19-04-2016 08:17 PM
19-04-2016 08:17 PM
Thanks, @snoopy. Can't agree more with all your points. But I need to add another; exercise. Putting on weight is a big issue for many people using MI meds, and regular exercise can offset that, but also it gives natural endorphins which can make a huge difference to overall mood and coping ability regardless of whether or not meds are part of the equation.
19-04-2016 08:18 PM
19-04-2016 08:18 PM
19-04-2016 08:21 PM
19-04-2016 08:21 PM
Exactly right @GothMum. I couldnt have put it better myself.
I could also add eating regularly and well (with limited sugar and caffeine), as well as having good sleep hygeine.
19-04-2016 08:27 PM - edited 19-04-2016 08:27 PM
19-04-2016 08:27 PM - edited 19-04-2016 08:27 PM
Hi @Former-Member. I think that is a very valid question. I guess we all find hope in different places – just reading everyone’s stories here offer some great and varied examples. I like to say that the hope comes in knowing that most people will find a combination of medications, therapy, community support and personal support to suit them. And it can take a while. And it is soo tiring. I can appreciate that. Does it help to think that with every dose or medication change, comes a step closer to perhaps finding what will work for you?
19-04-2016 08:31 PM
19-04-2016 08:31 PM
Totally true @Former-Member
19-04-2016 08:36 PM
19-04-2016 08:36 PM
Some of you have talked about trying to come of your medication but not having had it go to plan. Thats another element of medication: is being prepared to change your plans.
Coming off medication can sometimes be a big disappointment for people, if it doesn't bring the improvement they hoped for. But even if you don't manage to come off completely, you may succeed in reducing your dose, and this could make a significant difference to how you feel.
You can also consider trying again at a later time. The fact that things did not go as you wished this time does not mean that they never will.
Some people find out that they are happier taking medication after all. This is also helpful to know. It may be easier to get on with the rest of your life once you have accepted that medication is part of it, and you feel that the decision was yours rather than your doctor’s.
Has anyone else felt similarly?
19-04-2016 08:43 PM
19-04-2016 08:43 PM
Hi @MoonGal - I hope you've found members' responses helpful tonight in answering your questions.
The truth is that nearly all medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, have some kind of undesirable and sometimes dangerous aftereffects, from muscle aches to death. Even with the federal regulations that oversee these drugs, side effects are inevitable.
All medicines have possible side effects, but not everybody will experience them. When you are recommended a medicine, it's important to ask questions about side effects and what this means for you. When you are thinking about the risk of side effects with a medicine it's important to also keep in mind its benefits.
To work out the benefits of your medicine, you need to know what it does (its effect) and how well it works. Here are some pointers to finding out what your medicine will do for you. www.nps.com.au offers some useful ways to think about your medication
A medicine or medication can work in different ways, it might:
Here are some questions for you to think about and discuss with your health professional:
The National Prescribing Service has a helpful sheet to indicate the pros and cons of taking your medication and you can give each factor a rating according to how important it is to you. Remember if you are deciding whether to take a medicine at all, you can think about it the same way — weigh up the benefits and risks of taking the medicine versus those of not taking it. www.nps.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/115574/Personal_Decision_Guide_For_Medicines.pdf Remember to always talk over your medicines decisions with your health professional.
19-04-2016 08:44 PM
19-04-2016 08:44 PM
I think empowerment and knowing you have the right to choose, for me, is essential. I think any preconceived expectations and ideas also went out the window when I decided to stay on medication as part of my whole complete picture.
There was also much relief because I didn't have to prove anything to anyone and fully appreciating it is what it is, confronting my self imposed glass ceilings and stigma and learning to just be. That's enough and enough is okay.
For me to continue to make those informed choices in my life, I need to be on the even keel and my choice includes medication for my 'chemical balance' 😉
19-04-2016 08:48 PM
19-04-2016 08:48 PM
'I think empowerment and knowing you have the right to choose, for me, is essential.'
Amen to that @Heartworks !
19-04-2016 08:50 PM
19-04-2016 08:50 PM
Thank you @snoopy for that information
My husband used to be given only anti depressiant meds which he has given up over the years
But this time when he ended up in hospital they gave him anti anxiety meds as well
If you need urgent assistance, see Need help now
For mental health information, support, and referrals, contact SANE Support Services
SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health
SANE - ABN 92 006 533 606
PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053
HelpingMinds Newsletter
Signup to our newsletter, we're helping minds connect.
Donate Today
Please show your support by donating at this page.
How We Can Help
Supporting Mental Health Issues For Families, Young People & Adults.
Get In Touch
All calls made to our Carer Centre will be directed to our metro or regional offices.
Head Office
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000
Phone: +61 (8) 9427 7100
Fax: +61 (8) 9427 7119
Free Phone: 1800 811 747
HelpingMinds respectfully acknowledge that we work on Aboriginal land and pay our respects to community members and elders, past and present. Individuals pictured are models and are used for illustrative purposes only.
HelpingMinds is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. Helping Minds welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity