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[Wilks]

I'm heading towards rock bottom again with my mental health because of menopause. I'm on hrt, recently started testosterone (and was also on fluoxetine until I tried to drop it a couple of weeks ago). There are so many people including doctors shouting that HRT not antidepressants is the answer to menopause so I quit the antidepressants.
I can't accept all the awful things that the menopause has done to me. I truly feel like my body is telling me that my life is over, and only antidepressants can take away the urge to end it rather that struggle on in utter misery.

[Dotty]

If anti depressants help you then carry on taking them.

[Daisydot]

Go back to your gp Wilks don't struggle on alone, if you need A,Ds then discuss with your gp not anyone else,people can't and shouldn't generalise about these things mental health should be judged case to case not a one size fits all wether it's hrt or ads.You can try a combination until your head is back in a good place then when you feel in control again by all means reassess but don't make your choices on what other people think be guided by your gps.
You can and will get well again with just a wee bit of support,go and get it it's there for you.xx

[Dancinggirl]

Wilks - many women need ADs alongside HRT so if you feel you need the ADs, then take them. Quality of life is so important so do whatever you feel you need to do to get this back. DG x

[Wilks]

Thanks for responding, Dotty and DG. I restarted the AD's today but it will take a few weeks to get out of this hole I've dug myself.

[Annie0710]

I agree with everyone, this is YOUR life, YOUR suffering so please don't think everything you read or hear is gospel.  Testosterone could well help you in time but in the here and now you need ADs, and only come off them when you feel ready

Big hugs xxx

[Daisydot]

Well done Wilks take All the time you need to recover and keep posting I enjoy your posts xx

[Kernow]

Good luck Wilks...you're hugely brave for telling us all.
Well done girl....you do what you have to do...it's YOUR life x

[Wilks]

Thanks Daisydot, Kernow and Annie for your support. I'm really glad I found this group. X

[CLKD]

I have to take anti-depressant medication for Life.  Regardless of what is causing depression: whether it be hormonally driven or part of your make-up, if the ADs help then take them. 

I have both organic and clinical [situational] depression.  I have taken ADs since 1988.  So I don't know if I would have been 'worse' during peri without already being kind of stable.

Anxiety can be eased with appropriate treatment too.  Some ADs help anxiety.  Remember: once you are through the other side you can review what you are taking ;-). 

Do you keep a mood/symptom/food diary to chart progress?  Do you have hobbies?  Sitting in my garden feeding the wild birds today has helped me to relax after a stressful morning. 

[Daisydot]

And we're lucky to have you Wilks keep posting xx

[CLKD]

Do you have a local MIND walk-in centre, I found our local one helpful.  They kept in contact via e-mail until my crisis was over, let me know when they were open should I need a cuppa.  Also Samaritans are there at the end of the 'phone too.  .......... and breath.  Relax if you can.  I love my evening bath, when depressed I was unable to sit there for long as I felt agitated.  Once the medication kicked in I was able to enjoy reading and my bath.

[Lisa1966]

Hi wilks,I too am in this menopause hell of anxiety and depression,I did think of reducing my ads when feeling good for a few days,so glad I didn't as struggling again at the moment.sending hugs and take care.

            Lisa x

[paisley]

I just wanted to say Wilks that I really hope you feel better soon. Everyone is right you have to do what is best for you & if that is HRT & AD then so be it. This menopause malarky is certainly awful.

[Kathleen]

Hello Wilks.


So sorry to learn of your difficulties. You have had excellent advice from other ladies on this forum but I wanted to add my sympathies. You are not alone in your struggles and we are all here to support you.

My trusty meno book mentions all the symptoms of the menopause and also notes that disturbed sleep is a huge contributory factor so if you are experiencing insomnia or night sweats this alone would make you feel mentally fragile.

Unfortunately I don't have the answers for you but sending hugs and best wishes.

Take care and please keep posting.

K.