Is There Anyone Else Not Taking Meds?

[shimmerz]

I think I can say with almost 100% certainty that if I had been on SSRI'(s) during the worst S(Ideation) (past) I would have definitely (most definitely, likely) managed to kill myself.

Yes. SSRI's were horrible for me. So was a week long stint with Seroquil. I suggest if one goes on medication that there is someone around to watch and see what the effects are. It is hard to see from the inside out.

Benzo's are a great help to me when I need them - like JL says, they help me manage through stuff I would normally melt down on.

 

[ground crew]

Yes. SSRI's were horrible for me. So was a week long stint with Seroquil. I suggest if one goes on m...

Oh, yea, exe number one was LATER diagnosed with border line personality disorder. They gave her a wide variety of pills for the symptom of the week, none of them worked and some of them were down right scary!! And coming off Prozac for her was a wild ride, comedic if not so dangerous.

Most of the pills they want to give me include ssri's. I don't need any side effects that include suicidal idealization. But if they work for you, do continue.

 

[barefoot]

I don't take any meds regularly – the only thing I take very occasionally is Valium, but I got them to help keep me calm for a couple of medical procedures I was dreading, so that was the purpose of the prescription and I only got 10 tablets, so could only use them sparingly as a GP isn't going to be dishing loads of those out really easily! I have taken a couple lately before bed because I felt so anxious and wired that I was trying to take the edge off so that I'd have a half decent night's sleep.

Over a decade ago (before my PTSD diagnosis) I took an antidepressant (Effexor) for about 18 months because...well...I was depressed! :-) So that's what my GP described. Anxiety wasn't really an issue then – just (!) a constant, numbing depression. At the time I thought the meds helped. Now I realise I was just so numbed out and was dissociating all the time, so I'm not so sure.

When I went to the GP a couple of months back to get some Valium for the medical stuff, I asked for a few more to keep in my handbag for anxiety/panic emergencies or to help me calm down if I was too wired to sleep. It was a GP I'd never seen before and I said lots of things about I understand the addictive nature of them, I'm not intending to take them every day, I just wanted a few extra so that I knew I had some if I suddenly needed them etc etc...she looked rather alarmed then said she'd feel more inclined to put me on an anti-depressant. Even though I hadn't mentioned depression at all! To be fair, I haven't talked to my GP about PTSD and it isn't on my medical notes, but I did mention that I was seeing a therapist and we were working on historical stuff. But still – if I'd have said 'ok then' I think she'd have just given me an anti-depressant there and then without really knowing anything about me or my history and with me saying I was anxious and had trouble sleeping – nothing about feeling depressed! My therapist was outraged when I told her! And, apart from anything else, she said that I'd be too numb and shut down to do any therapeutic work if I was on anti-depressants.

In terms of what helps instead of meds...I'm probably not the best person to advise at the moment seeing as my anxiety is pretty high at the moment (though not having panic attacks). But helpful things in the past have been: diaphragmatic breathing exercises (this was probably the biggest one – calming my whole system down and helping my parasympathetic system to kick in), taking regular exercise to discharge some of the energy from the anxiety (I took a couple of half hour or longer walks a couple of times a day), giving up caffeine, reducing my sugar intake (caffeine and sugar both being stimulants – not useful if you're trying to calm things down), taking baths (my therapist suggested soaking in magnesium salts – not sure if the salts do anything or not but I still enjoyed the relaxing soak!) I have no idea why I'm not doing any of these things myself at the moment (apart from the caffeine/sugar). I'm going to go for a walk after lunch and will do some breathing exercises before bed tonight :-)

 

[shell]

I tried medication, after three different types of anitdpressants I found they made me worse, one even increased my suicidal thoughts to planning. They just mostly made me numb, and I had so many side affects. My T helped me come off them so I no longer felt like a zombie, it helped me to participate in therapy emotionally in a way that I wasn't able to previously.

Over time I have learnt to change my thinking, and address the way I increased my symptoms.

 

[Saint Nik]

Many of you keep advising me to go with my Doctor as you may feel he/she knows best. I don't know what it is like for many of you, where you are, but in Scotland, the NHS GPs to me are nothing but drug dealers and pushing as much anti-depressants on to me as much as possble. These GPs are not mental health doctors, they are not trained on mental health either. This is why they give anti-depressants out to anyone with a slight sign of any mental disorder! This pisses me off with my doctor's because I know there is help without medication (again, for me, my choice and I have witnessed this for another PTSD sufferer!)
Also, they even admit these medications wont help me in the long term only the short term (that is what they tell me) and they have gave me strong pain relief for any pain I have been in.The worst thing about that though was the pain relief was that strong it slowed down my breathing and I was wheezing.Another doctor (got a 2nd opinion) then took me off the pain relief and was shocked I was put on them in the first place. Now this kind doctor told me that I should try psychological help with a clinician, also group therapy. . .had a counsellor too. This helped at the time. . . I still have symptoms from time to time.
I have had bad experiences with many medications and I am glad that my doctor has respected my wishes on refusing medication. My doctor has seen a progress in me and in her words, she said " Yes, I am shocked that you are well, I really believed after January you would have became worse as you refused so much medication we had on offer for you!"
I did that. I recovered and keep progressing without medication and I am glad I went beyond my doctors, because this proves to me I know my body better than the doctor's do and that in itself is empowering.

So please stop advising me to get back on medication or listen to my doctors. I didn't type up the thread to get advice. I wanted to see how many of you were not on medication, hoping I could relate with another on how tough this route is for them without meds (any type of meds!) I thought it would be nice to hear how they are doing it. Sharing tips with others on how I am coping and doing it.
I am not anti-med, I still take paracetmol if and when needed!
I am glad of all replies. . .what I am not liking is how some of you say I shouldn't go against my doctor. I will and I have and I know I am much better off without meds (for me!) I see the change in myself! Also, take note that I am not telling any of the people on here that are taking meds, not to, just because I feel it's working for me. I know that we are all different and things work differently for each and every one of us! I like the fact some of you tell me how meds work for you (but for only you) and you are not telling me because it works for you, I should be on them too! So, I thank you for that!
But the ones advising me to listen to my doctor (who only wants me on anti-depressants, he isn't offering me life-saving medication here for a medical condition that requires it, because if I did have a condition that needed meds, I of course would take it. Anti-depressants mess with mind and body chemistry and I refuse them and my doctor has completely respected that!)
I hope that clears it up for most of you. The thread wasn't because I was dithering about medication. It was to relate with many of you not on medication and how you are coping, for me to learn something new with your tips, suggestions and coping strategies!

 

[Saint Nik]

Hi folks.

I am putting up another thread for the people not taking medication for their PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks or even depression or for any mental health issue. The last thread https://www.myptsd.com/threads/is-there-anyone-else-not-taking-meds.55111/ unfortunately had some replies of some people thinking I shouldn't go against doctors, that I should take medication. . .not realising they only can talk from their experience and really have no clue what it is like for myself or anyone else for that matter. I don't mind if people taking meds do reply on this thread and express how much medication has been a life-saver for them, how they are finding it helps them cope. That's okay too. It isn't about being anti-med at all. I just want to know what it is like for the rest of you not on medication and what you do when your anxiety/panic flares up.
I would like to know what you are doing to cope. Whether it's exercising, balanced diet, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, herbal remedies, smoking? Being with certain carers, certain rituals, etc. You name it, I want to learn new tips on how you are doing it and how it's working for you.

I myself meditate, I also have a sister who is a reiki master and these things can help me. When I am having the worst panic attack. . .my new thing I do to cope is come straight on here and ask advice from you guys and guess what? It worked, just the weekend past there. Usually my panic would last longer, but since coming on here it lasted only a few hours. That's progress!!! :tup:
Things you suggest and advise helped me massively. Also, my partner is on here as a supporter and he has been learning so much too. This site has been a positive turn around for me.
Other things I do without medication: I also love driving around scenic areas in Scotland and listening to music, that can help me calm myself down at times. Walking in nature helps too (but I live in Scotland, so it does piss down with rain a lot - even during the Summer) :shifty:

Also, the tips I am getting from people on here is amazing. Been sent video links, learned about grounding techniques, and much more.

So this thread was typed for that in mind. Just sharing more coping strategies, tools, skills, mechanisms. . .just to see how you are doing it without medication. I would love to hear from you all :D Sharing is caring! ;)

 

[Anarchy]

@Saint Nik
That is one of those posts that I wish there were a multiple like button for.

Regaining and reclaiming your locus of control, and your sense of self agency is so important, and no feckin pill can give you that.

Bessel van den Kolk, describes the idea that we need pills and potions for trauma, as "a deeply post alcoholic culture", given your location, I won't labour that point.

I have neither a diagnosis nor meds, and would strongly resist either. Several of my heroes (I think most are female) here, are very clear that they cannot learn to deal with their difficulties, if they are being numbed. I have huge admiration for them.

By contrast, I lost all respect for a character who used to jump into introductory threads and tell new members to get a diagnosis. With hindsight, I suspect that that character possibly had such a poor sense of self that their diagnosis provided them with a sense of identity and self.

We are each individuals, and in many cases, we have to build that individuality from scratch as adults. And do it for ourselves is the only way to do it. Encouragement,ideas and a mirror to view that developing self can be offered by others, but the actual work can only be done by us.

@

 

[desiderata310]

I take a med that's actually for sleep that is actually a blood pressure med (and good for prostate I understand) but other than that and having things on hand for the really bad days I don't take meds. My therapist actually thinks of me as med free as a result. I RARELY take anything anymore except for the BP stuff. Does that count?
As for coping? that giant puppy in my avitar and exercise are my saving graces. That and sleep. The BP meds let me sleep...
I've tried taking other things anti-anxiety, anti-depressants, etc... they mess with my system too much and often make me worse. (I was on a anti-anxiety med that was SUPPOSED to help with sleep that made me suicidal for a bit) SO... as far as trying to be drug free I am right there with you.
I'm babbling.

 

[DogwoodTree]

I haven't been on meds for any of this stuff for almost 20 years. I do, however, take some supplements:

maca root--helps support the thyroid for healthy hormonal system
magnesium complex--muscle relaxant, helps with calcium absorption
turmeric--anti-inflammatory, which helps with depressive symptoms (this is the main one I can really tell a difference if I don't take it)
vit D3--immune system support
fish oil--supports better brain function, clearer thought

There's nothing I can take to "treat" a flare-up of symptoms. I have activities/thought processes for that. Not that this stuff always works, but the side effects of the meds I was on in college undermined too much of the value of life to make it worth it.

Some of my fallbacks when I'm struggling: Star Trek reruns (yes, I'm a geek), researching a topic of interest (lately that's been a lot of mental health-related stuff), hiking, music, watching TV, or making myself get to work on my to-do list for my job.

 

[Weemie]

i am med-free. it isn't some moral decision, meds just don't work with my body. tranqs/ssris/snris/anti-psychs/tricyclics all spiral me out. i'm fighting against them, panicking for hours. anything "drowsy" like that. the rest (gabapentin/benzos/etc) i just eat until i'm dead. addict in me, kind of a suck. i drink sometimes, to keep a curb on things and balance me out. usually i limit to a couple glasses of wine, in a relaxing environment. good food, good tv. not a symptom spiral. i used to smoke, but i gave that up. i'm trying to replace it with exercise. walking, yoga.

ever since i quit smoking i've been thinking a lot about how humans are designed, and how our environments are designed. so many of us shovel things into our bodies to try and feel better, i've been doing it since i was 12. i knew it was a thing when i was 8. i saw someone OD when i was 8, literally die in front of me because they just had to shovel more into them.

and i was like, well what do humans do? you know? what do we do, what are we supposed to do when we want to feel good? and the thing that keeps coming back to me, is exercise. we're supposed to exercise, we were built to run. we are the most capable long-distance runners on earth, it releases endorphins which make us feel good, just like drugs do.

eh, it's just been rolling around in my brain.

 

[joeylittle]

I am putting up another thread for the people not taking medication for their PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks or even depression or for any mental health issue. The last thread https://www.myptsd.com/threads/is-there-anyone-else-not-taking-meds.55111/ unfortunately had some replies of some people thinking I shouldn't go against doctors, that I should take medication. . .not realising they only can talk from their experience and really have no clue what it is like for myself or anyone else for that matter.

So the readers aren't confused: I've merged @Saint Nik's new thread (which I'm quoting from) with the original thread (listed above inside the quote).

The OP has done a great job refining the question and asking for it to stay on-topic. @Saint Nik - you may come across responses that don't necessarily help you, but the best way to deal with it is in-thread, as you've done, rather than opening another, too similar thread. It's the nature of the forum for discussions to wander, but I do think you've stated your wishes very clearly.

Back to topic: I'm not sure how you feel about supplements, but @DogwoodTree has a great point about generally focusing on keeping your body in as good a working order as you can - have you ever consulted with a nutritionist/holistic-type-person? (I dunno how that would work in the NHS)

 

[DogwoodTree]

have you ever consulted with a nutritionist/holistic-type-person? (I dunno how that would work in the NHS)

You might can do this on your own without "official" help. There are a lot of good people running mom-and-pop nutrition stores these days. The way I approach it...I focus on one or two issues that I know I need to deal with (such as depression). I might do a little research first, or I might go straight to a nutrition store that has a good variety of products and is staffed by the owner(s). I asked them for recommendations, then use that as a starting point for deeper research on my own. Only after I feel fairly confident about what product(s) I want to try, do I go back and get the stuff.

If it's what the person recommended, that's all well and good. One of the most telling experiences, though, about whether the person really knows their stuff or is just trying to sell you stuff, is when you come to a different conclusion than what they offered. If you can explain your reasoning for a different conclusion, and they carry on an intelligent, supportive, and helpful conversation about it (whether they agree with you or not), you'll learn a lot about the person's integrity and knowledge of their products. But if they don't understand why one product is better than another, or if they adamantly argue that they're right and you're wrong...find a different store.

Add one product at a time to your regimen, and see if it makes a difference. So long as nothing gets worse, try stopping the product a few weeks later, and see if anything changes. If you feel worse during the break, add the product back in. If you don't notice a change during the break, you can ignore it going forward and try something else.

This isn't perfectly scientific, but it helps you get a good feel for what works with your body/chemistry, and what doesn't. Even if 95% of reviews are positive for St. John's Wort, for example, it still might not work well for you if you have bipolar rather than just uni-polar depression.

The main drawback of doing this on your own is that you don't have much support if something goes wrong. You really have to take personal responsibility for anything and everything you try, and have some kind of safety net if something you try goes wrong. Know your own sense of willpower and ability to keep on keepin' on.