Anxiety and depression thread (Please read OP)

One More Toy · 12-05-2021 4:12pm

cloudatlas wrote: »

I've been on citalopram for 12 days now for anxiety. I like drinking whiskey but I've stopped. Do any of you guys drink whilst on this or does it cause bad side effects. NHS say you can but the FDA say not to so I'm just looking for opinions.

Was on citalopram years ago back in college, I would get drunk very easy and the hangovers were 2-3 days long.

If I stuck to max 4 beers, and kept hydrated I would normally be fine, but no mad beering (which is tough in college to avoid!). I'd always be the first to leave the pub or party

Wanderer78 · 12-05-2021 5:06pm

Had to give up the beer few years ago, was becoming too depressed post drinking, I do miss a pint from time to time, but generally don't care about it now. Think it's generally advised not to be drinking on antidepressants

cloudatlas · 13-05-2021 12:09am

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Had to give up the beer few years ago, was becoming too depressed post drinking, I do miss a pint from time to time, but generally don't care about it now. Think it's generally advised not to be drinking on antidepressants

Okay thanks, it's a preference more than a necessity so I'm totally fine with staying dry for however long I need to be on this. It's for the best.

Wanderer78 · 13-05-2021 6:16am

cloudatlas wrote:

Okay thanks, it's a preference more than a necessity so I'm totally fine with staying dry for however long I need to be on this. It's for the best.

A therapist has told me in the past, I'd be fine with a pint or two, but to be honest, I've had so many bad experiences with alcohol, I'd rather not now

LegacyUser · 16-05-2021 2:18pm

Is there any therapy/counselling services that doesn't involve any of that new age crap like CBT or similar? Every single counsellor I've gone to has eventually gone down that route, and I'm sick of it. It doesn't work for me, all I want is someone to talk to. Someone that isn't afraid of asking me really rough questions. Someone who is willing to leave absolutely no stone unturned when it comes to what goes through my mind. Of all the people I've gone to, the small fortune I've spent throughout the years, none of them have come close to this. They just go down the CBT or similar route ASAP, despite telling them I just want someone to talk to. To explore everything from every point of my life. My hatred, my anger, my guilt, my desires. To explore every thought, regardless of how uncomfortable it might be. "How do you feel about that?". I don't recall any one of them even asking me such a simple question. Someone who explores every piece of the jigsaw of the mind, and explores each individual one 110% before moving on.. .. .. Is that so much to ask?

One More Toy · 16-05-2021 8:17pm

Not feeling the best lads and ladies.

Slept all weekend, have lost interest in everything

Airyfairy12 · 16-05-2021 8:37pm

One More Toy wrote: »

Not feeling the best lads and ladies.

Slept all weekend, have lost interest in everything

Sorry to hear this One More Toy. I hope you can pull yourself out of this one. If its any help, when im feeling really low I have a to do list that really gets me through it.
Take a shower
Clean something
Change bed sheets
Make a meal from scratch
Watch a movie/TV show
Text someone
Go for a walk
Make a goal list for the next week/month/6 months ect..

Try it, it does help.

Airyfairy12 · 16-05-2021 8:40pm

Tired&Alone wrote: »

Is there any therapy/counselling services that doesn't involve any of that new age crap like CBT or similar? Every single counsellor I've gone to has eventually gone down that route, and I'm sick of it. It doesn't work for me, all I want is someone to talk to. Someone that isn't afraid of asking me really rough questions. Someone who is willing to leave absolutely no stone unturned when it comes to what goes through my mind. Of all the people I've gone to, the small fortune I've spent throughout the years, none of them have come close to this. They just go down the CBT or similar route ASAP, despite telling them I just want someone to talk to. To explore everything from every point of my life. My hatred, my anger, my guilt, my desires. To explore every thought, regardless of how uncomfortable it might be. "How do you feel about that?". I don't recall any one of them even asking me such a simple question. Someone who explores every piece of the jigsaw of the mind, and explores each individual one 110% before moving on.. .. .. Is that so much to ask?

Youre looking for a psychotherapist not a counsellor. You'll have to pay extra, they can charge from 70 - 150 per session.

lucalux · 16-05-2021 9:12pm

Tired&Alone wrote: »

Is there any therapy/counselling services that doesn't involve any of that new age crap like CBT or similar? Every single counsellor I've gone to has eventually gone down that route, and I'm sick of it. It doesn't work for me, all I want is someone to talk to. Someone that isn't afraid of asking me really rough questions. Someone who is willing to leave absolutely no stone unturned when it comes to what goes through my mind. Of all the people I've gone to, the small fortune I've spent throughout the years, none of them have come close to this. They just go down the CBT or similar route ASAP, despite telling them I just want someone to talk to. To explore everything from every point of my life. My hatred, my anger, my guilt, my desires. To explore every thought, regardless of how uncomfortable it might be. "How do you feel about that?". I don't recall any one of them even asking me such a simple question. Someone who explores every piece of the jigsaw of the mind, and explores each individual one 110% before moving on.. .. .. Is that so much to ask?

As above, Psychotherapy is very different than counselling generally.

Have a look here, https://iacp.ie/

Then under 'Find A Therapist', you can filter by your issue, for example anger management etc
You can see their qualifications. Some might have a Diploma in the specific area, or a Bachelors degree, others have a Masters or whatever

Call them then, and ask what you asked here. See how they respond, and go from there maybe.

A lot of it is down to the personal relationship between two people, like life, sometimes we just 'click' with some people. You might get some idea of that over the phone. Best of luck with the search

cloudatlas · 20-05-2021 10:01am

I've been on citalopram for 21 days now and it has helped my ibs but my sleep is broken, every morning I wake at 4 am etc., and I still feel a bit of nausea. Does that go away?

Purple is a Fruit · 20-05-2021 10:07pm

cloudatlas wrote: »

I've been on citalopram for 21 days now and it has helped my ibs but my sleep is broken, every morning I wake at 4 am etc., and I still feel a bit of nausea. Does that go away?

Hey Cloud, I find Citalopram brilliant anyway and I sleep very well on it.

Actually got the symptoms of IBS recently due to food poisoning combined with side effects of an antibiotic I just finished.

Sweet baby Jesus - my heart goes out to people experiencing those utterly agonising spasms on a constant basis. I'm glad to read the Citalopram is helping. It's one of the drugs with the least side effects so all the best!

fr336 · 02-06-2021 8:26pm

Hi all long time. I'm currently trying to come off the antidepressant Citalopram just wondering if anyone has any experience? I want to go from 10mg to 5mg then keep reducing but can't get it in liquid form - do you try and cut the 10mg in half?

Gremlinertia · 02-06-2021 8:44pm

Ask in pharmacy about pill splitters, hope you are linking in frequently with your doc, best of luck..

echo beach · 03-06-2021 12:07am

fr336 wrote: »

Hi all long time. I'm currently trying to come off the antidepressant Citalopram just wondering if anyone has any experience? I want to go from 10mg to 5mg then keep reducing but can't get it in liquid form - do you try and cut the 10mg in half?

It is available as 40 mg/ml oral drops. Each drop contains 2 mg. It isn’t usually in stock in pharmacies but if your doctor prescribes it they should be able to order it in a couple of days.

fr336 · 03-06-2021 7:51pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Ask in pharmacy about pill splitters, hope you are linking in frequently with your doc, best of luck..

My GP "recommended" to skip a day, then every third day, fourth day etc. Not something I want to attempt yet. Luckily today I found a pill splitter! I wasn't too hopeful to get one on the high street and almost didn't bother (that's depression for you - "you won't find one, it won't work properly etc") - but it worked great and split it exactly in half. So hopefully 5mg for a while, then 2.5 and off. I know it may take a while but I want to feel myself again. This drug helped my mum hugely with panic attacks but for me no.

RabbleRouser2k · 03-06-2021 8:28pm

Anyone else's sleep gone to crap for the last few weeks?

Have no idea what's going on with me, but my sleep is all over the place. Excessive sleep, that messes me up.

Wanderer78 · 04-06-2021 7:47am

RabbleRouser2k wrote:

Anyone else's sleep gone to crap for the last few weeks?

Mine has really settled down now, and for a long time to, I've been sticking to the same routine, and it's working, thank god, nothing worse than crappy sleep

RabbleRouser2k · 04-06-2021 10:21am

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Mine has really settled down now, and for a long time to, I've been sticking to the same routine, and it's working, thank god, nothing worse than crappy sleep

It's been going on for weeks now, and it's especially frustrating in that I'm meant to be helping someone out on a project, since March. I've been working away at it (its not paid, just doing a favour) but it feels like I'm slow as hell on it. Like, I've had all sorts of stuff happen that's thrown me off, and this in turn messed me up.

fr336 · 04-06-2021 10:53am

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

Sorry to hear this One More Toy. I hope you can pull yourself out of this one. If its any help, when im feeling really low I have a to do list that really gets me through it.
Take a shower
Clean something
Change bed sheets
Make a meal from scratch
Watch a movie/TV show
Text someone
Go for a walk
Make a goal list for the next week/month/6 months ect..

Try it, it does help.

Can recommend. Lot to be said for housework when you're down in the dumps. Achieving something as little as getting the ironing done can really lift your mood. Maybe not majorly, but just enough. If I'm feeling a bit low TV or films can help but if I'm seriously bad I need something less passive. PS The ironing works best with radio

Wanderer78 · 04-06-2021 12:17pm

RabbleRouser2k wrote: »

It's been going on for weeks now, and it's especially frustrating in that I'm meant to be helping someone out on a project, since March. I've been working away at it (its not paid, just doing a favour) but it feels like I'm slow as hell on it. Like, I've had all sorts of stuff happen that's thrown me off, and this in turn messed me up.

be kind to yourself, you re doing your best, sleep deprivation is horrible, i become virtually non functioning from it

Gremlinertia · 04-06-2021 12:29pm

Argh can't see last posts. Anyway got the strongest blast of depression yesterday evening, really sudden, really strong, had to leave the house. Felt like I was bursting out of my skin.. Awful experience and no amount of skills was going to tackle it..

Sardonicat · 04-06-2021 12:33pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Argh can't see last posts. Anyway got the strongest blast of depression yesterday evening, really sudden, really strong, had to leave the house. Felt like I was bursting out of my skin.. Awful experience and no amount of skills was going to tackle it..

How are you now, Grem? *hugs*

Wanderer78 · 04-06-2021 1:20pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Argh can't see last posts. Anyway got the strongest blast of depression yesterday evening, really sudden, really strong, had to leave the house. Felt like I was bursting out of my skin.. Awful experience and no amount of skills was going to tackle it..

..ive only recently discovered the experience of 'depression attacks', is this what you could be experiencing, unsure if ive experienced them myself?

Gremlinertia · 04-06-2021 2:08pm

Wanderer78 wrote: »

..ive only recently discovered the experience of 'depression attacks', is this what you could be experiencing, unsure if ive experienced them myself?

I'd always have called them mood swings in my usual way of underselling things..

Sardonicat · 04-06-2021 2:13pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

I'd always have called them mood swings in my usual way of underselling things..

I haven't had one of those sudden, catastrophic drops in mood in a long time, but remember well the sense of utter despair and emptiness and bleakness. They can be very frightening, sometimes more so in retrospect. Keep an eye on this, Grem. Anymore of these episodes get onto your psychiatrist and be sure to keep your partner clued in. Hope you're feeling a bit better now. *Hugs*

fr336 · 04-06-2021 8:16pm

Well folks i do not recommend splitting antidepressants. Today i have had worst stomach cramps of my life, generally feel awful etc. Back to the drawing board and back up to 10mg tomorrow. Got to be extremely careful with these drugs.

Sardonicat · 04-06-2021 8:59pm

fr336 wrote: »

Well folks i do not recommend splitting antidepressants. Today i have had worst stomach cramps of my life, generally feel awful etc. Back to the drawing board and back up to 10mg tomorrow. Got to be extremely careful with these drugs.

When I was waning off Prozsc, (which can't be split as it's a capsule) I just took one on alternate days when my dose was halfed. Dont know if you can do that with cipramil, bit hou could check with your GP.

fr336 · 04-06-2021 9:30pm

Sardonicat wrote: »

When I was waning off Prozsc, (which can't be split as it's a capsule) I just took one on alternate days when my dose was halfed. Dont know if you can do that with cipramil, bit hou could check with your GP.

I did try this but felt so spaced out even on just the first day i didn't take it! Did you go one every second day, third day etc? How did it feel, you got used to missing doses?

Sardonicat · 04-06-2021 9:40pm

fr336 wrote: »

I did try this but felt so spaced out even on just the first day i didn't take it! Did you go one every second day, third day etc? How did it feel, you got used to missing doses?

If I remember correctly, at that time I was on 40mg, which is two capsules, so at the start of coming off them I alternated 40mg/20mg for a fortnight, then, 20mg for a fortnight, then 20mg every second day. Yes, initially there were the spaced our feelings and the head shudders but when you taper off slowly it's a much gentler and faster process. Unfortunately, these withdrawals are part and parcel of SSRIs. I think you've experienced that a tiny dose can actually make you feel worse. I really think you should try the alternate days route and check back in with your gp about how gradually you can do it. If you plan your first 'no meds' day for a day when you can stay at home, you should be all right. The first day is usually the worst and it gets easier after that. Good luck with it.

fr336 · 04-06-2021 10:34pm

Sardonicat wrote: »

If I remember correctly, at that time I was on 40mg, which is two capsules, so at the start of coming off them I alternated 40mg/20mg for a fortnight, then, 20mg for a fortnight, then 20mg every second day. Yes, initially there were the spaced our feelings and the head shudders but when you taper off slowly it's a much gentler and faster process. Unfortunately, these withdrawals are part and parcel of SSRIs. I think you've experienced that a tiny dose can actually make you feel worse. I really think you should try the alternate days route and check back in with your gp about how gradually you can do it. If you plan your first 'no meds' day for a day when you can stay at home, you should be all right. The first day is usually the worst and it gets easier after that. Good luck with it.

Thanks a mil!

Wanderer78 · 05-06-2021 8:16am

fr336 wrote:

Well folks i do not recommend splitting antidepressants. Today i have had worst stomach cramps of my life, generally feel awful etc. Back to the drawing board and back up to 10mg tomorrow. Got to be extremely careful with these drugs.

I've been splitting sertraline for about a year now, tis all good with me

Gremlinertia · 05-06-2021 8:53am

Have to admit I dread the thoughts of a med change.. Hopefully it goes ok for you.

fr336 · 05-06-2021 8:06pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Have to admit I dread the thoughts of a med change.. Hopefully it goes ok for you.

Well I made it 30 miles to London on my own today so take that Citalopram!

Gremlinertia · 05-06-2021 10:34pm

Am at work, had another strong bout of despair type feeling. Getting here was hard.. Coming around a little now but it's fragile i think so just chill tunes on..

One More Toy · 05-06-2021 10:59pm

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Am at work, had another strong bout of despair type feeling. Getting here was hard.. Coming around a little now but it's fragile i think so just chill tunes on..

Have you got tunein radio installed? 'ambient sleeping pill' is a good station, can't beat rte chill either!

Gremlinertia · 05-06-2021 11:01pm

Just picking bits from youtube, got a lot listed and pretty decent suggested stuff because of it.. Hope you are well..

Probes · 06-06-2021 7:19pm

I've been prescribed Escitalopram but the side effects warnings were a bit of a shock so I haven't started yet, although I had a bad day today and wish I had. Has anyone good experience with it?

apache · 06-06-2021 7:52pm

Probes wrote: »

I've been prescribed Escitalopram but the side effects warnings were a bit of a shock so I haven't started yet, although I had a bad day today and wish I had. Has anyone good experience with it?

Try and not worry too much about the long list of side effects. If you believed them all you'd never take any medication ever.

Gremlinertia · 06-06-2021 8:11pm

What Apache said, reading the leaflet is sensible, however a lot of the side effects are an extremely rare risk..

One More Toy · 06-06-2021 8:58pm

Probes wrote: »

I've been prescribed Escitalopram but the side effects warnings were a bit of a shock so I haven't started yet, although I had a bad day today and wish I had. Has anyone good experience with it?

Based on my own experience and what my doctors have told me, expect an up to 8 week period to feel the full effects. I'm not on it anymore but was great while it lasted, best of luck give me a shout anytime

Probes · 06-06-2021 10:06pm

Thanks everyone, I was going to start it tonight but weirdly I’m feeling the best I have for a couple of months right now so it’s made me reluctant to start it, I’ll see how tomorrow is and start it tomorrow night.

Qrt · 09-06-2021 11:48am

Just started on medication two weeks ago. Been dealing with a mild to moderate depression for years now but only really faced up to it because online college stopped me in my tracks. I started on Vortioxetine, 10mg, which apparently is kinda uncommon especially as a first medication, but it’s worked a treat. Some side effects, slightly longer to eh, you know, but otherwise fine. Obviously I’m conscious it could wane but I’m hopeful. Can’t help but feel I’m incredibly lucky too.

apache · 09-06-2021 2:25pm

I think myself and my psychiatrist have reached the end of our journey. How easy or difficult is it to get a referrel from one place to another?
And of course you have to be smart and use your words wisely.

fr336 · 19-06-2021 1:38pm

Going to Citalopram every second day for a month...wish me luck and no dizziness...

Wanderer78 · 19-06-2021 6:01pm

fr336 wrote: »

Going to Citalopram every second day for a month...wish me luck and no dizziness...

down to 50mg of sertraline now, mood wobbled a little at first, but all good now, best of luck

fr336 · 19-06-2021 8:00pm

Wanderer78 wrote: »

down to 50mg of sertraline now, mood wobbled a little at first, but all good now, best of luck

And to you!

apache · 21-06-2021 7:29am

apache wrote: »

I think myself and my psychiatrist have reached the end of our journey. How easy or difficult is it to get a referrel from one place to another?
And of course you have to be smart and use your words wisely.

Got the referrel. No problems. Used my words wisely. Just a waiting game now until I am seen.

cloudatlas · 24-06-2021 10:40am

My work place had a meeting yesterday to talk about hybrid working and I feel so nervous about going back. I'm looking for other work but there isn't anything. I'm on 10mg of Citalopram for ongoing digestive issues.

RabbleRouser2k · 15-07-2021 5:50pm

My anxiety and OCD been doing a number with me lately. I'm washing my hands more than normal, my anxiety is crazy, and seems like every couple of days I sleep about 24 hours.

Gremlinertia · 15-07-2021 9:14pm

I'm similar here RabbleRouser, i don't quite understand, back to see psychologist next week, pysch outpatients end of month. Head down and chug on i guess.

Have you any ideas or coping strategies set up?.

Anxiety and depression thread (Please read OP)

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