Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Back in the Saddle Again

Alternate title for this post: Lessons I've Learned - Keep Taking Your Meds

One of the most frustrating aspects about myself is my fight to take my meds consistently. For the last 3 years, I have been successful in taking my meds every day, except for a few pockets here and there. I'm crawling out of one of those pockets now.

When I was young and naive, I would often rationalize not taking my meds by saying, "this is not the real me, not the authentic me. The real me is the me off the drugs." So, I'd stop taking the drugs, without medical supervision, mind you, and in a couple of days, the predictable would occur. Mood swings, crying jags, feeling alienated and in turn alienating everyone I knew, suicidal thoughts, the whole shebang.

Since I'm older and supposedly wiser, I've stopped doing that. I've realized and accepted that in order to function like a normal human being, I will likely have to be on meds for the rest of my life.

The problem for me now is any break in routine. For example, going on a business trip or vacation, breaks my routine for taking pills. But it's not the going away from home that's the problem, it's the coming back. My pills will be packed in my carry on bag and I won't unpack them. When it comes time to go to bed, my pills aren't on my nightstand, so I don't take them. Repeat until mood swings, crying jags, etc. occurs.

So, I took my pills again for the first time in a week last night. This morning, I woke with a song in my heart and a smile on my lips. Yes, it does happen that fast. The full effects, however, will probably take a week to kick in. So, I was very happy and relaxed this morning, but now my boss is being a gigantic dick so the happy has sort of gone away. I'm working to maintain balance and not just kill him.

5 comments:

HereWeGoAJen said...

Yeah, I always have the same trouble getting Matt to remember his diabetes medicine. It's the changes in routine that do it.

Antigone said...

I've never taken any antidepressants - but I'm prone to depression. I always just say that I have a melancholy temperament and that antidepressants would change my personality. I embrace my melancholy, cynical self.

Really healthy right?

Unknown said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I see one of your goals is to visit Ireland - I hope you make it :)

Unknown said...

I know what you mean, about resisting the meds even though they help. I don't know why we do that, but I'm glad you are back on. They have saved me at a very crucial time in my life. I'm glad you are feeling better!

mzzterry said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog & leaving yoour ironing tips...i would take my ironing to the cleaners if we only have to pay 99cents, its about three bucks a shirt here!!

A comment o your blog~ I, too, stopped antidepressants cold turkey once~ I will just say it is by Gods grace I am still alive!! Be careful....Take Care.