Still blipping 9 months in

Seems that those of us who are sensitive to depression, and anxiety, seem to carry on lives normal things that would cause us some worry or stress and hyper focus them longer then we should, even on medication and they try to spiral out into other worries. Just remember these are things that would stress, cause worry to anyone, normal responses to lifes bumps we run into. I think its a matter of changing the way we think about them, such as letting them go sooner and dealing with it when it comes time, and just doing your best. I don't think its so much of a blip of the medication, as much as our bad habit of keeping it going for longer then we really should. Just try to relax, and work on things one by one as they come at you, you will be fine 😃

Are you doing any type of therapy? Learning ways to let go of stresses before they spiral out?

Best Wishes!

Hi Ruth

Sorry to hear about your blip again. You have been through a lot lately though from your recent posts, it seems you haven't had time to recover from the first set back before another one comes along. It seems to me that the medication can only do so much for us and we have to find ways of coping with day to day challenges as well as depending on the med. I too had a blip yesterday. I felt a panic attack coming on but somehow managed to stop it in its tracks. I was in the car with my husband, the sun was hot on the car, I was overdressed and I had run out of water. I think that's what did it, as simple as that, the thought of feeling hot and having no water. I did some slow breathing, took a sniff of my Olbas nasal inhaler (always carry it in my purse), supped on a barley sugar sweet and took my mind elsewhere. It passed and I felt ok within minutes.

I'm still on 7.5 after reducing from 10 about 9 weeks ago. I did that stupid thing of going up to 10 for one day a fortnight ago that spoiled if for me. I get good days and not so good days still. Today seems like a good day apart from my persistent aching shoulder. I'm waiting for that magic moment when I get two or three good days in a row, that would boost my confidence no end.

Have you been on the NHS Anxiety website? There are some short video links there where you can meditate with the soothing voice of a doctor and some good advice from an anxiety specialist.

I also find reading posts hear have helped me no end. It puts things into perspective just the realisation that I am not going bonkers as others here have the same symptoms and more. I also look up Katecogs messages to others and find them so very reassuring.

You have had quite a good run until recently so this will pass as did the other times.

Just keep looking ahead to better days, that's what I do. We will get off this merry go round one day. Take care😊

Hi Lina, thank you, your posts always really cheer me up.

You're right, have had a good run until May. It's weird but getting a cold really seemed to knock me back a few steps. I wonder why that is? A lot of this month have had quite persistent anxiety again.

I'm not going to increase meds, however. I think I'm just gonna try to roll with it, and accept that's how it is at the moment. I was doing a lot of meditation back in the earlier months, and as I started to feel better, that dropped off....I think it was really helping me. So am gonna get back on it again.

Yesterday was a better day but I just spent it in bed recovering from feeling so anxious on Monday and Tuesday. It really takes a toll on my body. Today I'm a bit gloomy. Gonna go for a gentle stroll and get some sunshine.

I think I also have to accept that some of this is down to being two years post-menopause, with fluctuating hormones, and it's debatable how much the drugs are gonna help with that. Really, I just need to learn to roll with the fluctuations a bit better, which is easier said than done. I'm naturally such a 'moving forwards' kind of person, and this is really challenging me to take time out, slow down, rest.

It's all so strange. I've been on the website called surviving antidepressants a lot, have started a thread in there. I find it really helpful to read about other people's experiences. Also, it helps me to remind myself that I've come a long way since this time last year. I also think that's part of it...my mind has been ruminating a bit on the fact that it was this time last year that I started to crash, and I'm full of regret, which is not really helpful.

Got some acupuncture coming up later today, am going to ask her to just do something really gentle and soothing.

One good thing; I do think my sleep has improved over the last two months, which can only be a good sign. I must have slept for about 8 hours last night, which was amazing.

How are you today? Are you still getting waves from skipping up and down to 7.5mg again. One thing I've learned; settling on a dose can take a LONG time.

I'm gonna attempt Sainsburys very soon. Oh, the joy ....Wishing you a good day. I guess we just have to learn to take one day at a time, or at least I know I do.

Thank you Lina 😃 Hope you're good today! I had some acupuncture, and felt great yesterday. Today am okay. Still slightly wobbly but gosh darn, I am determined to go out dancing later. Sober dancing, though. No alcoholic delights for me any more, I just can't take it.

Funny how May has been a bit of a blip month...it's so weird, all of this, isn't it?

Hi Ruth

How are you doing? I came across a youtube video today called " Withdrawal - How long does it last?" by The Lovely Grind, a man named Michael Priebe who came off Paxil and Xanax over 18 to 20 months. It's brilliant, there are lots of other short videos too. Well worth a look in if you have some spare time. He covers many topics, all based on his own experience.😊

Hey Lina, thanks very much, am going to check him out! I'm actually feeling a bit better today, which seemed to start yesterday and has lasted. Good sleep for a couple of nights has definitely helped too. How are you today?

Hey Lina, thanks so much for the recommendation about Lovely Grind, have been watching him and he's soooo inspiring. I am holding tight at 10mg, not increasing, not reducing. Wednesday and yesterday were much better, pretty 'normal' and even happy. Sorry you felt not so hot but you now know what it is...knowledge is power. It's not you going backwards, it's the drugs stabilising in your system. And it takes tiiiiiiiiiime, a whole lotta time. Hoping you have a much better few days now 😃 Here for a chat when you need 😃