RE: “Strange Days” or “My Week Without My Meds”
Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you have really been through a great ordeal.
I am glad you were able to get off your meds and you did so consulting a doctor, not just on a whim. Some people go about it the wrong way and it can have disastrous consequences. What some people don't realise is some pharmaceutical drugs have withdrawal symptoms, so for some drugs you can't just go cold turkey. A doctor is needed to help manage this by slowly reducing your dose over time.
My dad suffers from serious anxiety and mild depression. He has had it since he was a teenager, a few years ago he was able to reduce his medication intake by managing his triggers. He still has his medication but only needs it very occasionally if something sets him off.
Diet and exercise can also be super beneficial for mental health related issues. People don't realise exercise in particular does wonders and eating certain foods like almonds which contain things like the amino acid tyrosine that can help reduce stress.
I am fortunate that I could take a step back from them. I'm back on them for 3 days now, thankfully, and it is making a difference. It is nice to be able to manage my thoughts properly.
That's terrific news for your father - honestly, when one can control the triggers, it is a great day. When one can manage the triggers and reduce the meds, that is an even better one! Tell him to keep fighting the good fight, he's not alone!