Stickied The Mental Health Thread.

[MJA]

Great to see you taking the right steps CrazyImp. I have found that talking (to the right people) is the best medicine, particularly as all of my issues were bottled up and have been bubbling for pretty much all of my adult life. Taking that step to talk and unleash my issues and release that pent up emotion has really opened my eyes and I am now planning for my future instead of dwelling on things that have happened and things that cannot be changed.

 

[CrazyImp]

Just read up on Citalopram - to say I'm wary is an understatement. May just give the counselling a go and take it from there.

 

[MJA]

Just read up on Citalopram - to say I'm wary is an understatement. May just give the counselling a go and take it from there.

Just because you have been prescribed it, doesn't mean you have to take it. You know your body and mind better than anyone else so you know if it will help you or not. Your doubts would suggest that giving the counselling a go first is the right move.

Can I advise you to talk about everything and be totally honest. In my meetings, I spoke about things I have never spoken about to anyone at any point in my life and as much as it was an emotional rollercoaster in there, I walked out of the building at the end with a smile on my face because it felt like I had succeeded and was on the right track to recovery.

Don't hold back!!!!!

 

[Abertawe]

Just read up on Citalopram - to say I'm wary is an understatement. May just give the counselling a go and take it from there.

My issue is I just can't fathom how a GP (who is essentially a jack of all trades master of none) can determine that a remedy is anti-depressants with a 10 minute consultation. As I understand the counselling stuff that they give out are volunteer organisations. Sometimes talking to a stranger can be all you need but if it's something more complex it's a psychiatrist you need but you just can't get a psychiatrist consultation on the NHS unless you're on the verge of something major or can wait months & months. Does your employer run a health scheme? They may cover you to go private.

 

[Dolph Ziggler]

Just read up on Citalopram - to say I'm wary is an understatement. May just give the counselling a go and take it from there.

I'd try everything other than medication as a first.
It's not a cure it's a prevention and you can become reliant on it.

Talking to people, even anonymously on a message-board can really be a huge help.

 

[TheRedDragon]

Just read up on Citalopram - to say I'm wary is an understatement. May just give the counselling a go and take it from there.

My mum was given Citalopram when my step dad left her a while back. She was a mess from it, up and down like a wave of extreme high and enormous low on a daily basis, to the point where she would just be exhausted from it all. Not to say it wouldn't work for you mind, but I'd say your weariness is merited. As Ziggler said, try other methods first and then consider medication to facilitate an even keel for yourself if you feel the need. I also used counselling myself and it changed everything for me.

 

[Martino Quackavelli]

I used to be on citalopram, didn't really notice anything.

 

[TheRedDragon]

I used to be on citalopram, didn't really notice anything.

That's the thing as well, the medication will 100% affect different people in different ways depending on individual chemistry, I suppose that's why medicating is so hit or miss in the first place?

 

[mistermagic]

Just because you have been prescribed it, doesn't mean you have to take it. You know your body and mind better than anyone else so you know if it will help you or not. Your doubts would suggest that giving the counselling a go first is the right move.

Can I advise you to talk about everything and be totally honest. In my meetings, I spoke about things I have never spoken about to anyone at any point in my life and as much as it was an emotional rollercoaster in there, I walked out of the building at the end with a smile on my face because it felt like I had succeeded and was on the right track to recovery.

Don't hold back!!!!!

It's highly advised that he does though! Went down that road (epileptic pills) and not taking the medicine I was prescribed didn't do me any good. I don't understand that this is different but if a pro makes you a prescription, you should take and see if it works.
But yes, by all means, talking to people will definitely help.

 

[Abertawe]

It's highly advised that he does though! Went down that road (epileptic pills) and not taking the medicine I was prescribed didn't do me any good. I don't understand that this is different but if a pro makes you a prescription, you should take and see if it works.
But yes, by all means, talking to people will definitely help.

Dunno how it works in your beautiful country but in most places something like epilepsy will be diagnosed by a specialist after thorough assessment. What we're talking about here is a jack of all trades GP prescribing brain chemistry altering meds on the basis of a 5-10 minute chat.

Why would you not take meds for epilepsy you fool.

 

[T.A]

It's highly advised that he does though! Went down that road (epileptic pills) and not taking the medicine I was prescribed didn't do me any good. I don't understand that this is different but if a pro makes you a prescription, you should take and see if it works.
But yes, by all means, talking to people will definitely help.

That's a terrible comparison.

 

[mistermagic]

Dunno how it works in your beautiful country but in most places something like epilepsy will be diagnosed by a specialist after thorough assessment. What we're talking about here is a jack of all trades GP prescribing brain chemistry altering meds on the basis of a 5-10 minute chat.

Why would you not take meds for epilepsy you fool.

Wow. That's pretty bad.

 

[HertsWolf]

My issue is I just can't fathom how a GP (who is essentially a jack of all trades master of none) can determine that a remedy is anti-depressants with a 10 minute consultation. As I understand the counselling stuff that they give out are volunteer organisations. Sometimes talking to a stranger can be all you need but if it's something more complex it's a psychiatrist you need but you just can't get a psychiatrist consultation on the NHS unless you're on the verge of something major or can wait months & months. Does your employer run a health scheme? They may cover you to go private.

You make important points. Whether a company scheme provides coverage or not, it remains appalling that the NHS doesn't properly address mental health, given that it affects more than one in four people.

 

[Abertawe]

I'm convinced psychedelics provides the key to enable the soul to deconstruct and eliminate depression. They got it so mixed up it's gotta be purposeful.

 

[Techno Natch]

Funny you should say that. I just came across this today. https://aeon.co/ideas/we-need-ecstasy-and-cocaine-in-place-of-prozac-and-xanax

 

[SALTIRE]

Feeling anxious a lot just now. Have a lot going on. Just took some Kalms, but they make me drowsy. Any suggestions of something that won't make me sleepy so I can get on with things?

 

[Martino Quackavelli]

Feeling anxious a lot just now. Have a lot going on. Just took some Kalms, but they make me drowsy. Any suggestions of something that won't make me sleepy so I can get on with things?

You're not going to find something over the counter I imagine.

 

[TractorBoys]

Feeling anxious a lot just now. Have a lot going on. Just took some Kalms, but they make me drowsy. Any suggestions of something that won't make me sleepy so I can get on with things?

If you're happy to speak to your doctor, ask about Propranolol. It's a beta blocker that can be prescribed for problematic anxiety - can be taken up-to 3 times daily at 40mg as and and when required. Will mainly help with anxiety symptoms such as heart rate, jitters, etc. It's fairly weak but works for some- and has none of the addictive traits of other alternatives such as benzos which can be a slippery slope.

Might not be suitable for you, but if your anxiety is affecting your daily life then your GP will most likely be happy to prescribe it once you discuss the symptoms of anxiety you're experiencing as there are no known dependency issues in terms of being physically addictive which is rare for anxiety meds.

 

[Krazy8]

If you're happy to speak to your doctor, ask about Propranolol. It's a beta blocker that can be prescribed for problematic anxiety - can be taken up-to 3 times daily at 40mg as and and when required. Will mainly help with anxiety symptoms such as heart rate, jitters, etc. It's fairly weak but works for some- and has none of the addictive traits of other alternatives such as benzos which can be a slippery slope.

Might not be suitable for you, but if your anxiety is affecting your daily life then your GP will most likely be happy to prescribe it once you discuss the symptoms of anxiety you're experiencing as there are no known dependency issues in terms of being physically addictive which is rare for anxiety meds.

It's the only medication I've taken for anxiety but propranolol works wonderfully for me. If ever my anxiety gets too much or I have a panic attack I take one and it calms me down no end.

 

[JaseTheVillain]

I've been having a load of anxiety attacks recently, went to the doctors yesterday and have been recommended talking therapies and been put back on antidepressants. I've been put on Sertraline this time rather than Citalopram which I hated (felt numb all of the time and had no sex drive, horrendous coming off them etc).

Started off on 50mg and back to the docs in 3 weeks to see how I'm doing.

 

[SALTIRE]

Have some Stemetil tablets there that got prescribed for my vertigo a while back but see they help with anxiety as well, so have took when feeling that way and they do seem to help. Don't have much left, but will use the packet up until then. Need to get back exercising tbh which helps a lot, but not been in the mood recently.

 

[Abertawe]

Question for those without a specific diagnoses that are on meds - Do you exercise with regularity and consume a legit majority natural diet free of processed sugars?

 

[Abertawe]

Question for those without a specific diagnoses that are on meds - Do you exercise with regularity and consume a legit majority natural diet free of processed sugars?

More & more evidence is pointing to depression being a physical condition, caused by 'food' which encourages inflammation. Sugar & refined carbs cause inflammation. For most people it's gonna be the diet. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/...ical-illness-could-treated-anti-inflammatory/

 

[johnnytodd]

Apparantly im bi-polar

 

[Krazy8]

Been struggling loads lately, anxiety’s gone through the roof and panic attacks seem to be coming all the time. Had to quit my job because of it, the third time I’ve had to leave a job because of anxiety. Been taking propranolol for a few years which helps but they’re obviously reactionary.

My confidence usually comes back when I spend more time at home but I then struggle to get another job and end up feeling depressed. Used to enjoy coming on here but that’s not really the case now so I might do a martino and take a break!

Question for those without a specific diagnoses that are on meds - Do you exercise with regularity and consume a legit majority natural diet free of processed sugars?

Eating healthily helps massively imo. Comfort eating is ok in the moment but in the long run it just makes my mood feel so much lower. Been going to the gym more often now I’ve got the time as well and it’s such a great help. Not sure if it’s physical or mental but I’ve never left the gym without feeling more positive.

 

[Look Out There Are Llamas]

Sorry to hear that mate. If ever you need to talk things out/ go on a rant etc. you know where to find me.

 

[Lance Stoe]

Anxiety is a horrible thing to go through. An absolutely terrible illness. For me it's the thought of passing out and getting dizzy that leads me to have anxiety. Or it may be the anxiety that leads to these physical reactions. I still haven't pinpointed it. People say to breathe steadily but when you are having a panic attack then I believe your first instinct is to run away. CBT has helped to an extent and I am still unsure whether Citalopram is the answer.

 

[SALTIRE]

Chris Kirkland here speaking of his battles with anxiety:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41599714

 

[Abertawe]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-41608984

 

[Andy Proctor]

I need help but nobody is bothered family are wankers don't speak to me got debts lonely every fucker hates me might aswell be dead.