This might actually be progress

I actually had a pretty good day for the first time in over a week. For the most part, I felt like myself again. That's a good thing because I've not been myself for awhile. I had a few rough patches today. I got very frustrated with the kids but I collected myself and apologized to them for losing my cool. When I say I had a pretty good day, I mean I wasn't sick, didn't cry and I was able eat without wanting to puke. I did experience anxiety and that wasn't fun but I survived it. This is progress and I think that's a really positive thing. If things continue along this path, I will be able to push through this and with any luck, put it behind…

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This is what withdrawing from #Paxil is doing to me

I wanted to touch base and let you guys know where I've been. Since last Thursday, I've been really, really struggling both physically and emotionally. I was doing pretty good, or so I thought. For most of the last 90 days or so, I was going okay. I would feel changes each time my dose was reduced but for the most part, I adjusted well. When I took my final dose last Thursday, I thought I was going to be free. Instead, I find myself struggling more than I ever have before. To be clear, I'm not struggling with Depression, the Fisher Wallace Stimulator I'm using is helping out a great deal on that end. The problem I'm having now is how my body is reacting to no longer having…

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IMPORTANT UPDATE: My nightmarish withdrawal from #Paxil has taken an unexpected turn

Yesterday, I told you that Gavin's appointment with Dr. Reynolds went fine. What I didn't tell you was that I had a chance to talk to him about my current struggles with coming off of Paxil. I also wanted to update you all as well because I think it's been a little while since a more detailed update has been written. I took my last dose of Paxil last Thursday. I was taking 40 mg/day and over the last three months, I've slowly weaned off the Paxil, under medical supervision. This has been a nightmare at times and survivable at others. The middle part of this journey wasn't too bad because was I beginning to use the Fisher Wallace Stimulator and that has helped to take the edge off by…

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A major milestone in managing my #Depression

After roughly six years or so, I am saying goodbye to a medication that has been helping to manage my depression. It's been a three month long journey to withdrawal from Paxil, under medical supervision. The journey was a mixed bag of feeling like I was going to die and being okay. I took my last dose tonight and I feel really awesome about it. I'm hoping that as my body chemistry stabilizes, I continue managing my depression successfully between diet, exercise and the Fisher Wallace Stimulator. My next mission is to withdrawal from the Wellbutrin but I'm going to wait a bit and let the dust settle. Should this journey prove to difficult without medication, I'll revisit my decision to discontinue it. My doctor will help me find a…

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Living with #Depression is a war, not just a battle

I wanted to take a few minutes and share what I consider to be a major milestone in how I'm managing my Depression. Depression has been a part of my life since my early teens and will likely be an indefinite part of my life. While Depression is a consistent part of my mental and emotional health, how I choose to manage it can change from time to time. The three most important parts of managing Depression involves therapy, medication (if needed) and exercise. Everyone is different but generally speaking, the three pronged approach tends to be the best fit for most people. I'm not like most people and things like talk therapy, have never really been that effective for me personally. My weapon of choice has been medication and…

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A major milestone in my battle with #Depression

I've been openly talking about my torrid relationship with depression for a long time now. It's important to speak openly and honestly because I want people to know that it's okay to talk about depression. There's no shame in battling depression and I think that when we suffer in silence, it's that much harder to stay afloat. At the same time, I understand why many people don't talk about it. Unless you're living with depression, it's very difficult to understand it. I have an update in regards to my current battle with depression. It's a big one and I'm feeling really good about it. Tonight marked the beginning of the third phase of my withdrawal from Paxil. That means I'm officially two months into the process and have one month…

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Depression Confessions: How the @fisherwallace Stimulator is helping me battle #Depression

UPDATE: I was speaking Chip Fisher, the President of Fisher Wallace Laboratories and received an update on insurance companies that are now covering the Fisher Wallace Stimulator.  I'll add to the list as I get new information.  Insurance companies currently covering the Fisher Wallace Stimulator: United Healthcare Medicaid in the State of Maine Click Here to purchase your own Fisher Wallace Stimulator It's been a little while since I've updated you on how my withdrawal from Paxil is going. At this point in time, I'm about halfway through the withdrawal process and things are going pretty well. If you've never experienced it first hand, let me tell you that withdrawing from drugs like Paxil, with a very short half-life can be extremely difficult, painful and even dangerous in not done…

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Depression Confession: Major progress has been made

Today begins phase 2 of my withdrawal from Paxil. I'm officially on half on my original dose and that's progress. The first two weeks were absolutely horrible. It was like the worst case of the flu I've ever experienced. That lasted about a week and a half. After that misery was over the insomnia began. My experience for the last week or so has been much, much better. The first two and a half weeks sucked but it definitely got better. For the next four weeks, I'll be taking 20 mg/day. That's 20 mg/day less than I've been taking for the last few years. More likely than not, therr will be more unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and I suspect it may follow the original pattern. I know how ridiculous it sounds…

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