samanthaelizabeth: How do you manage to keep working while taper off

[powerback]

3 minutes ago, doxxigirl said:

Recovery is mine,  you got that right!  I am trying to not look around this site too much because I don't want to get triggered.  But I will offer support when I can, I'm just concentrating on my taper and trying to live a normal life as much as I can.  I have a long journey ahead of me.

Yep Stick to that and concentrate on your taper .don't look at anything triggering .its not just the trigger but knowing how to get out of the feelings and emotions that this would  bring up .stick to the positive aspects to the site ,symptoms and self care and recovery stories .but you seem like a caring person so its just natural you will want to help others  but not at your own cost .

Don't over do the compassion early on ,you'll need loads of this for yourself .

[doxxigirl]

1 minute ago, Happy2Heal said:

yes it's sad that we have to be less than honest, I pride myself on being a very honest person, but in this case, my HEALTH comes before honesty.

it has to.

 

 

I have to be careful who I tell, as well. the reactions I've gotten have not been too good.

 

however I have an advantage now, I"m well into recovery and my friends now see how much I've changed for the better. NOW they are very interested in the whole coming off psych drugs thing and some are looking into it for themselves

I'm so happy for you, Happy2Heal, LOL!

but for ppl I don't know well, I am still cautious. 

 

I posted something on my FB page and some person got all defensive, thinking that I was calling her weak for being on an AD and that she wouldn't have survived without it, blah blah blah

I tried to tell her, that was me just a few short years ago! believing the same thing! but she was determined to be offended and nothing I said go past that.  She was trying to tell me that I'd made her so depressed that she was now suicidal! holy sheep, all I did was post a link to the same info I just put in your thread!  Well maybe it's her AD that is making her suicidal.  I have really backed-off of FB, it's all so fake, Haha Fakebook!  

so, yeh, we take care of ourselves and pray for everyone else- except those that are open to learning and finding a better way.

 

I believe the tide is slowly turning and more and more ppl will come to see the truth about Big Pharma etc.

it feels like it's painfully slow but I do believe it's happening.  I do believe you are correct that the tide is turning.  I see a lot of people trying to find alternative ways to beat depression and they are not falling for it any longer.  But for people like us, that got caught in this dragnet, we are the ones that are left to figure it out for ourselves without any support from the medical establishment.  I pray I come out of this unscathed.  That is probably asking too much, but if I can function without this crap.  I will be happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[powerback]

Sorry HTH and DG I apologies if I hijacked the conversation .

Oh yes the dreaded defensiveness  ,would you believe ,I don't even have an account ,how strange am I lol. 

[doxxigirl]

Just now, powerback said:

Sorry HTH and DG I apologies if I hijacked the conversation .

Oh yes the dreaded defensiveness  ,would you believe ,I don't even have an account ,how strange am I lol. 

Oh no, you're fine.  FB sucks!

[Happy2Heal]

oh no worries PB, you didn't hijack anything

 

yes FB does suck!! but I have to use it for some specific reasons and try to spend as little time there as possible

 

I tend to collect bits of wisdom to put on my own page primarily for my own benefit and to explain my journey off meds to those few ppl who are interested, but I need to narrow the audience that can see what I post, I can see that now.

 

heh, sometimes I wonder if my recovery has gone so well in part because I delight in proving that they were all wrong, I did not go fall to pieces going off the toxic chemicals, in fact, I've only gotten stronger

that's my big middle finger shoved in their face, so there!! hahaha

 

I get so pissed when I think about the years taken and the damage done, but I won't waste any (more) of my valuable time on that. my time is all my own now!
 

doxxigirl, you are going to be fine! I am sure of it. just take it slow and go easy and as PB says, take esp good care of yourself!


I am reading a book on Ayervedic healing and there's a chapter devoted to how taking care of yourself is your primary responsibility and the only true way you can care for others.

it's the whole, you can't pour from an empty cup, idea, I guess

 

it's nice to see that in several places, reinforces that it's ok. it's sad that we have such nervousness about being kind and good to ourselves! 

 

 

 

 

[Dalalea]

20 minutes ago, Happy2Heal said:

I posted something on my FB page and some person got all defensive, thinking that I was calling her weak for being on an AD and that she wouldn't have survived without it, blah blah blah

That happened to me a few weeks ago. I had posted an article and because of it, I found that one friend had gotten off an SSRI a few years ago through much difficulty and the help of friends.

Then, another friend posted with the attitude that I was condemning her for being on an SSRI. I had no idea she was on one. It felt pretty awkward because I didn't want to upset her but I now have very definite opinions about these "medications".

It just made me sad and even more determined to help others if I can.

I guess I'll post a disclaimer from now on when I share something like that on FB.

Another friend told me I'm just "woke". LOL!

[doxxigirl]

5 minutes ago, Happy2Heal said:

oh no worries PB, you didn't hijack anything

 

yes FB does suck!! but I have to use it for some specific reasons and try to spend as little time there as possible

 

I tend to collect bits of wisdom to put on my own page primarily for my own benefit and to explain my journey off meds to those few ppl who are interested, but I need to narrow the audience that can see what I post, I can see that now.

 

heh, sometimes I wonder if my recovery has gone so well in part because I delight in proving that they were all wrong, I did not go fall to pieces going off the toxic chemicals, in fact, I've only gotten stronger

that's my big middle finger shoved in their face, so there!! hahaha  Totally!  (I'm a valley girl, LOL)  This is how I feel!

 

I get so pissed when I think about the years taken and the damage done, but I won't waste any (more) of my valuable time on that. my time is all my own now!
 

doxxigirl, you are going to be fine! I am sure of it. just take it slow and go easy and as PB says, take esp good care of yourself! You are so sweet! I can't tell you how I appreciate the kindness.


I am reading a book on Ayervedic healing and there's a chapter devoted to how taking care of yourself is your primary responsibility and the only true way you can care for others.

it's the whole, you can't pour from an empty cup, idea, I guess (This sounds like a great book.  I have taken note!)

 

it's nice to see that in several places, reinforces that it's ok. it's sad that we have such nervousness about being kind and good to ourselves! 

 

It's okay to take care of ourselves.

 

 

 

[doxxigirl]

I'm off to sit on the couch with my blanket.  It's all overcast here, so a good day to be lazy!  I will clean the kitchen shortly before my dh gets home, LOL!

[powerback]

21 minutes ago, Happy2Heal said:

oh no worries PB, you didn't hijack anything

 

yes FB does suck!! but I have to use it for some specific reasons and try to spend as little time there as possible

 

I tend to collect bits of wisdom to put on my own page primarily for my own benefit and to explain my journey off meds to those few ppl who are interested, but I need to narrow the audience that can see what I post, I can see that now.

 

heh, sometimes I wonder if my recovery has gone so well in part because I delight in proving that they were all wrong, I did not go fall to pieces going off the toxic chemicals, in fact, I've only gotten stronger

that's my big middle finger shoved in their face, so there!! hahaha

 

I get so pissed when I think about the years taken and the damage done, but I won't waste any (more) of my valuable time on that. my time is all my own now!
 

doxxigirl, you are going to be fine! I am sure of it. just take it slow and go easy and as PB says, take esp good care of yourself!


I am reading a book on Ayervedic healing and there's a chapter devoted to how taking care of yourself is your primary responsibility and the only true way you can care for others.

it's the whole, you can't pour from an empty cup, idea, I guess

 

it's nice to see that in several places, reinforces that it's ok. it's sad that we have such nervousness about being kind and good to ourselves! 

 

 

 

 

Make sure not to  put a target on your back and especially for trolls .trolls are basically the same as narcissists  ,in a lot of hurt and wounded .they'll get   there help eventually .

 

it's the whole, you can't pour from an empty cup, idea, I guess

 

this is on the same theme of clean up your own room first ,very true .
 

[RachelSusan]

On 3/6/2018 at 10:36 AM, doxxigirl said:

 I love doxxi's too, she is my second one and a spitfire!

Hi Doxxigirl. 

 

I have had dachshunds all my life.  My last one made it to 16 years. They are long livers and except for the back they tend to be hearty little dogs. I'm sure your girl is a spitfire.  Doxies do have amazing personalities and can be so strong willed. I love the breed.

 

You are doing your taper the right way. Congrats to you, I am impressed with your smarts. I didn't have a clue as to what was going on. I think you will do just fine.  However, if you do have any issues there are many people here that can jump in and help you out.    I think the Mods are fabulous, however if a Mod isn't available, or you just want a Zoloft specific perspective please ask me.

 

Here's wishing you smooth sailing during your taper.

 

RS

 

 

[doxxigirl]

7 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Doxxigirl. 

 

I have had dachshunds all my life.  My last one made it to 16 years. They are long livers and except for the back they tend to be hearty little dogs.  . I'm sure your girl is a spitfire.  Doxies do have amazing personalities and can be so strong willed. I love the breed.

 

You are doing your taper the right way. Congrats to you, I am impressed with your smarts. I didn't have a clue as to what was going on. I think you will do just fine.  However, if you do have any issues there are many people here that can jump in and help you out.    I think the Mods are fabulous, however if a Mod isn't available, or you just want a Zoloft specific perspective please ask me.

 

Here's wishing you smooth sailing during your taper.

 

RS

 

 

Hi Rachel.  I love Dachshunds!  My last one lived to only 13, I loved her so much and miss her!  My new little girl has a totally different personality, but I love her just the same! Thank you for the offer to assist me,  I appreciate your kindness.  I'll stop by your thread to say "hello".

[Rosetta]

Hi, Sam, Good luck.  I think you are doing the right thing to taper off slowly.  I really believe you are at a similar place as I was on 150 mg Zoloft/sertraline.  The only way out is down, but I'm really glad you know not to do it the way I did.. --Rosetta

[doxxigirl]

I had a nosebleed this morning and headache on the left side of my head.  I hope this isn't from my accidental up dose the other day?? Should I still wait the entire seven days to start my taper?

[Rosetta]

Are you dehydrated?  I struggle with staying hydrated.  It's a big problem in Calif.

[brassmonkey]

Have you had your blood pressure checked recently?  I don't think the nose bleed has anything to do with the headache but it would be a good idea to check the old BP.  With the wind and weather changes we've been having things are more than likely related to that.  Work on relaxation exercises and wait out the  entire week before doing anything.

[doxxigirl]

Just now, brassmonkey said:

Have you had your blood pressure checked recently?  I don't think the nose bleed has anything to do with the headache but it would be a good idea to check the old BP.  With the wind and weather changes we've been having things are more than likely related to that.  Work on relaxation exercises and wait out the  entire week before doing anything.

Thank you Brassmonkey.  My blood pressure is normal.  I probably need to drink more water than I do.

[doxxigirl]

4 minutes ago, Rosetta said:

Are you dehydrated?  I struggle with staying hydrated.  It's a big problem in Calif.

Thank you Rosetta.  How are you doing?  I think this is the problem.  I hate drinking water, I'm surprised my skin looks as good as it does, considering...  Have a wonderful day.

[doxxigirl]

I'm so extremely tired today.  Going to take a nap!

[Rosetta]

Thanks for your sweet post on my thread.  I'm holding on and doing what I have to do.  I wish I could nap.  Once in a great while I doze off for a very short while.  That's another reason to avoid tapering too fast ( or CT ) -- losing the ability to sleep or nap.  

[doxxigirl]

22 hours ago, Rosetta said:

Thanks for your sweet post on my thread.  I'm holding on and doing what I have to do.  I wish I could nap.  Once in a great while I doze off for a very short while.  That's another reason to avoid tapering too fast ( or CT ) -- losing the ability to sleep or nap.  

Awe you're welcome! I hope you are having a great day.

[doxxigirl]

I find myself constantly thinking about this tapering process and I haven't even started yet.  How do you stop this from happening. any tips?  This process is going to take years and I can't keep thinking about it all the time.  One thing I could do is probably stop looking at this site all the time.  LOL

[doxxigirl]

1 hour ago, doxxigirl said:

I find myself constantly thinking about this tapering process and I haven't even started yet.  How do you stop this from happening. any tips?  This process is going to take years and I can't keep thinking about it all the time.  One thing I could do is probably stop looking at this site all the time.  LOL

There, that solves that problem.  I just cleaned the wood floors in the Master Bedroom! I'm copying Brassmonkey and keeping myself busy and engaged in life!  Yay life!

[doxxigirl]

4 more days to this:

current dose (mg)	200.000
total % reduction	5
end dose (mg)	190.000
total reduction (mg)	10.000
weekly reduction (mg)	2.5000
	200.000
dose 1	197.500
dose 2	195.000
dose 3	192.500
dose 4	190.000
week 5 + 6 hold at	190.000

 

[brassmonkey]

One thing I found to be really helpful was to think of tapering as a part of life and not the focus of life.  It's just one of those things I did when I got up in the morning. Just a part of the daily routine.  In the beginning it is a lot more in the fore front of ones thoughts, because it's something "new and exciting".  Remembering that there are more important things in life is paramount.  There will be times when symptoms are more in control of things and they have to be worked around, but avoiding doing something because it might make you feel bad is just losing out on a possible good experience. Learning how much you can push yourself will take a bit of time, but is so worth the effort.  Yes symptoms can be painful and debilitating at times, but I found that if I constantly pushed the boundaries the pain may not have changed but I was getting things done and continuing to live as best as I could.

[Offforgood]

Brassmonkey every time I read your posts I m envious of your lucidity of your posts.  I wish I had half your initiative and focus and motivation.  I get so discouraged and impatient. I am now struggling with now exploding emerging emotions from childhood trauma and the same anhedonia and chronic procrastination which made me start the meds in the first place.. but chronic procrastination and anhedonia is a very lethal combination.  

 

 

[Rob66]

8 hours ago, doxxigirl said:

I find myself constantly thinking about this tapering process and I haven't even started yet.  How do you stop this from happening. any tips?  This process is going to take years and I can't keep thinking about it all the time.  One thing I could do is probably stop looking at this site all the time.  LOL

I was much like this at the start of my taper.  Tapering consumed me for a while until the newness wore off.  Now it's just sorta there in the background.  My life is rather dull so tapering easily took top spot in my mind for a few months, lol.  Staying busy and involved has been my best way to forget about it.  I think as you get into the rythym of tapering you'll feel the same way.  

[doxxigirl]

2 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

One thing I found to be really helpful was to think of tapering as a part of life and not the focus of life.  It's just one of those things I did when I got up in the morning. Just a part of the daily routine.  In the beginning it is a lot more in the fore front of ones thoughts, because it's something "new and exciting".  Remembering that there are more important things in life is paramount.  There will be times when symptoms are more in control of things and they have to be worked around, but avoiding doing something because it might make you feel bad is just losing out on a possible good experience. Learning how much you can push yourself will take a bit of time, but is so worth the effort.  Yes symptoms can be painful and debilitating at times, but I found that if I constantly pushed the boundaries the pain may not have changed but I was getting things done and continuing to live as best as I could.

Thank you Brassmomkey, I am going to model my taper after you.  This is what I want to push myself and continue to live the best life I can. You are so awesome, I just love it.  Already planning a trip to Sedona, AZ.

[doxxigirl]

15 minutes ago, Rob66 said:

I was much like this at the start of my taper.  Tapering consumed me for a while until the newness wore off.  Now it's just sorta there in the background.  My life is rather dull so tapering easily took top spot in my mind for a few months, lol.  Staying busy and involved has been my best way to forget about it.  I think as you get into the rythym of tapering you'll feel the same way.  

Thank you Rob.  I am grateful for the support. Have a great night.

[ChessieCat]

13 minutes ago, Rob66 said:

I was much like this at the start of my taper. 

 

Me too, it was both scary and exciting.  Like going on a mystery journey but only knowing a few details.  Learning about AD WD and tapering consumed my every thought for the first few months.  I was reading, watching and listening to everything I could because I wanted to learn so I could understand.

[doxxigirl]

2 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

Me too, it was both scary and exciting.  Like going on a mystery journey but only knowing a few details.  Learning about AD WD and tapering consumed my every thought for the first few months.  I was reading, watching and listening to everything I could because I wanted to learn so I could understand.

Yes ChessieCat.  I did go out tonight and had a nice dinner. I am going to try and keep myself very busy and just go about my normal routine,  just like brassmonkey did.   I think he is a prime example of how to taper and how to not focus too much on the WD symptoms. I guess it will take practice but just like when you have a cold or something and you have to go to work anyway and you don't wallow in your symptoms.  I hope this will be the case for myself.  Kind of scared, kind of excited!

[ChessieCat]

5 minutes ago, doxxigirl said:

I guess it will take practice but just like when you have a cold or something and you have to go to work anyway and you don't wallow in your symptoms

 

Yes it does take practice.  But it seems like you have the right idea which is a great start.

[brassmonkey]

Attitude is everything Doxxie.

[doxxigirl]

Yes Brassmonkey, attitude is everything.  I've decided that I'm going to start CBT counseling to deal with some unresolved anxiety/issues within myself and my family (who I don't really talk to anymore-too much stress and drama).  I want to make sure I have a solid base to start from before I start my taper. It's all going to be fine.

[peng]

For me, there was always the satisfaction and clarity after I had planned the campaign.

It had now fully crystallised and I was actually excited about going on the mission, as it were.

[doxxigirl]

5 minutes ago, peng said:

For me, there was always the satisfaction and clarity after I had planned the campaign.

It had now fully crystallised and I was actually excited about going on the mission, as it were.

You seem like you are doing well, @peng.  You should be proud of yourself, all the way down to 62.5 mg.  I will be elated when I get to that point.  Are you still taking the Folic Acid?  I might go the doctor for some blood work.

doxxi

 

[peng]

No folic acid in pill form taken, now.  My wife makes me a fruit puree with spinach in it.  Last bloods showed no deficiency.

As an amusing aside, I can tell you some older, urban Scotsmen like me usually had to be force fed vegetables, such was our dislike of them!