[Closed] Happy Pills - When is the right time?

IMO "happy pills" are not a cure - they are a treatment. they hide the symptoms. this can give you breathing space but unless you remove the stressors or learn techniques to deal with them then nothing actually changes. they also do not work so well when the MH issues are caused by situations and often have significant side effects

IMO you probably are stressed and depressed. But its situational

Go ad talk to your GP. A decent one will not go for antidepressants as first port of call anyway. Personally I am a big fan of person centered counselling and that would be my first port of call.

I think many /most of us are feeling a bit fragile right now.

Exercise is the best medicine.

Happy pills they are not, do not expect a miracle cure, if you feel you need help talk to your GP, its tough times we are going through at the moment.

Get out and have a good blast through the woods adreneline and fresh air is your friend.

I was having a major wobble, got laid off at the start of Covid, feel a lot better so we know what the problem was lol, also lost 2 stone as I instantly sank my teeth into not drinking and exercise

Talk to your GP anyway. Pills may not be the answer, they might suggest some sort of counseling, some other therapy or just reassure you.

Maybe try Headspace or the calm app. Takes practice but can help calm you down a bit.

They aren't a quick fix. I was on 20mg Citalopram. Took me a month or two to feel the benefits, just to calm my mind and give myself some breathing space from the constant chatter in my head, then keep my stable while counseling and CBT helped me get to grips with the underlying issues.

Then took me a lot longer to come off them than I expected - a few upsets along the way.

IMO “happy pills” are not a cure – they are a treatment. they hide the symptoms. this can give you breathing space

I’d agree with this to a large degree. Mrs Lunge was on them for a while, they were a huge help to give her clarity and time to make decisions to help her. They also helped her build habits around coping mechanisms that work for her (exercise, day and week planning, time alone were the main things).
But, they weren’t a quick fix, and there was always an end goal to get off them. She went to the docs when she could barely leave bed and would cry every day, she too was a teacher.
Her problems were hugely helped by leaving teaching...

Please don't discount Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or any form of counselling. I was having a bad time at work and got myself referred to local NHS counselling service. It was just good to chat to someone independent of the situation who was able to set 'homework' in the form of self assessment exercises (see psychology tools website) and have them ask pertinent questions. I didn't see my GP and accessed it online followed I think by a phone assessment. Good luck.

If you have ground to a halt and all looks impossible when you get up then SSSRI's will allow you to function while you get a handle on what you need to do.

Any competent doctor will assess you first or pass you onto another professional who can assess you. From the assessment an action plan will be suggested and you'll go off and try this. Medication may not be necessary now it may be necessary in the future.

Any medication can take around 6 weeks to fully work and the first choice may not work, don't be afraid to go back and ask the prescribing doctor for something different. There are many different types and it's not an exact science.

Good luck.

I'd also ignore the "I'm functioning fine and I can laugh at stuff" view.
My boss, family, friends and colleagues were astonished when I had my wobble, always cracking jokes while subconsciously wondering which bridge or multistorey would help it all go away.

Some people who were very close to me still seem to think I just fancied 3 months off work.

I am humbled. Thanks everyone.

TJ..... Yes.... Definitely situational.

Lunge..... Yup.... Teaching is a killer.

Mrsheen... Yes... Counselling. That could be my thing. It did work before.

I reckon TJ has nailed it.

After a couple of years of un-diagnosed depression and a suicide attempt, my GP put me on anti depressants. They didn't make me feel better, they just stopped me feeling. It wasn't a nice experience, but it did give me the "breathing space" I needed.

Although they worked for me, if I was ever in that situation again, I'd rather try the counselling route first - along with diet and exercise.

Any decent GP should use them as a last resort

Take time, not pills.

Seriously... **** off for a long walk. Spend some time alone. Go sit in a field and watch the clouds pass overhead. Watch the tide turn. Get stoned.

Pills don't solve the problem, they just numb you to the problem.

Fix the problem. Your head is the problem and you have the tools to fix it.

Go talk. There are options apart from pills. Functioning doesn't mean you are ok. I can function pretty well while physically ill.

Talking therapies are a good start. A chance to unload and make sense of what is going on. In addition you can develop self help strategies when it feels like life is getting on top of you. What are your triggers and how can you get through the situation in a healthy way. I know you said you have some experience but if you've never done it go in and give it a go. A

Your GP will be able to talk through your options.

Don't stop doing what you love. Make time for it.

Your not unique. Plenty of people go through this. Try to notice when you are in a good place as it helps to remember the bad moments are temporary.

Nothing wrong with pills, they can get you out of the worst places, and for some people they are a permanent solution - there's no shame in that if that's what is needed.

I’d like to offer a slight counter to some of the advice offered so far. Depression can also be caused by a chemical imbalance and talking simply won’t solve that or really help, some antidepressants will.

Head to your GP to talk through how you’re feeling as others have said. Hopefully it’s just a phase and exercise, talking therapies or methods other than antidepressants will be the key to seeing you back to your old self again.

I’ve tried pretty much all of the above at some point in my life and been through some very dark times. Spent the last five years on antidepressants and tapered off them in March. Things have been pretty bleak since and although they left me emotionally numb, which I disliked intensely, going back on them seems to be the only logical, safe and sensible way forward at the moment.

Not meant to derail and really hope you start feeling better soon. The current situation is very difficult for everyone, look after yourself.

Edit - cynic-al said it much better in far fewer words. Basically I’m coming around to the fact that I’m better off on antidepressants and will probably need to stay on them for life. The alternative isn’t great

On the subject of happiness there is this.

I’d like to offer a slight counter to some of the advice offered so far. Depression can also be caused by a chemical imbalance and talking simply won’t solve that or really help, some antidepressants will.

Correct - but this sounds situational to me in the OP

~There is also the parable of the oak and the willow. A storm hits the forest. The Oak stands tall and strong against the wind but eventually is uprooted and broken. the willow bows down before the wind but when the calm comes springs back upright as good as ever.

Don't leave taking action until you are broken. Take action now. Be a willow not an oak

TJ.... I really like that. Thank you.

Simon Semtex I've dropped you a message.

Cheers

Nothing wrong with pills, they can get you out of the worst places, and for some people they are a permanent solution – there’s no shame in that if that’s what is needed.

This.

For me it was sitting in my car crying before going into work. I taught in an alternative education setting teaching kids who should have been in a PRU. I also had a. Lot of family issues with ill relatives. First port of call was my wife explaining what was going on etc. She made me go to the docs who signed me off and prescribed happy pills. I told work the following week and they were great. Sorted out meetings with the college doc as well as arranging counselling for me. 10 sessions later I was in a more positive mind, but not in a good place. All together I was off work for 7 months getting my head back together. I went back to work but the original issues were still there. I needed the pills to help me get through the days. I’m still taking the pills after a long dragged out few year’s looking forward to getting off the pills eventually. You do what’s right for you and no one can tell you how you’re feeling. Listen to the suggestions and do what makes you feel comfortable. Pills have worked for me but, they are not the answer. Good luck and if you want to dm carry on.

been taking pills for 15 years, talking did nothing but that is my situation. Go to your doctor and ask for some advice. Any decent GP won't offer you pills straight away. Your place of employment should also have advice (if they are of significant size) and probably have things up on the walls.

Rumble..... Been trying to post a DM reply. You getting anything? Doesnt seem to be working.

Just wanted to say Thank-you for your kind words. They meant a lot. Will reply properly if I ever get this damn thing to work.

Have seen ketamine being mentioned recently in relation to depression but thats used after other things, and also alot about the bodies inflamation response being a cause. Also heard today that some people that have had covid are getting pretty low moods. Perhaps those last two points are linked.

ash.addy.... I can relate to that. I taught in a PRU for 7 years. That kind of work leaves a mark. Glad you are getting better.

I don't like the term happy pills. Not aimed at you op!

All I'd say is that if you go that route they can give you a holiday from the symptoms. Time to rebuild and repair.

They are a double edged sword sure, but can literally be a life saver in all senses of the word.

It sounds like you're at the point I was just before I had a proper breakdown and finally went to the docs. This was despite me growing up with a mum who is bipolar so I knew the signs to look out for in others but didn't recognise them in myself.

Go see your doc and talk openly and honestly. They'll know how to help you through this. It may be pills, it may not but they will know what to do or at least who to refer you to.

Good luck and keep us informed as typing it out can help.

alpin
Get stoned.

Pills don’t solve the problem, they just numb you to the problem.

😆

ps OP, speak to a doctor.

The kids know how to push buttons.
The management were also at fault and couldn’t see the problem. Just remember that no ones rushing you to do anything. Take your time and wait until you’re ready.

Good luck we’re always here to listen and talk.

Like most people, I waited til I absolutely couldn't cope, then went to the doctor. This is obviously stupid, but it's kind of like "tighten til it breaks then back off one turn", it's hard to tell when you're at breaking point.

(ps, I think many people regret leaving it late... Far fewer probably regret going too early)

I don’t like the term happy pills

Me neither. I've been taking 'happy pills' my whole adult life, very nearly 30 years. Still not happy.

Op, sounds like you're having a natural response to recent experience, or as Tj puts it, situational anxiety.

Feeling stressed and unhappy because you are going through a stressful and unhappy time isn't the same as depression.

Removed this post.

Op
Simon, you come across as one of the good guys on other threads.
It's been the weirdest year I remember. imo it's not unusual to feel like it's hitting hard. and it shows a good self awareness to be thinking about it.
Where abouts are you for that 50km off road blast. If you think it could help, it probably will.

Feeling stressed and unhappy because you are going through a stressful and unhappy time isn’t the same as depression.

it can be. It depends if the response you are having to the situation is " normal" or excessive

A above - there is no shame in seeking help

I'm a teacher and have been through a few tough times with work

I find mindfulness brilliant. But it's hard to get started when things are tough. I'd get this book. Read the introduction now and then start practice when your not working

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/074995308X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EmxbFbJ3YZPEZ

Be really honest about whether you can make it to the holiday. If you can't because you really need the time for yourself thats just the way it is. No need for guilt. I bet your a crucial person for you family and school. Don't let this stop you taking time out if you need ut. Your taking time now so you can go back to filling those roles stronger. Your too important not to be looked after

Ask your school for counselling. Just do it. No ifs or buts.

Build a day or week that works for you. Build in exercise and lithe things that will be good for you. Being outside is very good me.

I have never taken medication. But from what I'm told don't start then this term. You'll feel worse in the short term

One day you'll be well again.

Speak to the doctor ASAP - don't put it off.
When I had my breakdown in 2018 (I had been in denial for 18 months.....) the Doc signed me off for a month and got me some counseling - I was also offered meds but I declined them.
I went back to see her again towards the end of the 4 weeks and I was still a mess - I then discussed meds and started taking them.
Took a couple of weeks to start feeling any benefit.
I ended up having 3 months off - during that time as well as meds I rode, walked and just got out - that helped massively too.

I had another 'episode' last year and ended up with another month off - this happened despite the meds - although I had changed them a week or so before - be prepared for them to not work.

I still have counseling and an still on meds - but my head is in a good place despite being furloughed since Easter and now facing redundancy.

If Covid19/lockdown had happened 18 months ago I probably wouldn't be here - take the counseling and time off. But don't dismiss meds, as others have said sometimes counseling and exercise alone can't sort it.

Good luck, and feel free to drop me a DM if you want to chat.

Take time for yourself as most have said on here...cut out caffeine, watch yor diet and alcohol consumption, exercise moderately, learn something new for you, mindfulness in its many guises and if you can check your vitamin levels too....also, have a read of The Natural Health Service by Isabel Hardman...its a multi faceted approach.

I found myself feeling like i was beginning to slide into a state of anxiety a few weeks ago and what helped for me was totally avoiding any form of news, sounds like a funny thing to do, but it felt like the Covid stuff, George Floyd, the economy, stuff i have no control over that was happening thousands of miles away was becoming part of my psyche and i didnt want it. I stopped watching / reading the news and it disapated.... may be ignorance is bliss?!? 🙂

Don't be afrid of seeking professional help either in terms of counselling. If you do go down the medication route be aware that they dont come without their side effects. Discuss this with your GP.

These are funny times at the moment and it's affecting EVERYONE on some level so don't think you're on your own for one minute.

Good luck with it lad!

As mentioned, 'happy pills' don't make you happy, they just make you not give a shit. And again, as mentioned, the first batch you get put on may not work and you might need to try a few just because of the side effects. I went on them, came off them, went back on them and to be honest - I'm not sure if they did me any good or not.

Mental health is a difficult one. I've posted a few times on here about mine, but as TJ says leaving it until things are really bad isn't the best course of action. If it was a physical issue then you'd get it seen to straight away so why not with your mental health. Also - riding a bike doesn't fix everything - when you're properly suffering, getting out of bed is an achievement, riding a bike seems and probably is an impossibility.

Speak to someone (Doctor preferably) about how you feel and work with them to find a solution. Anxiety is a bastard and the longer you leave it, the worse it will get. I'm getting better at the moment, topping myself still seems like a viable option, just not the #1 viable option. I made things difficult for myself by not speaking to anyone, taking the pills and expecting miracles. It doesn't work like that.

I was in a similar position spring last year, things had been building up at work for a while, with in hindsight a couple of things that probably made it jump from busy and fed-up to stress and depression. My mood was worsening a lot and I had little motivation to do anything. One Friday it got too much, went home from pub with family and went to bed early evening, the Monday that was it, phoned in couldn't face work. went to the Dr 4 days later and ended up being signed off for 3 months, the Dr was excellent - sadly he moved on to a new rotation that summer, exercised daily which helped but once I went back on phased return for 6 weeks pre family holiday the counselling and exercise alone weren't working in one morning when getting the bike out for the commute I cracked, managed to call my wife who found me sat in the garage in bits and she got me to the Dr again and on to 'happy pills' not a high dose, but enough to take the edge off and allow me to be calmer, measured and recognise and react when I feel I'm getting struggling.

Work are very supportive thankfully, my sole piece of advice is go to the Dr, you might not think you're depressed but let them do the diagnosis. Don't let it rumble on and you already one step along the way as you've recognised something isn't right.

Any decent GP should use them as a last resort

Any decent GP won’t offer you pills straight away.

I was having a rough patch four or five years ago (my alcoholic dad was beating his wife and I was getting the fallout, not sleeping, stressed at work etc.). Went to see two different GPs and both wanted me out the door as fast as possible with a prescription for anti-depressants. I declined and managed to ride it out. But looking back I wish I'd been more persistent in saying I wanted counselling, so perhaps be prepared for a bit of a debate.

Good luck.

Those suggesting pushing for counselling/CBT/whatever are quite right...but my experience is there's a long wait for appointments, circa 3 months unless you go private (pre-Covid, no idea what it is now) so don't expect a quick appointment.

MH is definitely the Cinderella part of the NHS. Private counselling or work organised is almost certainly quicker to arrange. Its not how it should be but that is how it is. Unless your GP has a counselor as a part of the practice - ours does

As mentioned, ‘happy pills’ don’t make you happy, they just make you not give a shit.

My experience has been very different. I don't think it's helpful to assume that everyone else's experience will be the same as yours.

Thanks all. Lots of kind words and lots of sense being talked.

Thanks also for not letting it descend into "i'm right..... you are wrong."

This really isn't just a Mountain Bike website site is it! Thanks for the help.

To all those who have DM'd me. Thank you.

Lunge..... Trying to reply but DM not working. (Just wanted to say thanks for the kind words. I might just take you up on your offer - If I can get DM's to work.!)

Thanks all.

20mg Cytolpram/ day here for work related issues.

Lots of excellent advice has been laid out on this thread and I can only echo the praise for TJ's insight. The pills don't make you happy. For me they calm my anxiety to a level that I can deal with it. I suffer from catastrophising situations in that I just focus on the worst case scenario and end up spiralling with anxiety to the point I can't actually function in order to do something about the situation. The Cytolopram takes the peaks and troughs and moderates them. The highs are not so high that I get silly giddy and reckless and the lows are not so low that I can't see the solution. They allow me to make decisions to deal with the problems. But they don't take the problems away.

The price of paper is going up. Good content is hard to create and pay for and then even harder to recoup the money from. The advertising market is in chaos and rates are impossible to predict. etc. These problems are there and are not going away but where previously I'd sit and stare at them and ultimately fail to deal with them, I can now face them and take rational decisions and act.

But the critical thing is that it's not just the drug that is helping. I also have people to talk to and I get support. I have had CBT and it was transformative - that's where I first heard the word 'catastrophise'. CBT gave me actual real strategies to deal with the feelings of anxiety and stress that previously were overwhelming. I also talk to a none CBT counsellor once a month and I can't stress enough how amazing it is to talk to effectively a stranger about your problems. I was amazed at what came out because I wasn't inhibited by friendship, love or any kind of emotional connection to the person I was talking to.

My story (and yours will differ) is one where the chemical input is part of a suite of therapies. 'Happy pills' don't make you happy but they may calm the water enough to help you deal with the real issues in your life.

OP,
You sound to me like you need a break (or a 50km ride out)
I sometimes feel a little of what you describe, and definitely find that a decent ride out helps.
I also often take my jetboil and once I’ve found the right spot, make a cuppa and sit with that for a while.
Everyone needs a little help now and then, whether it’s meds, or exercise, or getting your partner on the nest.

I had a mini meltdown at work (staff room) a few months ago, where i spilled out something that had been bothering me for decades.
Several people have told me since that they thought i was very brave to get it all out in the open, and it wasn’t easy, but with the benefit of 4 months hindsight I’m feeling a lot happier and now know it was the right thing to do.

So, I’ll say, well done for getting your issues out in the open, and I hope that whatever route you decide to go re: treatment, it works out well for you.
Marty.

I agree with the view that counselling is better than medication some of it depends on what is driving your changes in mood. In my case conselling helped but there was also an issue with how quickly happy chemicals in my brain were absorbed too quickly leading to mood swings. The drugs help this by slowing down the reabsorption so drugs maybe part of the answer

+1 for the happy pills don't make you happy brigade.

They level your mood at a level that I found unacceptably low. I felt like a zombie living in a grey haze and had to stop them.

I found it much more acceptable to find strategies to help me deal with the troughs if it meant i could still occasionaly enjoy the peaks.

Having said all that abut the pills - there is no "one size fits all" solution and there is a range of interventions to chose from from "quit your job" and "take the pills" to "6 sessions of CBT to give you tools to cope" to " deep psychotherapy to root out those deep disordered thoughts. Its a bit pick and choose and find what suits you / what you need and that set of choices is not a once and forever choice - you can change your choices. What works for one person may not work for another

Some folk also need validation of their feelings

I know someone who was really struggling with stress and anxiety. Just going to the GP who validated their feelings ie " what you are feeling is real and significant, you are not being a wuss" made a huge difference

A few years ago i was really struggling at work having been moved into an area I really did not have the skills for. I struggled on until I had a panic attack on the way to work. I went to my boss, told them, was moved to an area I was much more comfortable with and was fine. Removing the stressor was enough for me

So - go to your GP with an open mind. H0pefully you get a good one who will listen and give you a range of options.

You are not alone as you can see. IIRC 1/3 of us with have some mental health issues that needs treatment at some point in their lives. Its difficult to do , its not weakness to say you need help and above all - speak to your partner!

good luck

IME, some med's for anxiety and depression are effective but bloody difficult to get off.

Particularly SSRIs. Yes after a few weeks they do leave you with a "fair and normal" amount of residual serotonin and that lifts the mood, dilutes black thoughts and generally helps in coping with the rigours of our daily lives.

Getting off SSRIs, again IME, was hellish.

So before you jump in, think about the bit where you want to stop taking them.

Good luck.

@Simon_Semtex, very strange, I'll try messaging you again.
@cougar, @drac, as mods can you send me e-mail address to Simon above, it's in my profile.

The time to speak to your GP is now.

It would appear to be a controversial view, but I found that SSRI's have been amazing.

They give you time to think rationally.
They give you time to access other services that will be beneficial in understanding yourself.
They may change some aspects of your personality, but it's a temporary change. Don't beat yourself up about it.

Depression is awful.
People who have posted about how SSRI's are no 'real' answer are just as bad as those who tell you to 'Pull Yourself Together'.

They have worked for my OH very well. Reducing stress, depression and anxiety. Setraline

& she's still the same person.

Rusty - I think we have a bit of a misunderstanding - perhaps what you said is how I meant to say it.

SSRIs are an absolute lifesaver - and to use them as yo have done is what I meant to try to say

"They give you time to think rationally.
They give you time to access other services that will be beneficial in understanding yourself."

this is the key point - they do not cure the depression but they give you the time and space to do so

Happy pills are generally reserved for Friday or Saturday nights and are available in bulk at decent prices. Don't expect your doctor to prescribe them.

And yes, go get stoned. Forget about life for an hour or two. Find yourself some time and space where you're not thinking about the day to day.

Everyone gets sad and down. The smile on our face is often just a veneer hiding the turmoil /boredom /stress that everyone experiences.

Can't comment on the pills but I was hearing recently about the psychological benefits of disrupting your sleep patterns with the odd (very) late night. When you're really whacked and you get that completely unconscious sleep it's good therapy without the counsellor or the comedown.

Thanks to all who have helped me over the last few days. Still can't comprehend the amazing level of support from what is just a mountain bike forum. Really really big thank-you.

I've contacted my old counsellor and have booked a session. I've also contacted my GP and have accepted the pills.

I know i'm not at breaking point yet but wanted to bullet proof myself before I got too bad. So have pretty much said "Yes" to all offers of help. Also gonna start the HeadSpace App.

Think I need to invest a bit of time in me.

Feels like i've just gone out and bought a truck load of new tools.

Think i need to go out for a ride now.

Thanks again everyone. Feelin better today.

Great to hear Simon!

flange
Subscriber

As mentioned, ‘happy pills’ don’t make you happy, they just make you not give a shit.

That isn't my experience, with citalopram and sertraline (both ssris). They don't "make me happy", but they do make me less anxious and less stressed.

I've often described them as a difficulty slider.

Even physiologically, pills are only part of the solution.

It may sound patronising, but start with healthy eating, exercising, socialising, sleeping, alcohol intake, screen time, etc.

Pills may help but all those basics will as well. Good luck with everything.