Confused

[Perth girl]

Hi All,
I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD, and have been seeing a therapist for about 2 months now. I have been advised by my doctor that maybe I should take an anti depressant, and I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons.
I have heard so many negative affects of taking medication, so I am hesitant to start, but in saying that although therapy is helping, it is going to take a long time, and I don't know if I have the strength to get through it...
What are your thoughts on meds?

 

[amethist]

Hi Perth girl

Welcome to the forum.

Many members here will probably tell you they also were hesitant to take medication, for so many different reasons. They will also probably tell you that a in the end it was a blessing to be offered them.

They can help you get back on your feet again, wobbly still maybe, but helping you to see therapy and everything else offered to you will help in the short and long term.

It may also take a while to get the dosage right for you, but if you need them persevere until you find it.

An example I can give you now is one involving my husband. Before PTSD hit, he was a complete no meds man for anything unless absolutely necessary. Now he would not be without them, slowly beginning to reduce them over time now. Without being offered and advised to take them over 3 years ago, well I hate to think what would have happened to him.

But that is just my take on them, others may be different, everyone is.

Read some of the articles you will find around the forum, as well as the medication section in the main PTSD area. You will be able to make an educated choice then, and not one just on what you have read or heard else where.

Take care.

Amethist

 

[blueangel371115]

welcome to the forum. I agree with amethist. In my case, meds were a blessing. But everyone is different.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Perth Girl,

Welcome to the Forum. Amethist has a very good point about researching, and then have a very open conversation with you doctor regarding any questions or concerns you may have.

Wishing you the best in your recovery.

Debbie

 

[Deleted member 6617]

Hi Perth Girl,

I too resisted anti-depressants, but gave in to taking them and am so very thankful I did. They sure have helped me contain my all over the place extreme emotions. Still have those too, but not nearly to the extent as I did. I also agree about talking to your doctor. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself when it comes to side affects or dosage or just plain not working. Unfortunately sometimes it takes time to find the right one for you in the right amount. Don't give up though and really be open and honest about how they are making you feel with your doctor. Best of luck to you in your journey!

 

[suzie q]

Welcome to the forum Perth Girl!!

I take anti-depressants and have for some years now. That doesn't mean that will be the case for you.

My suggestion is to try one, and if it doesn't work or gives you really bad side-effects, try another. In most cases, you won't have to take them for only a short period of time.

It is very important to keep in close communication with your doctor until you become adjusted. Never stop taking the medication (not only for a few hours) without talking to the doctor. Some have problems when you stop suddenly.

My take is, you don't know until you try! It's got to make you feel somewhat better than now, right? Good Luck..

 

[way_back_when]

Hi and welcome!

I was absolutely hesitant to take meds. My experiences in the past with certain side effects (mainly weight gain and tooth problems) discouraged me big time. After doing a lot of research and really being desperate for anything to help with my emotions, I agreed with my pdoc to go on an anti-convulsant which works as a mood stabilizer. I'm sure it saved my life. I was having gut wrenching dysphoric episodes. The side effects of this one were not like the others. I would definitely do research and talk about it with someone, especially since you have the question in your mind... it's probably a sign that you need something in combination with therapy!

Link Removed

 

[Perth girl]

Thanks guys, I have an appointment with my doctor this morning so I will discuss it in detail with him then!

 

[blaire redbird]

I too was just diagnosed with PTSD and have been taking an anti depressant and its working great for me.

 

[Vee Lagrome]

Hopefully your doctor can give you a fair discussion of meds and what to expect. I can tell you I was terrified of taking meds because I thought it would change how I thought or who I was, but really, it just calms down the storm of crazy in my brain. I think they are a very good supplement to treatment, but you have to do what you're comfortable with. It took me years to be convinced to get on medication because I just wasn't ready.
Anywho, I'm glad you are seeking opinions and help. I wish you all the best in your healing process and welcome to the forum! :)

 

[Perth girl]

Hey Guys,
So I have spoken to both my T and Doc, and we're going to hold off for a bit longer and see how things go...

But I am just wondering if anyone else has problems communicating with the Doc and/or T? I find that I find it really hard to talk about how I'm feeling and my thoughts. Sometimes it's as if I feel numb, and other times I just can't work out how I'm feeling, or simply can't explain it... but yet when I'm at home I can write these things down, but can't verbally communicate it.. and can't work it out on the spur of the moment...

One of my main problems is that I put up a strong front and make everyone think I'm fine, but then when I'm alone I crumble... I don't think I've ever cried so much in my life... I find it really hard to open up to people, and don't talk about how I'm feeling...

Does anyone understand what I'm saying? Or have any suggestions as to how I can make it easier to talk about things?

 

[Brontie]

Welcome to the forum.
There is so much information here, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.