Antidepressants

[.onelove.]

Drugs can help in the short-run, if you learn from the experiences they allow you. MDMA gives me a positive afterglow as it gives me a short insight that makes me realise everythings not so bad. Valium gave me more confidence when used to get me through anxious times, as after I realised theres nothing to be afraid of. (However too much of that crippled me with an addiction, everything in moderation, the moment you depend on a substance to sustain your mood you're fucked)


There's a decent documentary about Manic Depression presented by Stephen Fry. He, and a lot of others, decide to refuse any medication as they prefer the dynamic range of emotions. Even though they cycle through crippling lows, the moment of happiness and highs make it worthwhile, besides if you ain't feeling you aren't really living, you know?

[.onelove.]

Also cutting out minor drugs like caffeine or drinking at home will definitely pick up your mood. Obviously still drink when you're out as the social aspect makes up for it, but shit like drinking with a meal isn't really worth it tbh

[faust.dtc]

Yeah if you smoke on the regs then defo defo defo stop. I used to smoke a lot... and basically felt exactly as you're describing, just 'meh' about everything.

thats pretty much it

Im not a heavy smoker, just an 8th a week but ive been doing it over 10 years and i know it isnt helping my situation but at the same time its enjoyable and allows me to feel a pleasure or happiness which is kind of what im looking for. Bit of a catch 22 senario.

[DRTY]

Yeah if you smoke on the regs then defo defo defo stop. I used to smoke a lot... and basically felt exactly as you're describing, just 'meh' about everything.

thats pretty much it

Im not a heavy smoker, just an 8th a week but ive been doing it over 10 years and i know it isnt helping my situation but at the same time its enjoyable and allows me to feel a pleasure or happiness which is kind of what im looking for. Bit of a catch 22 senario.

Yeah but it's short term happiness.... a spliff and a brew is lovely for sure, but it just brings you down generally. Sounds like you're at the point where you're smoking it for the sake of smoking it, you're obviously not doing it 'to get mashed'. Just doing it because you do it! I used to smoke like that, then just realized it's totally pointless, a waste of money and just makes you physically and mentally lethargic 24/7. You won't miss it! Plus you'll be better off dollar wise.

[apmje]

Cut the weed. Don't take the drugs.

Been on Anti-depressants and while I think they helped, I hated them. Coming off them was a pain for 1-2 months and then finally got clear! Sometimes feel like I should go back on them but that is really really the last resort.

[wormcode]

Yeah if you smoke on the regs then defo defo defo stop. I used to smoke a lot... and basically felt exactly as you're describing, just 'meh' about everything.

thats pretty much it

Im not a heavy smoker, just an 8th a week but ive been doing it over 10 years and i know it isnt helping my situation but at the same time its enjoyable and allows me to feel a pleasure or happiness which is kind of what im looking for. Bit of a catch 22 senario.

I've stopped smoking for months before on a few occasions and didn't notice any mood changes. Just the occasional "damn I wish I had some weed right now" when watching a film or something, but then quickly forgot about it. I don't think I've smoked near an 8th a week though. I smoke pretty lightly, even with friends I've always used it as an "enhancer" if you will, not to get totally mashed. It affects people differently and in varying amounts... some people become more productive, some zone out/fall asleep.

I would try kicking it for a few months and seeing how you feel before making a decision to take pharms. I think alcohol is worse for moods, it's generally a downer with no positives (except the social one I guess) so I would knock that off too for a while.

I noticed more of a change when I starting bike riding and exercising again. Get yourself a good water filter and drink it throughout the day too, doesn't have to be a lot, but it refreshes your body more than any other drinks. Try listening to some recorded talks too, listening to positive people will help a little bit to counter the negative thoughts. I don't really mean like Tony Robbins or something, but check this thread out too, some interesting info+links: http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=113399

[NW_DUBAHOLIC]

There's alot of false information being spread here. Don't rely on dubstep forum for your medical advice and go see a doctor. I've been much happier on antidepressants than I was without them. I was on one that made me feel a bit zombie-ish but I switched to another one called Citalopram thats worked really well for me. It doesn't stop you from being happy at all.

[nowaysj]

Yeah maybe, but stop the weed first. An 1/8th a week sounds like a lot to me. Weed is an extremely powerful drug, with some profound downsides for a lot of people. ALL of the major stoners I've known have been just beat down generally. That's not a fact that I enjoy, I wish everyone could smoke tuns of weed, walk around with constant expanded consciousness, lead fulfilling positive lives, and have fun doing all of it, but doesn't look like it works like that.

Stop all drugs like weed, alcohol, caffeine, start regularly exercising, and try to get better sleep ie, go to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday.

In terms of actual behavioral modification, you're going to have to be proactive. When you become aware that you are having a negative thought, understand it as negative, and attempt to let it ago in favor of a positive thought. Sounds hella gay I know, but if you keep this up, first you'll realize your a huge dick, and then you can start realizing that you are in control of your reality, it can be a positive reality, but you must exercise your will to manifest it THUSLY! ha jokes for effect.

Best of luck, I think we all go through this, especially those who've been long term herbalists.

[belalala]

Don't rely on dubstep forum for your medical advice and go see a doctor.

this.
that being said, antidepressants are meant for people with depression. having a pessimistic attitude, a "meh" outlook while smoking an eighth of weed a week, or just generally seeing the glass as half-empty, IMO, won't get fixed through a pill or two a day.

challenge yourself to reconsider many of the emotional reactions you've hardwired yourself to make over the years--take "i'm a negative person" as the first step, maybe--and you'd be surprised how much can change by truly thinking differently. it ain't a quick fix. it ain't easy. but you'd be surprised how much of your energy follows your thought.

[Pistonsbeneath]

i recommend a few sessions of counseling, there is a load of stuff locked away no doubt that dictates your reactions to situations

talking to someone will unlock many things and help you get in touch with yourself better

drugs arent the way to go if you ask me mate

gimme a call anytime

[kentnz]

I am on antidepressants at the moment after about two years of trying alternatives.

Currently the pills along with regular exercise, therapy, reading (recreational and on depression treatment etc) and sobriety have been making me feel better. Without them I would have lost my girl, my friends and probably my life.

The first month on them had some nasty side affects but as I have said I was at my wits end and was willing to try anything. So my advice would be to try everything else before you try the pills, and be open and honest to your family and friends because they WILL support you.

Peace.

[arktrix45hz]

challenge yourself to reconsider many of the emotional reactions you've hardwired yourself to make over the years--take "i'm a negative person" as the first step, maybe--and you'd be surprised how much can change by truly thinking differently. it ain't a quick fix. it ain't easy. but you'd be surprised how much of your energy follows your thought.

This, over and over again.

Drugs regardless of whether they're illegal or not will only aide to cloud your ability to think critically.

Take it from someone who has come out of the wrong side of severe depression, its all in your head. Its how you choose to act upon that will have the greatest impact.

You need someone to confide in who isn't afraid to tell you to sort yourself out and tell you when you're being a melodramatic bell-end.

The majority of the battle is between you and your sub-conscience. Learn when its trying to kick off and figure out a way of kicking it into line when it does like you would with a petulant toddler.

Every time you feel like shit and feel like the worlds getting you down, just remind yourself of the vocal line in this tune...

[capo ultra]

if you go see a good doctor and be totally truthful with them they will give the same advice, stop smoking weed then come back if you still feel bad. They will also suggst counselling ( which isn't a bad idea at all)

the problem with going to see a doctor is if they do not fully investigate the causes of why (which is perfectly plausible given the short amount of time an appointment may take, you not disclosing weed smoking history etc) then they may give you anti depressants off the bat, which would be terrible. Drugs should only be taken in a last ditch attempt to stop you topping yourself. You are clearly not in that situation

I agree that DSF is no place to get info but at least you can see how people that have been through similar situations have got through and how effective antidepressants were for them.


I feel saddened that our society revolves so heavily around drugs (legal or otherwise) when it's clear that there are many more effective options for getting by

[the acid never lies]

if you go see a good doctor and be totally truthful with them they will give the same advice, stop smoking weed then come back if you still feel bad. They will also suggst counselling ( which isn't a bad idea at all)

the problem with going to see a doctor is if they do not fully investigate the causes of why (which is perfectly plausible given the short amount of time an appointment may take, you not disclosing weed smoking history etc) then they may give you anti depressants off the bat, which would be terrible.

I want to echo this; I went to see my GP about low mood and anxiety and didn't disclose that I smoked a fair amount of weed and by my second appointment I was being offered antidepressants. Obviously I don't know better than the doctor but maybe if I had been more honest the advice might have been different. I rejected it, initially and that didn't concern them very much. Seeing how I go along. There's definitely something about modern living that makes people more likely to feel like this and atomised in their problems too... anyway all the best, some good advice on here.

[test_recordings]

From what you say of having no ups or downs than anti-depressants are NOT what you should be taking since they regulate your mood to the point of it going grey and flat-lining... the opposite of what you seem to want!

[flyingointment]

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, faust, right down to the 1/8th a week...I wanna quit weed but I always end up giving in by the end of the first week, or so.

I think pleasure and THC have become too related for me, I find it very hard to enjoy most things without it - unless it's shit that genuinely interests me, like music-related stuff or chilling with people I actually like.

[nowaysj]

unless it's shit that genuinely interests me, like music-related stuff or chilling with people I actually like.

Maybe do that stuff?

[Faxmachines]

I don't know if it's your thing but SSRIs block most of the effect of MDMA.
You shouldn't be taking any drugs though along with SSRIs unless instructed by a doctor. The use of certain drugs like many uppers, stimulants, and depressants with an SSRI like Fluoxetine and Prozac can cause serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is extremely dangerous and should be avoided no matter what.
Girlfriend is a pharmacist lol.

Speaking as someone with depression and not taking antidepressants I would say that quitting smoking weed/cigs, jogging/excercise (mostly cardio), and talking to a doctor help the most. A lot of people are embarrassed to talk to a doctor but you have to think of it as would you rather be happier or be embarrassed about something nobody else needs to know.

[pikeymobile]

When I was on Prozac the worst thing was the 'muted orgasms'. Basically, after about 3 hours of trying to jizz, when you eventually orgasm there's NO feeling. All you get is a messy tissue and that post-wank guilt feeling, but 100 times worse. I was on them for about 3 months, had sex maybe five times in that period as my sex drive went to zero after being on them for about 2-3 weeks.

[Bass Music]

When I was on Prozac the worst thing was the 'muted orgasms'. Basically, after about 3 hours of trying to jizz, when you eventually orgasm there's NO feeling. All you get is a messy tissue and that post-wank guilt feeling, but 100 times worse. I was on them for about 3 months, had sex maybe five times in that period as my sex drive went to zero after being on them for about 2-3 weeks.

Yeah, the same is happening to me, also feel pretty numb and unmotivated when with girls as well. I started taking them again around a month or so ago but they just made me really anxious which has made me feel kinda ill. Trying to come off them now but I definitely feel weird