Read This First

[Onmyway]

We like to keep this forum neat and tidy so we can easily find the information we want and it is all in the relevant thread rather than in multiple threads. For that reason any new thread in this Forum will need approval. If your post does not follow these rules it will be moved or deleted. Please read below to help us keep this area tidy. 

 

Before you start a new post in the Symptoms and Self-Care forum: 

 

1. Do a search to see whether a thread discussing your issue already exists.

You will usually find a lot of wisdom collected over the years in many existing threads. Most of the time, if you've had a symptom, there is a good chance that someone else has had that symptom. For example, if you are experiencing insomnia, you will find out that thousands have also experienced it and many have shared about their experience here. 

 

A  simple search will lead you to the right thread. You can then post your experience/questions in the existing thread. You can search in the search box above or, better yet, search in Google by using the following format. 

 

 topic: survivingantidepressants.org

 

For example if you are looking to find information on the topic of palpitations, you can look it up in Google like this: 

palpitations: survivingantidepressants.org 

 

If you don't find anything specific, try a more generic topic search - for example - if you want to look up dry eyes, you can look up eye generally. If you are interested in palpitations, look up heart issues. 

 

Here are more tips on how to search better on the site: 

 

2. If the topic relates only to your case, the right place to post is in your own intro thread.

If you want to ask about what to do with your symptoms or why is it that you, specifically, are having this issue given your specific drug history - that belongs in your intro topic. The Symptoms and Self Care forum is not regularly monitored by staff whereas your intro topics usually are monitored by staff. If you really need help you can tag those moderators who are willing to be tagged. Please use tagging judiciously. Moderators are volunteers and may not have capacity to deal with every small issue but they are more than willing to help out and guide in general.

 

We ask you to post in your own intro thread because we like to keep your information all in one place so that we can refer to it quickly if needed to give you advice later. At the same time, we want the Symptoms and Self Care topic to stay focused on the symptom and the various ways people found ways to deal with them over the years, rather than individual histories as much as possible. Think of it as a tool chest where you can find useful tools.  

 

Here you can find information on whether many people had headaches, what kind of headaches people get and what helped them treat it. It is not a place to discuss a specific member's history of headaches or drug changes and how they developed over the years with frequent updates. 

 

3. If the topic does not relate to symptoms or self care - i.e. it is about how to deal with social interactions in withdrawal in general, you may find better discussions in the 'Finding Meaning' forum or start a thread there. 

 

4.  If a topic does not already exist and it does not relate to your individual case, please start a new thread. 

We are accumulating information for the ages here so your contribution is valued. 

 

How to engage with others on SA? 

SA is different from other forums you may have participated in. We are dedicated to advice on tapering and general support rather than general discussions and socializing, though that may be a part of the support. 

 

Moderators are not always able to provide emotional support (we are not qualified or have the bandwidth) but you can easily provide and get peer support on the site. While the Symptoms and Self-Care portion of the website can be useful to connect to others with similar issues, a better way is to post in others' intro topics, especially those who are going through similar issues to what you are going through, i.e. withdrawing from the same drug, struggling with the same symptoms having similar family concerns and so on. Beware, however, that when you post on someone's thread you are 'a guest in their house' and do not make it all about your case. Instead offer words of support. They will likely do the same in return. However, like in real life, do not feel obligated to offer support to people that do not usually reciprocate. 

 

The people who get the most out of SA are those that engage with others and provide support as much as they seek it. You may not be always in the best frame of mind or even able to cheer on others but people appreciate even the little bit that you can do and they will do the same for you in your time of need. 

Edited April 10, 2023 by Onmyway