More Meds

[intothelight]

Hi Everyone,

This diagnosis is very new and my psychiatrist prescribed meds, for the anxiety, on top of what she has already prescribed. Is it normal to have a medicine cabinet look a pharmacy?

I guess the good news is, she referred me to a therapist who specializes in the issues associated with domestic abuse. Since I can verbalize complete thoughts now, I guess she figures I can talk. However, most of the time I don't want to talk about anything or to anyone. except my dogs.

This is all just overwhelming. Want to cry, but I know I'll never stop.

Intothelight

 

[anni]

Hi,

It's really, really a lot, I know. Talking to the dogs is actually a good thing, don't you think? You're verbalizing, working things through, making some sort of sense to yourself and what better sympathetic audience could you have? You have the diagnosis, the acceptance and are beginning the therapy. Whatever awful, horrible events transpired that brought you here ISN'T any more. As terrible as it feels, this is healing now, you know?

Meds are really, really specific, in my opinion, to each person in the end. It seems like the needs for 'whatever' also change through time depending on what's going on. I couldn't tolerate a too-high dose of the SSRI's, for instance and some people's chemistrys require much more than me to get their seratonin levels to kick in to where they should be. I also found that I wasn't inclined to feel well if I used something like Lorazapam too much. I really, really needed it for those times when I just could NOT get myself back to any kind of ability to step back from the grief, pain and tears. Too much made me ill, others tolerate it too well. It's a learning expereince, really, and you're the one who can tell your professional what feels correct for you. That's just my opinion from trial and tons of error. :)

It's a LOT, I know. It's a good place to be, since at the very least you're not alone with this dam thing. Even just browsing and not posting is helpful so if you have the energy, I hope it's possible for you to come back. Either way, please do take good care of yourself. :)

Anni

 

[intothelight]

Hi Anni,

Thank you for the encouragement. I really have no idea what is happening, going to happen, what works, what doesn't work, etc. This site is very helpful in providing information and I am just starting to take it all in.

Medication seems to be a start and I am just learning about the ones the psychiatrist prescribed. There is a lot to learn about the brain chemistry and what the medications do or do not work on. Also, I have seen posts concerning problems associated with benzodiazepines (sp?), so I did request these not be prescribed. It is hard enough dealing with smoking, let alone something else that is potentially addictive. This information was very helpful.

Talking to my dogs is my best therapy. I have one dog who wakes me from nightmares and seems to sense whenever something is wrong. I can always count on him to comfort me, even before I realize I need comforting. They are amazing creature.

Intothelight

 

[anni]

Hi again,

I just wished to let you know your post did give me some pleasant little chills of recognition. The dogs do know, I don't think anyone could possibly convince me otherwise. It isn't just a warm animal who requires attention-they genuinely DO 'know', don't they? You'll see quite a few posts in various threads over time here concerning people's pets. It's no coiincidence so many of us know them like they really are.

Good for you staying so self aware with the meds. I know I went through a phase where I drifted into allowing myself to use Lorazapam to get to sleep EVERY night automatically, assuming it would be one of 'those' nights instead of waitiing to see if I could get myself grounded. I stopped that nonsense by myself when I realized what was up, but it was a little hellish. My chemistry has even started reacting differently to Zoloft over the years, so yes, we're just all SO specific and different. I'm amazed at the various stories members post, since it does highlight how there just is no across-the-board, finite answer by way of meds for any one person.

Give your dog an extra hug. I'd say doggie treat, but I know I'm in the process of walking off a few extra pounds from my big TJ from over-indulging his fondness for them. :) He's very hard to resist.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Anni,

I agree that dogs do "know" even before we do at times. They are a wonderful source on comfort and companionship.

Enjoy walking TJ and I'll give Zeus a hug. He's a Newfie puppy around a year old, so treats are still OK.

Intothelight

 

[anni]

I hope you don't mind me writing again-not trying to be intrusive. Knowing your Zeus is a Newfie just made me wish to mention our family legend Newfie-I wonder if it's the breed? I never knew him. He was my grgrandmother's dog, up in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Nana was born in 1881, so for a dog to be so well remembered is something. He was the children's nanny, took them to school, stuck to them 24/7, protected them from an attack. Funny, she always spoke of his as one would a confidant and friend. Now that we have all this room out here in the woods, we've been seriously looking at adopting one.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Anni,

You are not being intrusive and to be honest, I can talk about dogs all day. By all means, proceed with your adoption of a Newfie. They are wonderful dogs and don't really need a lot of space, but they do need a lot of exercise. Newfies are real couch potatoes if you let them; but they love to go for walks, and of course, swim.

The description of your Nana's Newfie, is typical of the breed. I am hoping to get Zeus certified as a therapy dog so I can take him into hospitals, nursing homes, and the local womens' shelter. It's also my way to get back out into public and take my "security blanket" with me.

Intothelight

 

[anni]

Oh my you just possibly pushed us over the edge here into getting into the car and allowing ourselves to be ensnared by one. I've been seriously thinking of using some credentials finally and getting to the women's shelters. It's actually ( quite frankly ) the PTSD dreck that has been 'holding me back' since I was THERE 20 years ago. The possibility of scoping out therapys with animals is fabulously intriguing-having a Newfie and training is something which would certainly provide the impetous to get my head out of my own troubles( and aging backside ) and go help someone else! :)

 

[intothelight]

Hi Anni,

Follow your heart in this one.

Intothelight