Should I start taking medication?-Advice Needed

littlebubblytoes · 02-22-2007, 02:32 AM

Since the end of January I have been attending the counseling center at my university to help deal with all of my emotional baggage. Being 24, there is a lot to muck through and today I snapped.

One of the many things I am having issues with is body image, and my counselor suggested to have a body image consultation that is 3 parts-a psychological assesment, a physical assesment and a nutrional assessment. I agreed. I went in for the physical assessment today and the doctor was wonderful, but could tell that I was holding back emotion when she was asking me questions about what brought me into the counseling center, etc. I kept it together for the most part, but felt like I was totally out of control. She then suggested to me that I see the psychatrist on staff to get medication for my depression and anxiety. She said that I could use it as a crutch to help me work through the painful aspects of therapy.

Later on, when I got home I began crying about silly things and then would get angry-I didn't answer the phone, check the machine or go to class. I just crawled into bed and stayed there for most of the day.

I guess it never occured to me that medication might help and I am just wondering if any of you would like to share about your positive and negative experiences. I guess I am feeling I should after today, but part of me is hesitant to do so. Any advice is much appreciated.

Mom24Kidz · 02-22-2007, 01:51 PM

Definetly think about the meds. It does make a difference in how we feel. You'll be amazed. I didn't think it would make a difference but I was pleasently surprised. Talk to your Dr's and use an open mind. Good Luck!

rosettagirl · 02-24-2007, 12:53 PM

I agree about taking the medication. It is hard to be objective about yourself when you are going through all the mood swings. When I started taking medication(I no longer have to) it really helped me. I was getting angry/crying all the time about things that were not important and withdrawn from friends. After I was taking medication it helped me to focus on what was making me feel bad and I was able to deal with things much better.

Good luck to you!

VJP · 02-24-2007, 03:15 PM

Ditto.
I felt much better once I found the right medication and it let me deal with everything else.
Good luck.

thincyster85 · 02-25-2007, 09:53 PM

Hi. It is great that you are seeking help! My opinion on the matter is that you should try to avoid medicine unless you absolutely need it. Antidepressants are very hard to get off, the side effects suck, and I don't believe in them for short term purposes. Some people think that they are a shortcut in order to avoid hard aspects of therapy. I unfortunately have to be on them for life but I say if you can avoid them..definetly do so
Everyone's experience is different and that is my own opinion on the matter. I wish you luck in your choice.

Gabrielle · 02-26-2007, 03:48 AM

Lexapro and Klonopin are the reason I haven't flunked out of law school. I don't expect to be on them forever, but they have helped me out of a deep rut. I think it is worth trying anything that could possibly help you. Life is too short to keep on doing the same old thing. Also, good for you for pursuing therapy. I hope it will be the life-changing process for you that it was for me. Actually, therapy is the reason I was able to get my life together enough to get into law school in the first place!

Anyhow, no matter what you decide, good luck and I hope you feel better.

Broadway Jewels · 03-01-2007, 02:18 PM

I have to say I'm pro-med. And obviously you personally with your docs should make the decision. I NEVER EVER thought I'd be on one. Depression runs in my family but my immediate family is very anti - believing that you should deal with your problems on your own. I was always happy-go-lucky with sky-high self esteem before PCOS. The depression probably spouted from the 100 pounds I gained in the past two years. Going from a 6 to a 20 can do that I guess!

Dealing with PCOS is hard and my self-esteem had hit rock bottom as of late. My job that I once loved I recently despised. I took it out on the most important person in my life, my boyfriend who I've been living with for 2 1/2 years. I know as we hit four years it might be time to get married and I had no interest in any of that.

So I saw my doc two weeks ago and I think she could just tell. I'm lucky because she's a PCOS specialist and one of the top in the game for PCOS nationally. I have been battling actually taking my fortamet and trying to lose weight at all. I was stressed to the max. I'm happy to say that I feel so much better in the past two weeks, due to a low dose of Celexa. I'm sure I won't be able to actually tell the results until 4-6 weeks, but I am confident it's doing something and I am sooo much happier. I can concentrate on getting healthy again AND have time to think about work, house shopping, hopefully a proposal!, and my voiceover career.

I would recommend it ABSOLUTELY. Good luck and I stress heavily, if you don't like your doctor or feel that they aren't on your side - then find a new one. It took me a long time to get to this point because SOOOO many docs do not know PCOS or have the wrong feelings/impressions of it. I no longer see a gyno for my PCOS but an internal.

littlebubblytoes · 03-01-2007, 03:37 PM

Thanks everyone! It's good to hear both sides! I don't have an appointment until the end of March (mainly because this psychiatrist is the ONLY on at the university health center) but my boyfriend went to get his meds from her and said she was very nice. I'm confident that she will be able to answer all of my questions. Again, thank you for your generous support-it's good to know that I have a network out there!