Problems with agoraphobia

[Canuckster1127]

Hey Danny, that's a great answer and it would work in just about any day and time except today. And I mean that in the sense that if I go to a doctor and get put on some kind of medication and our economy crashes (which it looks like it is going to do any day now) I would be forced to step off of the medicine and end up going through horrible withdraw. And from what I've heard, withdraw from antidepressants could be every bit as bad as withdrawing from any kind of street drugs. So if this was 1991 or 2001 instead of 2011 that would be possible, but right now with the way things are looking I may need to give that more careful thought.

Cebeus, I've been on anti-depressants before. The "withdrawal" is nothing like street drugs. I think you're possibly confusing anti-anxiety type medication or psychotic regulators which can be more like that. Most anti-depressants just slow the elimination of brain chemicals that your body produces naturally. They're not particularly dangerous and if a person is clinically depressed, combined with counselling they can be very effective and helpful in promoting a person's recovery and healing. If you're having issues in this area and believe you are depressed (there are all kinds of screening questionairres on-line that can help you determine that) then don't let fear and anxiety keep you from reaching out for help. Speak with your doctor (a family doctor or a psychiatrist are the only ones who can prescribe them) and see about getting some counselling as well. Depression is best addressed by both and many people find that after a period of time they can then cope well without medications, but if you need to remain on them for a longer time there's not really a great deal of danger involved with most of them. They just help your body keep what it already produces that helps to elevate and regulate your moods.

[DannyM]

Hey Danny, that's a great answer and it would work in just about any day and time except today. And I mean that in the sense that if I go to a doctor and get put on some kind of medication and our economy crashes (which it looks like it is going to do any day now) I would be forced to step off of the medicine and end up going through horrible withdraw. And from what I've heard, withdraw from antidepressants could be every bit as bad as withdrawing from any kind of street drugs. So if this was 1991 or 2001 instead of 2011 that would be possible, but right now with the way things are looking I may need to give that more careful thought.

Yes, cold withdrawal from anti-depressants is never recommended. But I'm not understanding the scenario. Why would you be forced to abruptly stop taking your medicine? Also, anti-depressants are but one option. Have you considered Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT)? I've seen just as effective and at times better results with people using this technique.

[DannyM]

Bart,

Cebeus, I've been on anti-depressants before. The "withdrawal" is nothing like street drugs. I think you're possibly confusing anti-anxiety type medication or psychotic regulators which can be more like that. Most anti-depressants just slow the elimination of brain chemicals that your body produces naturally. They're not particularly dangerous and if a person is clinically depressed, combined with counselling they can be very effective and helpful in promoting a person's recovery and healing. If you're having issues in this area and believe you are depressed (there are all kinds of screening questionairres on-line that can help you determine that) then don't let fear and anxiety keep you from reaching out for help. Speak with your doctor (a family doctor or a psychiatrist are the only ones who can prescribe them) and see about getting some counselling as well. Depression is best addressed by both and many people find that after a period of time they can then cope well without medications, but if you need to remain on them for a longer time there's not really a great deal of danger involved with most of them. They just help your body keep what it already produces that helps to elevate and regulate your moods.

Good advice for the main part. I just have a wee issue with you saying that sudden withdrawal from anti-depressants is not dangerous. I don't know one doctor or psychiatrist who would advise a sudden halt form taking anti-depressants. Coming off anti-depressants is a process which is done slowly by reducing the medication's dose and 'spacing' out the days on which it is to be taken. A sudden withdrawal can be disasterous. Not trying to get into a debate here on Cubeus' prayer thread, brother. Perhaps if we continue we could take it elsewhere...

Danny

[B. W.]

Cebeus,

Being a Social Worker and dealing with such problems with agoraphobia as you describe in some of my former clients, the best way to overcome this is by indentifying the root cause for this through prayer, professional counseling, applied behavioral modification techniques, and medications, all soaked with prayer and more prayer.

Key is identification of the root cause. Usually and traditionally a trained counselor will look at ones past with their parents and family, even birth order, was there family control of the nature that promoted social withdrawal and fear of being seen. From there, they move unto other areas. Behavior Modification comes in play later and slow teaches a person how to step outside and not fear in a slow methodical approach. Prayer uncovers things for the person, like yourself.

I wish we could counsel you here on this forum but we cannot as we are limited and have no contact with you. Look for a licensed therapist (Christian preferred) in your area who deals with this matter and open up. We’ll join with you in prayer and I pray for you courage…

Be Blest! You will overcome thru Christ!!!
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[Canuckster1127]

Bart,

Cebeus, I've been on anti-depressants before. The "withdrawal" is nothing like street drugs. I think you're possibly confusing anti-anxiety type medication or psychotic regulators which can be more like that. Most anti-depressants just slow the elimination of brain chemicals that your body produces naturally. They're not particularly dangerous and if a person is clinically depressed, combined with counselling they can be very effective and helpful in promoting a person's recovery and healing. If you're having issues in this area and believe you are depressed (there are all kinds of screening questionairres on-line that can help you determine that) then don't let fear and anxiety keep you from reaching out for help. Speak with your doctor (a family doctor or a psychiatrist are the only ones who can prescribe them) and see about getting some counselling as well. Depression is best addressed by both and many people find that after a period of time they can then cope well without medications, but if you need to remain on them for a longer time there's not really a great deal of danger involved with most of them. They just help your body keep what it already produces that helps to elevate and regulate your moods.

Good advice for the main part. I just have a wee issue with you saying that sudden withdrawal from anti-depressants is not dangerous. I don't know one doctor or psychiatrist who would advise a sudden halt form taking anti-depressants. Coming off anti-depressants is a process which is done slowly by reducing the medication's dose and 'spacing' out the days on which it is to be taken. A sudden withdrawal can be disasterous. Not trying to get into a debate here on Cubeus' prayer thread, brother. Perhaps if we continue we could take it elsewhere...

Danny

Danny,

No argument. When I've gone off anti-depressants I have done them slowly too and I understand the reason for care in that area. I don't see where I made the statement that a person wouldn't follow a doctor's advice and come off them as directed, but I can see how my response combined with the original post could cause confusion. As it is, I have no disagreement with you on this. If you're on them, see the doctor before ceasing them and follow his directions. Depending upon the medication and your circumstances there could be issues if you just stop them.



blessings,

bart

[DannyM]

Bart,

No argument. When I've gone off anti-depressants I have done them slowly too and I understand the reason for care in that area. I don't see where I made the statement that a person wouldn't follow a doctor's advice and come off them as directed, but I can see how my response combined with the original post could cause confusion. As it is, I have no disagreement with you on this. If you're on them, see the doctor before ceasing them and follow his directions. Depending upon the medication and your circumstances there could be issues if you just stop them.

Sorry for misreading you. I thought it sounded strange when tied in with the bulk of your reply, which was good, sound advice.

I second the above.

[ChrisB]

Praying for you Cubeus. God Bless you & yours.