To control my life or not to....The big question.

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

For the past few years I have had some problems with anxiety, depression and suicide. I went to my doctor a few days ago because i didnt kno if it could be caused by the birth control pills that I am currently taking. she told me that its wasnt most likely because the episodes came at unknown times and were not consistently every month. Therefore she advised me to take Paxil to calm my nerves and lessen the episodes.

 

when i told my parents about it, they freaked out. they did not like the idea and now want me to help myself by other means (exercise, diet...etc.) They dont like the idea of me taking medication to contol my lfe, when i reality it is just making my life just a little bit easier to deal with.

 

so now what i would like you guys to do for me..... let me know what you think about all this. do you think i should take medication or help with other means?? Im 21 years old, old enough to make my own decisions, i just thought that you peeps would have some good insight (you have helped me many times before with other issues).

 

thanks ya'll!

[moimeme]

Back in the old days, science split; philosophy was to do with the mind and medicine could deal with the body. People believed that the two were separate and that any mental illness, from depression to schizophrenia, was a problem of thinking.

 

Now, finally, science is proving that the two are inextricably intertwined - our thoughts can change our body chemicals, but changes in our body chemistry can affect our thoughts. If our body chemistry is seriously out of whack, no amount of talk therapy or 'right thinking' will put it back. This is the point where you use meds to straighten you back out. Most people use anti-depressants for a short period of time and then are able to go off them precisely because they put you back on track. It has NOTHING to do with 'controlling your life' any more than taking a pill for a headache or taking insulin for diabetes does.

 

Your parents, as so many people do, still believe the old ideas. Listen to your physician and do as she suggests.

[MarieW]

I was on Paxil for about a year ( or Seroxat as it's called in the UK ) It worked for me and got me through a very difficult time....BUT be warned it's a hard drug to come off. The side effects can be awful. Paxil isn't addictive as such, you dont CRAVE it but your body gets used to it and I was sick for a couple of weeks when I stopped taking it. You ( as you rightly say ) are old enough to make your own decisions and you have to do what is best for you, but perhaps consider herbal anti depressants, such as St John's Wort...it worked for me.

Good Luck.

[Morticia2k1]

Hi

I can understand your folks attitude to you taking medication... I had the same view until I was struck by depression. The symptoms also included anxiety/panic attacks, sometimes so severe that I literally locked myself away for days on end. A good friend persuaded me to change my attitude towards taking medication. It was the best advice.... after a few weeks there was improvement!! After 4mnths I felt well enough to come off it (which I did gradually).

 

Looking back some years later I do'nt know why I let myself suffer for so long. There is a stigma attached to mental illness and the fact that an individual needs medication underlines it. As you say you are an adult and can make your own decisions. I can only share my experience.

 

I wish you well and good luck!

Morticia xx

[flannelpajamas]

I would try alternative measures such as exercise, talk therapy, herbs, biofeedback, or massage. If these did not work then I would take medication as a last resort.

I have been on many of the different antidepressants out there and I sincerely believe they are effective mainly because of the placebo affect. (Effect?)

Lots of people will tell you differently. ONly you can make the choice for yourself. Whatever you decide, I think you should do what you feel in your heart is right, not what your parents or doctors want.