Widows & Widowers Support Group
This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.
I came for awhile and I read and posted advice on things I have gone through. I feel so badly for the newly widowed and wanted to have words of wisdom but I found myself unable to find the right words to bring comfort. Then foolishly I decide I did not need my anti depression meds anymore and took myself off it but it was a bad idea my doctor says that it is sometimes part of depression to stop the meds thinking you can do without it when you can't. It was a really bad few months but I am back on them and feeling better. Guess why I am posting this is too let you know that suffering from depresssion and getting help and taking meds is okay nothing to be ashamed of which was my issue I felt ashamed of needing them. I will try not to let the stigma that the world puts on this illness get to me and try very hard not to stop them again without a doctor knowing and supervising! And I would like to be helpful on this group as I went through grief while suffering depression and I survived.
I totally get where you are with the meds. Take or not to take? I used to abhor the idea of needing the prescriptive crutch . . . until NOW. I know there is a reason and a season for all things When all of my knowledge of coping skills and psychological tool box failed me, I met with my doc and decided to take his advice for a low level dosage of Lexipro (daily) and the Klonipan when needed.
I felt weak and less than .. . . yet,, unable to cope well on my own. I now know that there is a time and place for meds. I was also worried about becoming dependent upon them; yet after extensive research, I learned what was the appropriate dosage and when to be worried with over-medicating.
With the (smallest ml) Lexipro it was still a really bad idea to go off of them without doc's advice. I take them and feel quite well and without the feeling of being "drugged". As for the Klonipin (sort of like Xanax), I am super careful of because I know there is an addictive nature attached. I only take when I'm in a near panic or have to drive. Problem with the anxiety started way before hubby passed, but became exacerbated .. .
Depression sucks . . as does grief (I'm not used to either). But I'm reminded depression is a part of the grief process. Remember . . . DABDA . .
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
Be gentle with self and know that you are not suffering alone. We are walking with you, beside you. Big hug, xo, Dayna
Love and Big Hugs,
Martha
Wishing all a peaceful heart . . .