Posted by rabble_rouser on July 7, 2005, at 1:36:52
In reply to Re: fear of staying on effexor forever. » SLS, posted by Shortelise on July 6, 2005, at 22:38:51
hi all,
yes all valid arguments, I agree. I understand a lot of you are suffering out there and I dont mean to sound prescriptive. I read a lot of posts from people that are still very much depressed, and in the stages of withdrawing. I would prefer to think that I am in fact trying to offer people hope, and a little belief.
I suppose I should always add the caveat that this is what is working for ME. I'm 27 and have had this over me since i was 12, and all the ensuing destruction that has brought along with it. All the stuff im posting is what has set me free, finally.
In answer to questions - I guess Im saying that, from my experience, meds only mask problems (ive been on three different types so far), and if you don't address the psychological bits, then your chances of success are slim. Once the crutches are gone, the remaining bad mental habits just bring you back down. (My experience from 300mg to zero and the progression back down to clinical depression within 6 months is testament to this).
You know what? The other day, I suddenly thought "Christ, I havn't been depressed for a whole week". And ive been rapidly coming off effexor.
Suddenly I felt a bit disoriented. What do I do if Im NOT depressed anymore?
If I'm honest, it was quite scary.
Yes there is a possibility of being on effexor forever. I'm just asking you to think about the possibility that you might not be! :)
I agree with all the psychopharmalogical issues raised, and I have bought the t-shirt on side-effect, withdrawal, losing it etc etc.
It is only since I sat down and said "right, Im really going to beat this. Im not going to allow my own self-pity, or the pity of others, to convince me that its safer to remain a depressed person forever, and I am going to fight every day to overcome it."
The key word for me is "fight". All the techniaues I have posted are HARD WORK. But I expected that. Ive spent 15 years learning the skills of depression. Its taken the last 6 years of research, experimentation, CBT, drug therapy and most importantly education to get me to this point.
Things that are with us a long time become familiar. Accepted, almost. Are you ready to accept that there may be a day when you are no longer depressed?
The most important thing is this: Do what works for you.
Big hugs
Rabble
poster:rabble_rouser
thread:524331
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/524495.html