Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nikki on November 14, 2012 at 8:30pm

I suffer from depression and have for as long as I can remember. I have made the mistake of getting off my meds and went back. If you feel it then you need to get back on prozac. See your doctor and get the script. I am on twitter as well if you need to talk I am here. God bless. Be well.

Permalink Reply by Judith on November 14, 2012 at 8:37pm

Oh my sweet. This is ludicrous, but painful--I get it. If prozac will help keep you from jumping off a bridge and not damage you in other ways(just don't know a lot about it), then of course you should go back to it. I am trusting that you are familiar with how YOU handle it. We are all different.

As to your family---well--patience and education seem required. You certainly can't be there for them if you metaphorically jumped off that bridge!

On the upside---in my experience---kids are much more supple than most adults give them credit for. A supervised visit or several---if you plan in advance and focus tightly on what your Precious Little People are all about at any moment---hey you'll do fine. They won't notice and in a few years they won't really remember, except vaguely that gramma was there and hugged them and loved them and brought them a toy and listened to their every word!----That's where we Aunties make points over busy parents. We have the luxury of a single-minded focus.....Let yourself go and enjoy being with them, however!

Permalink Reply by JaninaWalker on November 15, 2012 at 12:13am

I had been on the generic form of Prozac after years on Prozac in the 1990s and was on for a while in 2005. In 1994 I read a book on it. Then in the last year 2012 watched a Dr Oz show in which a psychiatrist explained the REAL REASON for the necessity to gradually reduce as you come off. If you suddenly stop then, heaven help you, as depression will hit like a ton of bricks worse than ever because while the brain was experiencing the effects of too much serotonin in the synapse it withdrew the receptors. So if you "run out" and delay in refilling it, then WOW you will be depressed and then who knows what could happen.

I am certain that is what your family is referring to. I have experienced it, but I knew I had read the book, and the man in the case against Bayer went and killed a lot of coworkers. Now not everyone has that kind of reaction, but these days one never knows. Women tend to self inflict injury.

Since I finally got the real answer as to why, I feel it is wiser to take supplements that improve happiness than take something more expensive that partially shuts down how your brain operates. No thank you, I will never take it again. That's my opinion. Check the Dr Oz web site and find the short clip.

I would make a list of all the ways to feel better and do several at once in the same day and that does not involve eating or drinking or taking drugs other than what is essential. I tend to read, as you say you do. So fresh air and music at other times. Hot baths. Planning a strategy for positive development. Joining a group. Helping other people. Looking on the bright side of things. I was on Prozac for about 8 years in total. It didn't make enough of a difference to make it worthwhile and now there are other things to combine that are safer and healthier.

Permalink Reply by sweetpotater on November 15, 2012 at 7:52am

Permalink Reply by sweetpotater on November 15, 2012 at 7:59am

First of all, your family sounds like they have something going on that is NOT about you. Who punishes a loving family member for trying to feel well? Please do what you think best to take care of yourself. It's your life, not theirs. Try not to take their opinions personally. You are the only one who can really know your own situation.

I've tried many different anti-depressants off and on for the last 20 years, mostly trying to be "off," and mostly succeeding, but struggling to keep my head above water. A couple of years ago things got very bad and I decided to finally try the one med I had never tried before - Prozac. It's only 10 mg, half the beginning dose, but I'm not exaggerating to say that it has changed my life.

Maybe Prozac isn't the one for you. But if you've ever had any kind of benefit from medications, it's worth looking around until you find one that works for you. Ever person is different, and every medication is a little different. Needing medication for depression is not a weakness in any way. Doing what it takes to be your best self - even when your family is against it - is a courageous act!

Hang in there and let us know how you're doing.

Permalink Reply by Nikki on November 16, 2012 at 4:07pm

I tried Prozac and it went horribly so the doctor changed my meds like 4 times til I finally tried Lexapro 10 mg. this seems to help lots. perhaps you should give that one a try. Mind you I have a weak constitution so any med is super strong on me. but this one is so far good for me. I have tried to go without and have lasted a couple of years but they ones that pay the price for my moods are my loved ones. They deserve better so I am back on track and doing well with meds. If you would like to chat you can email me anytime. Take care. :) and God bless.

Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on November 17, 2012 at 12:59pm

OMG, your family needs some SERIOUS education!! Although there IS a stress-related component to depression, which DOES need to be talked about, there are also brain-chemical components, and you are not in control of those. And if you've had more than one depression, then you will always be subject to depression, and it needs to be treated. The fact that you are taking care of yourself does NOT mean you are dangerous to ANYONE!! It's when you are NOT treated that you become dangerous, and then ONLY to yourself.

So it's time to stand up to your family, and get them involved with someone who can educate them about the reality of depression, and the fact that the WORST thing they can do to you is to withhold contact with your grandchildren!

My heart is with you!