, they can have days, weeks, months of bad experiences to overcome rather than just the initial event. Anti-anxiety meds help break the cycle because you start adding normal memories of normal days that are fresher and more recent than the memories of bad days. Having those good or even just OK memories helps get you out of fight or flight mode and gives you something to hold onto when it's time to come off the meds.
Of course all that was advice for someone who got panic attacks just going into the grocery store. I don't know how you're handling day to day life. Do what you need to take care of yourself and don't worry about how it looks to anyone else.
I agree with Christa. I met with my counselor for several months and she never suggested medication. After one session seems a little scary. My counselor said that feeling sad, anxious and grief stricken were normal feelings and ones that I needed to work through- not cover up.
Of course you are sadder than a "normal" person. You have suffered so much loss and so many emotions in a short period of time. I hope she takes the time to work with you and give you tips on controlling your anxiety. Some of the things I learned in counseling I still use today when I start to get panicked. Good luck, hon.
Post a Comment