Gettingunstuck Intro to the group

[gettingunstuck]

I crossed the 2 year mark being 100% off of Prozac.  I won't say it hasn't been tough.  Many, many times I thought I should go back on, even as recently as a couple of weeks ago.  I even made an appointment with a new doctor (who's actually a nurse practitioner and was recommended to me as someone who is prudent about prescribing drugs).  When I was there, though, I decided to ask for a few levels in my blood to be tested such as Vit D, B6, B12, and magnesium.  All came back within normal range.  (I almost was hoping that something would have been off. ) Anyway, as of now, I've decided to stay off of the ADs.  

 

The last year has been rough for me.  I was laid off from my job and went back to a company where I really don't fit in with the culture and dislike the work.  My dog is 14 1/2 years old and has had health issues, so I've been dealing with the fear and dread of losing him. I've never had a good relationship with a man and have convinced myself I never will.  I've been supporting a younger sister who's had physical issues that have prevented her from working full time.  Although she's looking for work from home, she hasn't been successful. So, when I think about what's going on, I think, "who wouldn't be depressed?"  And as it was pointed out to me at this site, no pill is going to make my life better. 

 

So, on the bright side, I would say it's quite an accomplishment to not go back on a pill just to deal with challenging life issues. I know I'm healthier in many ways for it.  My mind works better and my digestion is better. I'm not going to say I'm not depressed or anxious, but I'm trying to learn to accept the days when I'm not feeling good, and that seems to help get through them. 

 

On to another year!

[Petunia]

Thanks for the update gettingunstuck.  I'm sorry you've had a difficult year, and well done for staying drug free. Being healthier is definitely a positive.

 

I merged your post with your Intro topic. Only one topic to a person in the Intro forum. Please put all updates and news in this topic.

[Altostrata]

Good to hear from you, Getting. Sounds like you're feeling better and better physically. Any lingering withdrawal symptoms?

[gettingunstuck]

Altostrata,

 

The main thing I'm still experiencing is a lack of enthusiasm and apathy.  I also feel as if I don't have a sense of humor anymore.  Around late afternoon each day, my mood starts to get worse.  I've been trying to do some breathing and use a sun lamp in the afternoon/evening and that seems to be working.  When I was taking the Prozac, I did feel as if I was able to laugh at things more than I do now.  However, I wasn't laughing until the tears rolled down my face like I used to years before ever taking any antidepressant.  So, I don't know if these are withdrawal symptoms or just effects from stress in my life and a lack of healthy relationships. I really miss those good laughs I used to have with friends and family. 

[Altostrata]

Yes, emotional anesthesia is a common side effect. Be patient, this will fade.

 

Please let us know how you're doing. You'll be writing a success story yet!

[gettingunstuck]

Thanks for the encouragement!  Unfortunately I've had a few really bad days, and am not feeling very successful.  I'm having difficulty sleeping, and find myself thinking negatively and feeling hopeless.  When I have days like this, I don't know if I'm just seeing the world through a dark lens, or if I'm truly suffering from some kind of disorder.  This is what I'm having trouble sorting out. 

[Petunia]

I'm not sure what kind of disorder you think you might have but given your long history of SSRI use and only having been off them for 2 years, I don't think its unreasonable to  expect you may have some lingering withdrawal symptoms at this stage.  From what I've read, anhedonia, apathy and emotional anesthesia can be some of the last symptoms to fade away.

 

..... So, I don't know if these are withdrawal symptoms or just effects from stress in my life and a lack of healthy relationships. I really miss those good laughs I used to have with friends and family. 

 

If you have stress and a lack of good relationships, I would think some negative emotional responses to this would be a normal human reaction.  Perhaps you could work on building some better relationships.

 

Recovery from these drugs, especially after long term use can sometimes take quite a while, I'm going through it myself.  Hang in there gettingunstuck, you will get there.