I’m Okay With Being On Antidepressants For Life

My doctor and I made the decision together, after long conversations with my friends, family and partner, who all believed I was in a good position to do so. I tapered off them slowly, as you’re advised to. I built in self-care, cut down on drinking, took a week off work, exercised, and ate healthier. I began taking antidepressants when I was 26, during a year when it felt like my depression was piling on top of me. I had dealt with mental illness for years, but for the first time, it felt like I was drowning. After breaking down at work and calling the employee mental health helpline, I decided to take control. I went on Citalopram and began seeing a therapist regularly. Antidepressants balanced me out so well that even in times of hopelessness, sadness, or anxiety — particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic — my panic attacks all but went away, and even though I experienced lows, as everyone does in life, they no longer left me feeling suicidal. As the pandemic eased and I returned to normal life, my doctor agreed it seemed like I no longer needed the medication, and I could think about going off them. I did so with her help, and after a pretty horrendous withdrawal period, I actually felt really good. I felt relieved I didn’t have to remember to take a pill every day and pleased I managed to taper down safely. <a href="https://medium.com/invisible-illness/im-okay-with-being-on-antidepressants-for-life-9cc32eb25878">Website</a>