could tell someone with a genuine question regarding going off of Anti-Depressant medications, to; "Get A Life".  Do you really have a life if you are on this site that much?  That was a nasty thing to say to someone asking for help about ANYTHING!
123091
That was rather nasty.Some people are just plain ignorant about other's misfortunes.They are selfish and self-centered.
432633
thats a good step in wanting to turn it over to God. God can deal with our problems. you just need a little help right now. so maybe the medication can help you in this process. you can take them while you are learning. i used to be so opposed to taking anti depressants or other such meds. but now i am on lexapro and it has helped me so much. now my relationship with God has grown because i am not so focused on the problems that i am facing with my anxiety and depression.
371358
I took it for a short time....for depression. I had headaches, and gained weight.  Also, when I stopped taking it...my hearing kept going in and out.  I kept hearing this zzip..zzzip...I could actually feel a strange vibration going thru my head...and that's when I figured out it was my hearing....fading in and out.  Really weird.  And they say it is not habit forming....but, then they say "well, you can't just stop taking it..you have to be weaned off of it."  If that's not an addiction....then explain that one to me!! I ended up just going to a counselor and now I am doing great....I just had to have someone not involved with my life to help me figure things out.
417898
Registered Nurse here;  First I'm not a Physician, therefore I cannot suggest Anti-depressant, furthermore over the Internet without a complete history of all your symptoms and medical/mental history, no one should suggest a anti-depressant to you.  However, I truly believe there is hope for you, now if you will make an appointment with a mental health clinic, psychiatrist, therapist, or perhaps your primary care physician, you can be helped.  Due to the complexity and severity assessing strictly from what you have written.  Sounds as if you may need some inpatient therapy.  Please don't even entertain the Ideal or thought of suicide, when this comes into your mind, force it out with more positive thoughts.  Something lead to your unhappiness, you can be happy again.  It's pure speculation here on my part, but perhaps you truly do have a chemical imbalance in your brain.  Having said this, sometimes a person needs to try different anti-depressants, many times the patient and physician need to work closely together via trial and error, till that right medication is found for you.  Also most anti-depressants don't tale effect immediately, usually it's a 2wk, to 4wk, period for full benefit of anti-depressant to kick in.  I don't mean to quote you a cliche', but "Please Remember Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem".  You've already taken an important step you are seeing a Mental Health Professional for your on anti-depressant.  You get a standing Ovation from me for this, now just don't give up.  You've taken the biggest step, now keep stepping until you find the medication/therapy combo that works for you.  Once again you will not worry and be happy! Just give it some time.  I hope this has helped and I appreciate the opportunity to address such a well written question.
111515
Best thing you can do man. I read abit about that before its amazing the results they had.  Doesnt take years like psycho-therapy and you dont have to deal with malicious anti-depresents in you bloodstream. Best thing you can do, highly recomended.
358618
Thank you! I really try to answer questions that I feel I can help someone with. Some people come on here with serious issues seeking answers and support. If I can do that I will try to.\nIt was very nice of you to do this and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
108145
I don't live in the Fort Worth area but I am bipolar. I want to apologize for the comments from some of the people who have answered your question. I don't know them but I'm actually quite embarrassed for them. I think you're doing the right thing by trying to find other people who are bipolar because it's always helpful to talk to others who are going through the same pain you are going through.
266975
Personally living through a lot of messed up situations and abuse on all sorts of levels. I think you have to live it to preach it and know a lot of information to be able to help. A lot of councelling did not help me at all. I saw 9 different shrinks in 3 years and nothing. It took changing everything in my life and a lot soul searching to help myself and now I have a lot more good days then bad. But it took a lot of hard work to get myself here.
189808
i am so there and have been there for soooo long. i feel for you. and i am married and he gets mad when i flip out and have an anxiety attack or cry for 6 hours straight. Once he finds out I haven't been taking the med he thinks I dont WANT to get better. Depression is the most isolating thing in the world. counselors take forever to get around to telling you that they cant really help...it sucks. But hang in there and I recommend you get a personal relationship with Jesus. The after life is our only hope. Suicide sends you to hell. Hang in there, be strong and know that there will come aday when you and I and so many others will feel  better- for eternity. If you are dont believe I hope you will at least give it a chance. If you do, i hope you will know the devil causes the bad stuff, not God. (I struggle with that, but in my heart I know it is true...) Add me to your messenger if you want to talk ever country_grl_ky  I swear when I read your question I was like "wow. that is me, exactly" Best of luck to you either way and please hang on to the hope. I know when most days are bad, it is so hard to keep on going knowing you have "never" been happy and thinking you arent normal or that you might never feel happy....but it is not true. And try to take your medicine. I do the same thing and I dont know why either. But we should take it.
290533
PLEASE TAKE YOUR HEALTH VERY SERIOUSLY AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE RATHER THAN THIS FORUM.  SEEK YOUR PHARMICIST OR PHYICIAN REGARDING THIS.  PLEASE YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE AND IT IS PRECIOUS.
385679
Some people on this site need to let things go and "get over" themselves. I have been reported unfairly too. It is a shame that people cant seem to handle the truth about things and them reporting your Friend, me and anybody gives them a sense of control, they can delete your questions, however they cannot erase real life and so what if its chatty I have seen things on this site that would make a longshoreman blush and nothing is said.\nLike I stated before some  people REALLY need to get over themselves.
559049
Yes...and know of others who did as well...the stuff is handed out like candy, we all want a quick fix, or to believe we are messed up and need help... but really, we need our loving friends and family, physical activity, creative outlets (journalling, art, ) and maybe sharing with others in a supportive setting. You are not alone here! I never went higher than the 34.5 starter dose, experienced panic attacks, more anxiety and irrational thinking than ever...I just realized I needed to accept whatever apin I was going through, grieve, weep, heal and move on. I tossed the stuff and went to a homeopath instead...and keep active! Natural endorphins will get you through in the end...best wishes.
179208
I was on 20mg anti deppressants for 9 months, which was called Paxil.  I was running out and I had moved 10 hours away from the doctor that prescribed it to me, so I decided to get off of them.  I cut them in half and I didn't feel any different and then I threw out the last few pills I had.  That's when I had withdrawals, which was horrible!!  I've never been through withdrawals with anything and it was so bad that while I was walking to work one day, I had to turn around and go back home because I just couldn't make it.  It lasted for a good week and finally I was off of the pills for good.  I can't say that I'm cured, but truly and honestly I don't want to go back on the pills.  I was told that I did the wrong thing and I should of consulted a doctor before getting off of them, which I think you should consult your doctor before you get off of the pills for good.
349937
I feel proud. I'm going through depression andf this site helps me in three ways;\n\n1) It helps me realise that i am not the only person who has problems or who feels the same way as me about the world.\n\n2) It acts as a form of escapism for me. While i am on here i am not thinking of my own problems.\n\n3) I can laugh at and join in some of the crack that goes on in this forum. Some of it is distasteful or below the belt but most of it is good natured.
307940
I am so happy that you did that, and also that you came here and told us.  So many posts on here about depression are  from kids and teenagers or Christians who have never experienced depression at its absolute depth, and tell you things such as 'pray to God' or 'get over it'  it's made my day to read your post and I hope that now you have taken that first enormous step you realise you are not on your own and there is hope, thank you :)
350611
You know, I don't know if this would help you or not but I have found that people who are depressed sometimes feel better by volunteering at a shelter, hospital, etc.  Helping those who are less fortunate than you makes you feel grateful for what you have and also gives you a sense of purpose and meaning in your life.  Also reading the Bible and praying couldn't hurt.  It is all worth a try.  What do you have to lose?  You only have one life and you don't want to throw it down the drain.  You are important and have a reason for being on this earth.  When you have suicidal thoughts you must not dwell on them.  I know this is easy for us to say and we aren't living with your pain, but you have to keep trying.  Do whatever it takes.  Also if the meds aren't working, keep trying different meds and if needed different docs.  I know you have been doing it for 15 years but this is your life we are talking about.  Do it for 50 if you have to!  Good luck and God Bless.
255345
I am a licensed mental health professional and while I certainly would never diagnose you online, I do think other writers are on the right track.  What you are describing really does correspond with symptoms of depression. The good news is that this is a common and very treatable illness.  While you don't want to go to the doctor, you need to remember that depression (or any type of mental illness) is nothing to be ashamed of.  If you were diabetic would you hesitate or be embarassed to seek treatment?  Heck I'm a professional and have experienced depression. I got the help I needed and moved on with my life.  There are so many new medications and other options you can speak with a professional about.  This is all about taking care of yourself and getting the most you can out of life.  I would recommend getting a referral for a practitioner who has some experience in treating depression.  If money is an issue, almost all communities have free or low cost resources. In the mean time, try to share what is going on with your boyfriend and other people you trust.  Let them be there for you.  If you want to talk please feel free to contact me.  My email is jazzy_59602@yahoo.com.