I found I needed the pills IN ORDER TO eat better, exercise, and get enough sleep. Also, Taylor's "arm floaties" metaphor is one of my favorite things ever.

@kiarya7939

4 ай бұрын

I’m very much in the same boat. All those things definitely help, but I need medication to be able to get to the point that I can do those things in the first place. “Arm Floaties” has been my family’s around the house term for our assorted medications ever since this special came out- it’s the BEST metaphor. And also a great way to explain to folks that are completely neurotypical

@lifelikelisa

4 ай бұрын

What are y’all struggling with that makes it difficult to tackle those things, if you don’t mind me asking?

@kiarya7939

4 ай бұрын

@@lifelikelisa personally I’m dealing with bipolar

@teesh871

4 ай бұрын

Same

@hawthorne954

4 ай бұрын

I love it too! She’s hilarious! 😊

My mom has Bipolar Type II, I believe. Throughout my childhood, she would try a med here and there and then give up when it didn’t help right away. When I was ten years old, she found a medication that worked for her and I remember thinking, “Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen Mom happy.”

@mariannehavisham8323

4 ай бұрын

Sending love, I felt that, genuinly

The thing that helped me to decide was my therapist telling me that I had good coping mechanisms but they weren't working for me anymore. That's when meds help

Taylor Tomlinson is my favorite comedian - such smart and grounded humor. So awesome that you covered this!

I wish you reacted to the arm floaties analogy, it's the best part!

@MendedLight

4 ай бұрын

I BLEW IT! You are right, though. So good.

When I when to my doctor for anxiety meds shortly after i graduated high school he told me I would most likely need them the rest of my life to regulate my chemical imbalance. About a year or 2 later I lost my health insurance and had to stop taking them cold turkey. They did help a bit but it turns out that what i really needed was just therapy and meditation. I am glad that i found what works for me and i hope others can find what works for them

@pigpjs

4 ай бұрын

It's possible the meds helped get you to the point that therapy and meditation can be effective. Glad you were able to find a path to health

@recoveringsoul755

4 ай бұрын

Life circumstances are constantly changing and affecting us. I don't think it's right for a medical professional to tell you it's a lifetime sentence. And the whole "chemical imbalance" thing has been debunked. What chemical? Can it be measured? There's no proof there is any chemical imbalance. For women especially, we've got hormones and cycles and as we age those change. A lot of her symptoms can overlap with things like autism. And bipolar meds might be all wrong

I was on an anti-depressent for moderate depression. I had other health issues and switched to a whole food plant-based diet and found that my moods stabilized after several months, so I stopped taking the pills. My mood remained stable, but I noticed that my focus was all over the place and started doing more reading on it. I have an appointment for an evaluation to see if I'm ADHD. That realization explains sooo much about my brain! I'm back on the anti-depressant because it does helps my focus, and we'll see what happens next.

@sathvamp1

4 ай бұрын

In terms of diet, the whole food aspect is definitely critical for health. By the way, if it's "WHOLE", animal products can be healthy too in moderation especially if certified organic which does not legally allow hormones or synthetic chemicals. I was just posting to the video, I am glad he mentioned that SOME cases of mood imbalances can be fixed with dietary changes... I've seen research revealing SO many mechanisms by which aspects of "bad food" can throw off mood... some of the research articles don't even mention mood at all but through basic biology background, I can see how it could happen. For ONE example, in order for the new gene featured in the "RoundUp Ready" specifically type of GMO crop to BE resistant to RoundUp, the new gene codes for a new enzyme that makes tyrosine and tryptophan "a different way".... BUT some research has shown that that new gene is LESS EFFICIENT than the old natural gene at making tyrosine and tryptophan. Why that is important is coming up further below in my comment, but first: It's not just in crop plants; that new gene HAS BEEN FOUND also in our gut bacteria (possibly from the process of microbial transformation or transfer of gene from GMO food to our bacteria, BUT even more likely it would have been from eating "probiotic" bacteria that ALREADY HAD the gene... because that new gene wasn't even made from scratch by scientists... it was FOUND in soil heavily contaminated with RoundUp... then used to make new GMO crops. When it comes to that gene in our bacteria, when it gets exposed to RoundUp (which is found in any food NOT labeled "organic"), it gets naturally "selected for". SO, what is the big deal with "less efficient production of tryptophan and tyrosine by our bacteria, or less dietary sources"? But first by the way: OTHER studies have supported that other fact by separately pointing out that levels of "protein" (which are partly composed of tyrosine and tryptophan) were about 30% less in GMO crops than organic... and the lowered production of those amino acids of that new gene is probably why, although the paper didn't say that. I love connecting the dots! SO, what is the big deal with "less efficient production of tryptophan and tyrosine by our bacteria, or less dietary sources"? Well... those amino acids are the "raw materials" humans need to synthesize serotonin and dopamine. AND we make some melatonin out of some of that serotonin. SO that means... theoretically... less of those amino acids (from NON-organic aspects of crops / food, specifically the "GMO factor")... would logically mean a neurotransmitter imbalance and risk of mood disorders (AND risk of sleep disorders because of the relatively lack of melatonin). When I first read all those papers, I felt like I was speculating too much... but THEN a FEW YEARS LATER, after I thought of all that... I started to see research papers mentioning those same ideas lol!

Amazing video! I was on lexapro for 2 years due to depression/anxiety which was always present and worsened pre menstrually and interfered with work and study. I am grateful for how they helped me function. I came off them when they stopped helping and i was in a better space anyway. I was also sick of not being able to orgasm. Coming off sucked. Now i find myself in a bit of a depressive episode again due to ambiguous grief (visited my family on the other side of the world and had to leave again) but I've been focusing on nutrition and exercise and seeing my counselor more often rather than surpressing these feelings i need to work through. Ups and downs but i will try my best to not need meds again as i dont like the dependency and side effects.

I am so glad you had this video because I just had this conversation with my mom today. Should I take medication? You were my first step to finally seeking out a therapist. Thank you for all your positive videos!

A video that's speaking to things I've been struggling with for a while, especially with my ADHD and the struggle to both find and take meds for it! Thought I'd share two songs showing both different mindsets I've been in on my journey - "I Miss The Mountains" (from the musical Next To Normal), and "God & Prozac". It's a difficult battle I'm still struggling with, 2 years after starting meds, and I suspect I'll still be struggling with it forever. The question I've been asking myself that helps the most has been, as Jono says, "is it taking the edge off enough that I can do the rest of the work?".

@homeiswonderland

4 ай бұрын

Next to Normal yeeeeeeeeeeeees

I am so glad you mentioned that SOME cases of mood imbalances can be fixed with dietary changes... I've seen research revealing SO many mechanisms by which aspects of "bad food" can throw off mood... some of the research articles don't even mention mood at all but through basic biology background, I can see how it could happen. For ONE example, in order for the new gene featured in the "RoundUp Ready" specifically type of GMO crop to BE resistant to RoundUp, the new gene codes for a new enzyme that makes tyrosine and tryptophan "a different way".... BUT some research has shown that that new gene is LESS EFFICIENT than the old natural gene at making tyrosine and tryptophan. Why that is important is coming up further below in my comment, but first: It's not just in crop plants; that new gene HAS BEEN FOUND also in our gut bacteria (possibly from the process of microbial transformation or transfer of gene from GMO food to our bacteria, BUT even more likely it would have been from eating "probiotic" bacteria that ALREADY HAD the gene... because that new gene wasn't even made from scratch by scientists... it was FOUND in soil heavily contaminated with RoundUp... then used to make new GMO crops. When it comes to that gene in our bacteria, when it gets exposed to RoundUp (which is found in any food NOT labeled "organic"), it gets naturally "selected for". SO, what is the big deal with "less efficient production of tryptophan and tyrosine by our bacteria, or less dietary sources"? But first by the way: OTHER studies have supported that other fact by separately pointing out that levels of "protein" (which are partly composed of tyrosine and tryptophan) were about 30% less in GMO crops than organic... and the lowered production of those amino acids of that new gene is probably why, although the paper didn't say that. I love connecting the dots! SO, what is the big deal with "less efficient production of tryptophan and tyrosine by our bacteria, or less dietary sources"? Well (I hope you already know this, Jono)... those amino acids are the "raw materials" humans need to synthesize serotonin and dopamine. AND we make some melatonin out of some of that serotonin. SO that means... theoretically... less of those amino acids (from NON-organic aspects of crops / food, specifically the "GMO factor")... would logically mean a neurotransmitter imbalance and risk of mood disorders (AND risk of sleep disorders because of the relatively lack of melatonin). When I first read all those papers, I felt like I was speculating too much... but THEN a FEW YEARS LATER, after I thought of all that... I started to see research papers mentioning those same ideas lol!

For me deciding to take medication was easy, I knew I needed help if I wanted to continue to live. What was exhausting was the process f finding the right medication to work for me. Some were not effective, some had side effects I could not tolerate. I must have tried 15-20 medications before I found one to work for me. It was hard, but I’m glad I stuck with it

I’ve always said meds won’t get you to shore but they can get your head above the water long enough to let you figure out which way to swim.

Jonathan, I'd like your two cents on "The body keeps the score". It argues for options other than medication: emdr, yoga, etc

Psychotherapy greatly helped with my anxiety and depression. I definitely had some childhood trauma I had to work through. At the age of 40, I finally decided to try medication for my ADHD. It was LIFE CHANGING. I didn't know what I had been missing out on. In addition to the effects I had hoped for, like the ability to focus, I saw numerous unexpected benefits. My brain was quiet for the first time EVER. I could focus on just one thought. I'm calmer. I'm better socially. I'm not butting into conversations with only mildly related comments because I'm paying attention to more than 5% of the conversation, so I actually know what is being discussed, and I can keep a single thought in my head of what I want to say so I don't impulsively blurt it out before I forget it. Being better socially has increased my self-esteem. I don't feel like life is one long, exhausting to-do list because I am more motivated and efficient at getting things done. I don't feel constantly overwhelmed because it's much easier to plan and tackle tasks. If I knew how much easier life could be, I would've tried medication 20 years ago.

My provider (an NP who specializes in mental health) was very open from the beginning about my medications and what they're generally for. I am on a mood stabilizer and she told me straight up it's mainly for bipolar, but it does work for other conditions - in my case, PMDD. I honestly hadn't even realized that my PMS wasn't "normal" until I had a serious low that I hadn't had since starting my other medication, and recognized it in time to be able to make an appointment with her and got a diagnosis.

I’ve been put on an SSRI and I think I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not a serotonin problem. It’s an oxytocin problem. When I finally got an SO and getting human touch more regularly, that’s the only thing that made my anxiety and depression tamp down. The SSRI barely touches it

@sathvamp1

4 ай бұрын

I'm of course not sure if this will help since hormones and emotions can be so complicated BUT I got really excited myself when I discovered the surprising trigger for oxytocin release (for me at least, it works!) called "tearjerker movies". Apparently oxytocin can get released along with tears, and I was oblivious to that potential effect until I was in my 30's already and saw "Inside Out" for the first time. Actually since I was with my roommates and did NOT want to let them see my cry, I held back (BUT with such great effort it was PAINFUL to hold back!) ... then later I discovered I was actually CRAVING more tearjerker movies (probably since something "still needed to be let out"). I NEVER had such a craving before in my life, so that was a huge surprise. It took a while to find more (and a second watch of "Inside Out" did nothing) ... but once I found some really effective ones, I really noticed (without fully researching it, which I did later!) how potent of an anxiolytic / anxiety-reducer that oxytocin can be. Because... for example, after seeing one particular movie that was extremely effective in getting a tearful effect from me, all through the next DAY, I noticed I was just very calmly and contentedly doing my computer work... without feeling anxious or rushed about anything (which is unusual for me!). Then I looked up "oxytocin anxiolytic" and sure enough, that is one of its properties!

Taylor Tomlinson is so funny!

I loved that standup sooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for reacting to it

Thanks for doing this Jono, I’ve spent the last few years struggling a lot with diagnoses (autism, adhd, anxiety, depression and more others that unlike those previously mentioned ones are simply suspected but not confirmed) and the medication side of things has made a big impact on my ability to exist as a functional human and anytime someone talks about this stuff for openly it get easier for others to do so and feel seen and less alone.

I'm reluctant to post this but I lost my psychiatrist of 30 years last July. There was nothing by ways of a referral or backup. I have been my own psychiatrist for 7 months now. Luckily my PCP was able to get me some prescriptions while I look for a new prescriber. Apparently my current health insurance is pretty much useless for my mental health. I am having a lot of trouble finding coverage for someone to give me my meds of the past 25 years (the first 5 years were standard experiments of different meds). I've taken Lithium since age 13, an antipsychotic and 1mg of a benzo every night since 2004. The LIthium is easy to get, obviously. Yes, I get blood work and Luckily, my kidneys are doing "Great. " thank god.

"Sometimes eating and excercicing right can help." Jzst like Soul Eater taught us: A healthy Soul lives in a healthy Body and a healthy mind.

I was thinking about meds and my therapist said the same thing as you did - that I should first try exercise and also come see her and talk through things and learn techniques. And I started really working out regularly and now I always say that for me it's an anti anxiety pill. It's a way to get the negative energy out, shut down negative thoughts and it grounds me. Before I self harmed because it was easier to feel physical pain than mental and it grounded me. But now I usually avoid having to resort to that because I go for a workout instead. Honestly I'm relieved because I was afraid to get meds, happy I get to help myself this way but I know it's different for everybody.

@fruityeva

4 ай бұрын

Sohappy for you!❤

"When we take care of our body, we take care of our mind." ...Thank you, Jono. I needed this reminder. It's a kick in the butt to hurry up and get out of this sad diet I've currently been eating. We'll start there. I love your neutral stance on medication and the knowledge that it isn't necessary for everyone. I agree, 100%. I have personally turned down medication (for a physical condition) that I felt I didn't need, instead choosing to eat right. But those people that need meds, REALLY need them, and I don't knock it because I've seen the difference in them and it's definitely beneficial.

*psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy who has had specialized training in the practice of psychiatry and took boards showing they have proficiency in psychiatry. A psychologist has a PhD in psychology and in some states can also prescribe medication but they have not gone through medical school like a psychiatrist

@recoveringsoul755

4 ай бұрын

My mother was a psychologist and I Asked her what the difference was when I was a Teen. She told me the only difference was that a psychiatrist could prescribe medication. Sounds like there's more to it than that. But I get the impression that today's psychiatrists pretty much only prescribe meds and fine tune them. They don't talk to you about your problems or actually help you fix them. If you're grieving because someone just died, pills aren't going to fix that. Lots of life circumstances can affect our mood along with diet.

What a great balanced video! I’ve found eating really healthy, exercise twice a day etc etc has worked for me but my sister has bi polar and needs heavy meds to function, we are all different.

@sathvamp1

4 ай бұрын

Speaking of eating healthy... In terms of diet, the whole food aspect is definitely critical for health. By the way, if it's "WHOLE", animal products can be healthy too in moderation especially if certified organic which does not legally allow hormones or synthetic chemicals. I was just posting to the video, I am glad he mentioned that SOME cases of mood imbalances can be fixed with dietary changes... I've seen research revealing SO many mechanisms by which aspects of "bad food" can throw off mood... some of the research articles don't even mention mood at all but through basic biology background, I can see how it could happen. For ONE example, in order for the new gene featured in the "RoundUp Ready" specifically type of GMO crop to BE resistant to RoundUp, the new gene codes for a new enzyme that makes tyrosine and tryptophan "a different way".... BUT some research has shown that that new gene is LESS EFFICIENT than the old natural gene at making tyrosine and tryptophan. Why that is important is coming up further below in my comment, but first: It's not just in crop plants; that new gene HAS BEEN FOUND also in our gut bacteria (possibly from the process of microbial transformation or transfer of gene from GMO food to our bacteria, BUT even more likely it would have been from eating "probiotic" bacteria that ALREADY HAD the gene... because that new gene wasn't even made from scratch by scientists... it was FOUND in soil heavily contaminated with RoundUp... then used to make new GMO crops. When it comes to that gene in our bacteria, when it gets exposed to RoundUp (which is found in any food NOT labeled "organic"), it gets naturally "selected for". SO, what is the big deal with "less efficient production of tryptophan and tyrosine by our bacteria, or less dietary sources"? But first by the way: OTHER studies have supported that other fact by separately pointing out that levels of "protein" (which are partly composed of tyrosine and tryptophan) were about 30% less in GMO crops than organic... and the lowered production of those amino acids of that new gene is probably why, although the paper didn't say that. I love connecting the dots! SO, what is the big deal with "less efficient production of tryptophan and tyrosine by our bacteria, or less dietary sources"? Well... those amino acids are the "raw materials" humans need to synthesize serotonin and dopamine. AND we make some melatonin out of some of that serotonin. SO that means... theoretically... less of those amino acids (from NON-organic aspects of crops / food, specifically the "GMO factor")... would logically mean a neurotransmitter imbalance and risk of mood disorders (AND risk of sleep disorders because of the relatively lack of melatonin). When I first read all those papers, I felt like I was speculating too much... but THEN a FEW YEARS LATER, after I thought of all that... I started to see research papers mentioning those same ideas lol!

Very well said and thorough. Great video!

@MendedLight

4 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly!

This was very helpful, thank you. Currently waiting to be diagnosed, I have my first appointment to a psychiatrist on the 29th. Wish me luck! I hope I found the right one.

Thank you so much for this video ! It absolutely described a healthy relationship to medication. It very accurately reflected my own experience. I was very fortunate to have a team of professionals (therapist + psychiatrist) who accompanied me with the same approach that you described. Much like you, my therapist had worked in hospitals and with psychiatrists, which gave her ideas to discuss with my psychiatrist who was very open to be challenged by someone who didn’t have an MD. Medication was a last resort and it took us a while to figure it out but it helped so much and they worked together to help me through it! Having a thoughtful practitioner tell you: it’s ok to need a crutch at the moment given how much you are overwhelmed. But that’s what it is, a crutch, and you might actually not need it forever. And I had an unwritten contract with my psychiatrist which basically said that if I got / wanted medication, I had to go to therapy because otherwise it’s just putting a band aid. And that really reassured me and made me trust them! Certain people who have a chemical unbalance might need medication their whole life (you would know better than me). But for a lot of us it’s about, as you well put it, taking the edge off so that we can think clearly and do the work in therapy. And i can honestly share that it works: I got my life back on track. I can do the work in therapy without feeling overwhelmed by it. I can recharge emotionally. And I don’t even need a high dosage but it made all the difference and gave me confidence that I can get myself out of this and work on my issues with a clear mind and in a constructive manner! Thank you again for sharing your insights. I love your channel!

As someone who is medicine resistant and has had some very serious paradoxical side effects, up to and including suicidal ideation/ actions when this was not a problem before starting meds. I am very much a buyer beware consumer. I literally inyerview my doctors, therapists, and others who are involved in my care. I have learned to ask about things like their feelings about suicide, depression, CPTSD, and even death in general. Out of this, i have a really great team who know to talk to me and ask questions and who I'm confortable asking tough questions of. I also use homeopathic remedies such as ashwagandah, vitamins, meditation and bineural music. Instead of using SSRIs I take a dopemenurgic antifepressant and have had great results. Humans are organic, we are not one size fits all. Keep that in mind and don't be afraid to talk to your own team. You matter

I would love to hear more about musicians therapy in future episodes. Could be an interesting world to dive into

I took antidepressants and tranquilizer when I was in high school for my manic depressant and anxiety and at the time I desperately needed them now I’m off and been for a while I do actually like traditional therapy I’m actually in it and that seems to have helped and trying to eat better as worked out too.

For me, I needed the medication prior to the talking treatment as we call it. I was put on 4 meds that didn't work-one that hit my brain and was like 'yep this works' and the results have been outstanding. To this day I couldn't tell you why that worked and the others didn't, but I do know that psychologists just couldn't make a dent no matter how great they were. Mine is partly adhd undiagnosed for ages and me taking myself out on myself, partly hormonal (I have no thyroid gland, so those meds being out of whack caused anxiety or depression) partly fight or flight because I had obstructive sleep apnea until I was 26 I had my jaw reconstructed. And partly...like...bullying all through primary and high school and overall existential crises from studying nursing at the same time thinking my anxiety attacks were going to kill me. Anyway....I need ongoing treatment in so many areas that led to me being..and maintaining...being a functioning human. But I do remember being I'm a very bad place that seemed to come from nowhere but once you put all the pieces together it makes sense. Sort of.

thank you 💠

A few weeks ago, I demonstrated emperically that the black box warning on SSRIs is indeed necessary. Hoping to try something different soon.

9:13 - 9:47 Wow, that felt powerful and great!

Love ur video, thank u!!!

I was put on primarily bipolar meds and had a bipolar diagnosis. Was gaslight terribly. The meds were horrible for me but was told to keep trying for a few years. Later in life, I now have an adhd, autism and CPTSD diagnosis and therapy and ADHD meds have been thr most effective meds. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers made my mental health worse.

@martalaatsch8358

15 күн бұрын

How did you get them to give you ADHD medication when antidepressants didn't help? Asking for myself, my SSRI made my mental health way worse and I'm refusing antipsychotics, and they won't let me try any ADHD medication except Wellbutrin, which I hope to try soon...

3:45 Putting some stock in sugar water can make a pretty tasty sauce.

As a none professional I think if you've been dealing with it for years trying without that maybe medication would help!!!!

This is great advice. I tried medication in my 20s. I also would intentionally overdose to get a high or in extreme psychological distress. Talking therapy and lifestyle changes was the safer option.

I got meds when I realized therapy didn't help. I have a psych degree and a lot of self-awareness and apparently that means I know a lot of my problems and why I have them. I also know how to handle those problems. I was fine and functioning, but I wanted to be more than that, I wanted to be happy, or at least content. That's where the meds came in and helped. I still struggle with motivation, I definitely am suicidal to a degree, but I feel happy sometimes, and I have hobbies. Meds are awesome sometimes!

omfg i love that johno is doing a take on my fav comedian aghhhh

She is adorable. My doctor who is a GP prescribed my antidepressants. I was terrified when she told me that the things I am telling her sounds to her like depression. I got anxiety and sleeping pills as well. Agree, its very freaky to actually dream how you die - and you aren't dead... I was like: "did it happen? Is it over now?" Many people in my family disagree with the medication but, I have a friend who told me not to take medical advice from anyone who doesn't have any medical training. LOL> Makes total sense since I would never take advice from anyone who doesn't have the same qualification as I do. I am now actually tapering off my meds (2.5 years later) since I think I know where it stems from, I also improved my diet, exercise and sleep hygiene and other habits (not perfected yet but I'll get there.) But . . . I think ... I may have made a mistake. . .

Love Taylor

I'm someone who absolutely needs meds as well as lifestyle management. I agree with everything you said, except the mention of "homeopathic" meds, which are essentially placebo. But other natural supplements can absolutely be helpful for the whole body. And hey, placebo can be good, too, but I hope no one is pinching pennies to buy homeopathic concoctions.

❤Taylor!!!

I've used CBT to manage depression and cPTSD but the thing that's going to finally crack me is PMDD. I've followed every piece of advice to manage it from daily heavy cardio to supplements but it's not always sustainable. SSRI is the final treatments I've not tried, but I'm nervous about taking meds. I've lived large portions of my life income and insurance instability and even thinking about the med shortages and such we saw post COVID it's dependency on a drug that makes me the most uneasy of all.

@Ohboycommentsection

4 ай бұрын

Hey, I took Zoloft 5-7 days before each period and didn't need the anti depressant the other 3 weeks. It saved my career and relationship getting this taken care of. I took 1 tablet 50mg for those PMDD days. That's a starting dose that is therapeutic. Some people take up to 200 mgs a day.

I didn’t have any luck until I tried Ketamine treatments, now if only it wasn’t so experimental and was covered by my provincial health care

I recently found out that the antidepressants I’m on are the safest ones apparently because the other types of antidepressants that exist I can’t take because I’ve got heart disease even though the antidepressants I’m on are classed as safe I’m technically not supposed to be on them due to my heart condition as apparently I found out because of the chemicals that make up antidepressants the pattern of heart rhythm the longer your on them changes becomes weaker so I’m pretty screwed and I could end up with heart failure in the end and I can’t come off them so I’m up against a brick wall , so medication for mental health is good in someways and benefits many but for me having rare genetic conditions not looking good for me 😅

Not meds related but still stand up comedy related I’d love a reaction to Bo Burnham’s more mental health related songs and jokes. Especially can’t handle this, all eyes on me, lower your expectations and we think we know you.

I have a mixed history with meds. When I first got them, it was antidepressants. I was only 16 at that time and did not question my psyichiatrist (turned out later that he was not the best choice for my problems... and "dismissed" me for not making enough/any progress.) I did as told and took them, I can't even say if I felt they really worked or not. My primary care doctor proceeded to change them (because Fluoxetine, prescribed by my psych, had no studies concerning the effect on minors which made him cautious). So first change to Mirtazapine. As I was dealing with anorexia as well, I really disliked the side-effects of them making be somewhat drowsy and gain weight (I don't even remeber if they did do that, since I was forced to anyway. But I sure hated and feared the idea, since that side effect was well known). So I asked I did not really want to take those. My primary care doctor was accepting that and tried to change me to Sertraline, which he told me to take on the morning (instead of evening for the other ones). It was a complete disaster. I did not toleratle them any well, and after a speech in shool that day (where I felt from weird to downright sick and high in the worst kind of way. Bad memories, even more as I was blamed on top of it for leaving shool earlier) I would not take them. My primary care doc totally agreed, but wanted to bring me back on Mirtazapine or another new one. I know I had no new one, but can't remember if I accepted Mirtazapine again for a while or refused right then. I still had very little say in anything because of my mother. Anyway, when I went to university abroad (no other possibility in Luxembourg back then) at age 19, I was without meds. I had no pschological attendance or meds whatsoever in that time (because I could simply not afford any). I studied for 3 ears until my issues had become so much worse (mental, physical, financial struggles) that I had to stop studying and go back home. When I then found the pyschiatris I still have (since almost 15 years now), I was very reluctant for a long time to take meds again (because of my bad experiences, the fear of the side effects and last but not least the daunting exemple of my BPD mother who had lost their to alcohol and psychopharma abuse). But he was understanding and accepting. And patient. In the end he convinced me to give it a new try (I was terribly depressed and highly suicidal), but he involved me in the decision of the substance choice, taking to account what mattered to me (no high weight gain risk, no sedating effect...). He suggested Escitalopram, which I was okay with, and it worked. As I felt that it really did help me somewhat (exactly as you said, no wonder healing of my "scarred and warped soul" just with a pill) I was okay with it, even when a veery rare side effect that I hated (and still do to a certain level) manifested: it stopped the amenorrhea which I had been having despite no weight gain. A few years ago my prim.care.doc prescribed me Alprazolam as emergency medication for when I was having a panic attack. With my anxiety getting worse, My psychmade it a regular treatment. Then in november 2022, I got so much worse with new terrifying symptoms that I really really could not bear it any more. I was so bad that I accepted to be hospitalized in psychiatry again for the first time since over a decade (another long story of bad experiences teaching me to be terrified of those). Not having slept in 3 days and really feeling like loosing my mind, I did not care and readily accepted anything only to stop that hell. That how Quetiapine ended up on my "menu". And it absolutely did (and this does) help. I don't ever want to feel as terrible again as that winter. So long story short, I actually take 3 different meds (Escitalopram, Alprazolam and Quetiapine), and even if they have some side effects that nag me, I still am sure that I was even worse without them (I really don't do too well). Big annoyance is that Quetiapine: I had the XR form, but that one out of stock since last november. So I have to take the "normal" release, which of course functions a little different in the body. And I really do notice a difference for the worse. Still can't risk stopping it. Sorry for the loong story. I definitely got carried away to give all these details.

What doctor is it that I ask to see for the let's go over your diet/exercise etc to see if we can improve that? Cuz my family Dr and the psychiatrist I've seen haven't bothered with that

@gracieofgod8899

4 ай бұрын

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to suggest treatment to my doctors. Anytime a doctor suggests medicine for my muscles, I always ask if they can refer me to a physical therapist, which they always do and it always helps.

@pigpjs

4 ай бұрын

Physical Therapist will go over your exercise and to a degree your diet if applicable. But the PT is amazing! I wish they were part of the yearly physical.

I struggle with taking something every day and I simply do not like to take pills so… that resolves the issue. I NeED to find something else

I don’t want medication.😰