Overcoming mental health without medication. Is it possible?

Anonymous

Overcoming mental health without medication. Is it possible?

I’ve just been diagnosed with extreme anxiety and PTSD. I’m seeing a psychologist. I have decided to try and beat this demon without medication. My question is, has anyone had any success getting through extreme mental health without medication? I have 3 little children and a husband. My husband is extremely supportive and happy to support me with whichever way I decide to tackle this. This has been a long process even getting to the Dr for a diagnosis. It took me years to work up the courage to talk to anyone about how I’ve been feeling. I’m struggling a lot this week though and am feeling like I may need medication, but am still not keen on daily tablets. Plus I’m terrible at remembering to take medication on a daily basis. I always forget to take it. Please no negative comments. I’m struggling enough without nasty comments. I just want to know if anyone has come through the other side without medication?

*edit* Not remembering to take medication isn’t the reason for not wanting it. I worry about the side effects. I just don’t really like taking medication of any type. Obviously if it was a matter of life and death I’d take whatever meds I needed to to keep myself alive. I’m not saying that I’ll never take anti anxiety meds, I’m just not keen right now. I’d like to try and get through this without them. If I’m struggling too much, obviously I’ll go and get some. I was just wanting to here from people who have managed anxiety and ptsd without meds.

Posted in:  Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression

14 Replies

Anonymous

As a sufferer myself, there are times I’ve gotten through without medication and there are times where I really couldn’t survive without it.
The only thing you can do is judge on your symptoms and coping skills and the medical advice you receive.
If the concern is remembering to take it, there are devices you can buy that make sure you take the medication. They ring an alarm and don’t stop ringing until you tip the medication out of its container.

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Anonymous

For your children’s sake, take the meds. You may think you can over come this and be fine but chances are you can’t and won’t with out the proper plan in place

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Anonymous

Look it it this way.

If you had diabetes would you say, "nah, I don't need insulin, I can beat this demon on my own"?
Or "I feel like I might need my insulin today but I'm not keen on daily medication"?

You get where I'm going with this don't you?

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If medication is one aspect of your mental health plan that will help keep you balanced and maintaining a functional life, then that's extremely positive!

Generally speaking, a combination of psychiatric care, medication and lifestyle changes see the best outcomes.

Medication may not even need to be a long term thing.

I would really suggest you discuss this with your doctor and really take on board their advice.

Best of luck and I hope things start getting on track for you whichever way you decide to go!

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Anonymous

I set a twice a day alarm on my phone called "take your fucking tablets already".

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Anonymous

With it being ëxtreme"at the moment, i would def be taking the meds. It's not the end of the world.

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Anonymous

Testing of anti anxiety meds reveals they are only effective in about 30% of cases and have some nasty side effects. That’s not to say don’t take them but it is to give an idea that they aren’t the be all and end all. Do not do nothing. See a psychiatrist, discuss possible therapy’s and be committed to those. Keep seeing your psychologist. Do some research there is some good evidence to support CBD oil for PTSD again though you have to weigh up the consequences.

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Anonymous

If you need it, TAKE IT. Stop self sabotaging. Set an alarm and take the medicine. Go for the walk. Go to meet your friends. Your professionals. Do the work. Get better.

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Anonymous

Best to have a conversation with your GP, I had the same worries but in the end, even my extensive self-work and professional therapy were not enough to combat my mental illness on its own. Unfortunately, there is no cure, only management.

What works for some does not work for others, but most find that you do need a combo of meds, therapy, and self-work to get to a place of stability or 'normalcy'. There are medications out there with fewer side-effects such as Lexapro which is known as an SSRI class drug, commonly used for generalized anxiety and depression. From personal experience, it works wonders for me; but I also had to undergo Neurotherapy for PTSD as the Lexapro only helps with my physical reactions to anxiety. It's probably not what you wanted to hear but I wholeheartedly understand where you are coming from. Make the best decision for you, but don't be afraid of trialing medication (make sure you have a good GP who understands your concerns first!).

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Anonymous

I'm coping. Not managing, not overcoming. I too fear that side effects will adversely effect my work, job or life. I guess if you have the chance to try them do so because if life can be better who wouldn't want that.

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Anonymous

I tried to at first, but I wasn't able to with severe depression and extreme anxiety. I was on meds for two years and then weaned off them. I still have anxiety (and now possible PTSD) but they are not as overwhelming so I am dealing well without medications. I say if you are coping ok in the day to day then try without but if it gets too much there is nothing wrong with doing them for a while and then easing off them as you progress through. Good luck xx

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Anonymous

I have ptsd also from my abusive ex and am going it without meds. I am single mum with 4 kids, one of whom is a newborn.
Meditation, yoga, vitamins, eating vegan whole foods and no sugar etc help sooo much.
Just being self aware I suppose is a major step.
I also brought a hypnosis that I do and see a counsellor.
I have to say since I really got serious about all this it has changed my life. Can not recommend it enough. I looked within and found who I really am and have changed my life to suit.
Good luck

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Anonymous

I was diagnosed with a post natal depression after my first child was born, I was adamant that I didn’t want to take any medication. But I knew the thoughts I was having weren’t healthy or normal. My dr asked me if I wanted to feel normal again which of course I did so I started them. It is not an instantaneous change but yes over a about 5 weeks I was feeling myself again and kept taking them for 12 months. I just knew I didn’t want to keep feeling that way and I wanted to feel me again. I have been on and off a few different medications (due to family circumstances) but mostly off them - my son is now 11 and I am so thankful for that medication so that I could appreciate my family again.

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Anonymous

Try the meds. As someone who was against taking them, the difference they have made to my life over the last three years of taking is amazing. They are a tool, not the answer. It still requires hard work and changing your mindset. I am no longer in tears every 5 seconds, don’t have to check the door is locked a million times, and I have more clarity around everyday things. Sometimes I have bad times and begin some of my old tendencies, but it is easier to stop myself.

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Anonymous

This time last year I was hospitalised for over 2 months with major depression and anxiety. During that time I was trialled on so many different medications and had to do 12 sessions of electro convulsion therapy. It was a horrible time for my partner kids and parents. I am now off all medication due to side effects, I’m not out of the woods but I’m not contemplating wanting to “sleep”. It’s a hard road and if the good outweighs the bad days, you have good support and you’re not suicidal than it’s your decision. Regular checks with your gp, and health care team are a must. Use the help lines, I found the beyond blue online forum really helpful. I wish you luck with this horrible illness and remember that there are so many medications out there that you keep an open mind if it has to come to that. I’ve only just returned to work and not yet ready to have to take time off due to trialling a new medication if there’s side effects.

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