PlutoCharon wrote:I've taken SSRIs and the one thing I do not understand are those people who claim that they have helped them. Helped them with what? These things changed me while I was on them and even since I discontinued them. And speaking of discontunation, it is accompanied by what is called brain shocks. While my doctor claims it's normal and nothing to worry about, I am extremely worried about what feels like electricity running through my brain randomly, even involuntarily causing twitching at times. Haven't been on them for years (and never used them for very long) and I still occasionally get that. And I don't think it's harmless. No way. I don't trust these things. I tried a couple brands and they all made me feel different. One made me childishly 'crazy' at times. So when I read about them in common with things like this or whatever, I'm not going to say they are solely responsible but they are in part.
Something is going on and it aint good. I'd rather be a sad and depressed soul than be a docile and empty crazy person. Some say that med school cadavers with years of antidepressant usage are showing brain calcification. I wouldn't be surprised. And when you say these things people sometimes get offended and say how they've helped them through their divorce or midlife crisis, etc. Sorry but I'm going to be a dick and say 'fuck you' in these cases. Fuck them for being so ignorant about what it is really doing to their brain and its chemistry. I don't care if they think that it helped. I know that it's not really helping. Not the way it is sold on us. Avoid these. If you're on them, stop. If you think they help, it's all in your head
I know exactly what you mean. Though I do see it working for others, and I wish them all the best - without judging the concept of such things possibly working for *someone*; I had the exact same experience as you describe here.
I unfortunately tried SSRIs a couple of years back, for a very short period, and for the first time in my entire life I suffered complete short term memory loss/blackouts in everyday moments. (tiny irrelevant things, but even when I noticed them later - like things having been moved; I still could not recall moving them - complete removal of short term memory in that period)
The brainshocks and electric feels are a side-effect which I think *most* users suffer from, especially during the weaning off period. The longer you've been on it, the more severe probably. I don't know. I can also attest to this, though. I regret ever touching it, and if it weren't for the testimony of people who it has obviously helped; I'd be against it even be called a medication.
There's two simple things that help better in every way with what SSRIs claim to help with: meditation (and exercise, obviously), and diet.
If I'd known then what a simple thing like an Avocado/veggie mix smoothie does (it's weird how instant that energy rush/mood change is, damn nature is nice), alongside practicing some basic mind calming techniques, I would have never even tried it.
A therapist I later talked to straight up said I should have never been put on it to begin with, so don't take it out on the profession(s); it's the industry itself. Many psychiatrists would have the very same issues with these types of medications as their patients have, as far as I can tell.