Tired Of People Who Down Me For Not Taking Meds

[Artista]

I wish to be clear. I am not against taking medication. I am not judgmental of those who choose to! I just expect the same in return. I have always taken a more "natural" approach to my living. That always sounds kinda snobby to some or has its stereotypical connotations! I wish there was respect on both ends of this decision by more people. It is frustrating and of course makes me second guess myself sometimes, but I need to trust myself!

THAT is a big part of this issue for me. I am learning to trust myself all over again. Some people in my life have mentioned, I need to be on something. The reason??? One person claimed that everything he reads has people on meds so life is easier to handle and I don't get sick from my PTSD's complications. That almost everyone is on something that deals with this. Really?? I beg to differ. First of all, it's hard to whole way around. With or without use of meds. Second, I suppose it is out of concern that it is mentioned, but also shows these people don't understand I am learning to be in tune to ME. If I am uncomfortable, I shouldn't do it. For me, I need to feel I am doing all I can for me in what I already have available to me. Should my sleep disturbances or attitude turn into my not being able to function or impede me so much day-to-day, I would certainly be open to the possibility of something non-habit forming to help me. It is simply in me listening to myself and what I intuitively know (that I am dealing best I can without right now and doing ok) that must be respected. I know it is also a control issue. I have avoided misuse of alcohol and drugs in general because to me it is giving over the power to yet another "thing" and I despise that feeling. Plus, I know I was drugged with something in one of my traumas. I do try to see it from all angles and be sure I am not choosing no meds for wrong things. I also sometimes think... maybe they don't want to hear or deal with my trauma and think if I am on meds it will be easier for them! Like, here take a pill already! Dunno... frustrates me!

Just wish people who care about PTSDers would see how hard we try to relearn trust in self and get behind that. The person with the PTSD is who is going through it. Yes, we affect others and they deserve an opinion. It must be respected that it IS individual how we react. Sorry.. just spouting I guess!!!!

 

[intothelight]

Hi Arista,

I think that medication should always be a personal choice. Medication can both help and harm and should be used judiciously, when it is used. Lifestyle changes are the best approach as they are permanent and your not likely to develop a tolerance. Do what is right for you.

Intothelight

 

[Jline]

I also choose not to take meds and also became very annoyed with my family who wanted a quick fix for me and them. Follow your instincts Artista.

 

[Lucycat]

I second that! Good for you.

I personally DO take meds, but that was because I reached a place where I could not function. I was first prescribed one, then changed to another that suits me just fine. yes, there are side effects and I have reduced to a minimum dose, but I have further predictable stress ahead and I need to survive it. I mean that quite literally- previously a similar situation pressed my 'self-destruct' button. I don't want to go there again and the meds keep me stable until then.

I will stop them when it - the court proceedings- are all over. I feel in control of the situation, although am religiously following the advice of my T.

But that is my story, and I would never try to persuade anyone else what is right for them.

 

[Artista]

Thanks for the comments.

LucyCat... just my point. I know there is time to try other things, especially in certain circumstances when too much is out of your control and you need to be present and accounted for. I wish you the best with the court proceedings. That's a lotta stress and extra on top of it all! Sounds like your T listens to you and works well with you.

Time and place and person appropriate... so true.

 

[Iam]

Good for you Artista! If you can function and not be on meds that is absolutely the best case scenerio. The meds are always there as an option if needed.

I was put on medication when I had a complete breakdown. I was told that because of the change in my brain chemistry that I should stay on them for life. The problem is that I ended up emotionally numb. I went off my meds 6 months ago on the advice of my T so I could access my feelings. I have to say that it has been really tough feeling emotions again, but it is necessary in order to work thru my traumas. I am hoping that when I am done with therapy that I won't have the need to go back on them. We'll see.

I have close friends who keep questioning my being off the medication. They think I functioned better on them. I understand they are just concerned and I accept their advice for just that, concern. Ultimately though, it's up to me and I choose to follow the advice of my T as he is helping me work thru this crap. I trust he will tell me if he thinks I should go back on them.

 

[Aine]

Artista,

Well done for sticking to your principals.

I tried meds once, but they made everything worse and I didn't feel like me any more so I stopped taking them. I can't function on or off them but I feel better off them. Like you, I get people (doctors, mostly) who judge me for not taking meds. They're always like "Are you on any meds for your symptoms?" and I say "no" and they kind of look at me like I'm wasting their time by not choosing the quick fix solution.

I've never been an alcoholic but until February, I didn't have a healthy relationship with alcohol and I decided that I didn't want to be on meds because it would just be swapping one type of pollution for another, which is another reason I don't take anything. Not even sleeping tablets.

However, I do feel medication is a personal choice. It works for some people, not for others. People should respect that.

I hope you find some tolerance :)

Love and Light,

Aine.

 

[Artista]

Thank you for seconding my plight of learning to trust and know what is best specifically for me. It is hard to get to this point where i am not swayed. I have done many things in the past to not hurt a person or stand up to someone when i felt strongly... i would just agree or not say a word fearing it hurts their feelings. I'm learning to speak up when i should. This is one of those times. Having my T trust the way i am handling is very important. She does say, "You are worth it. I will always be on the cautious side and listen to what you say." Means a lot!

When it comes to my health, I have learned I DO actually have an IB (inner bitch)! An advisor of mine said... "My... you don't even recognize your IB... or that you have one!" I had no clue what she meant! LOL It is very freeing when she is allowed out at right time.

 

[anni]

I have a really hard time with this, also. It is absolutely a choice. Everyone in the end does know themselves, what they require to cope and how best to do that for THEMSELVES. Judgements either way have no place in genuine healing, I don't think. it's hard enough to get to the point of being self-aware enough, and confident enough to take our 'own reins'- judgemental overlays from others is just intrusive. Good for you, for knowing what works best for you! I've been on and off meds for years, and finally got to the point of allowing myself to know when and how, and make the choice.

 

[Marley]

I've read way too many things about side-effects. I keep encouraging my girlfriend to stay off of the medication, because I really don't think she even has PTSD, that if she did, it was a mild form of it, and just more of anxiety issues. Anyways ...

 

[James B.]

Artista, I want to confess I too have an IB. :smile: Uh, I know, it's...shocking. For instance, yesterday I left my swim mask at the pool. No one turned it in. Someone walked off with my swim mask. So, yes, today my "IB" was somewhat "near the surface" you might say...

Take care,
James B.

 

[Artista]

LOL James.... yes everyone has an IB I guess. I happen to have come across many who are actually more like Outer Bitches that can't seem to reel in!! I'd rather finally find mine and use appropriately. I couldn't get over how good it felt when it seems the right moment. I am just not aggressive.

I have talked again with T and she is still happy with my track record and my noticing the pattern of how I relate to things. So, for now, especially since i am actually sleeping A LOT more I won't be trying any meds for assistance. Anxiety is there always but in-check.