Time to share

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Time to share
7
Sat, 01-28-2006 - 10:04pm

Alot of you ladies know me and a few of you know the experiance I have been through. My hope is by sharing maybe I can help others that might find themselves in a similiar situation to make some decesions.

I am on the medication Lexapro, which for me is doing a wonderful job. However due to circumstances beyond my control I was out of my medications for almost 3 weeks. This caused me to go through some very awful withdrawal symptoms. It got so bad that I had what at one time would have been called a "nervous breakdown" in my therapists office. She asked me if I would be willing to do a voluntary 72 hour stay at the Psychiatric Center. I didn't really want to go (who of us would) but agreed as I saw no other way to help myself. I remember very little about my trip home from my therapists or the drive to the hospital. My partner said after we returned home she put me to bed and the next thing she knew I was curled in a ball in the middle of my bed bawling like a baby. She loaded me up and drove me to the hospital. I remember very little until the next morning. I was aware of where I was. It was difficult being away from my partner and my home but while in the hospital I took full advantage of what they had to offer me. My meds were reintroduced to my system which was the most wonderful feeling around. I spoke with medicial personel and a wonderful psychiatrist. He helped me to uncover some problems from a long time ago and provided me with a starting point.

It was a scary stay for me but if I had to do it again I would as it's helped me to get back on my feet and on the way to my recovery. So my friends if you find yourself in this type of situation do not be afraid to go that step further, I know I'm glad I did because I'm afraid what I might have done if I had not seeked help when help was needed.

Keitha

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: kywomyn
Sun, 01-29-2006 - 8:34am
That took alot of courage to tell, Keitha. It took even more for you to let go & allow others to help. I certainly can relate to how you felt. It is dang scary. The thoughts of leaving all you know & charging into what you don't is difficult for those of us with anxiety. Thanks for sharing this & being an inspiration to those who more than likely will face this decision @ some time in their life. Unfortunately, it's still so much easier to become an inpatient if it's a medical/surgical problem, than a mental illness. We all worry about what others might think. I applaud your efforts & think you did the very best for yourself. Now we can enjoy the new & improved Keitha! Wishing you much success on your continuing road to recovery. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: kywomyn
Sun, 01-29-2006 - 10:35am

Keitha, that is soooo awesome that you shared your story with everyone!!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
In reply to: kywomyn
Mon, 01-30-2006 - 10:55am

Sheri Ann, I was afraid they would find out I was really "crazy" and keep me forever. LOL But "crazy" or not I knew I needed some help and took alot of strength from what you ladies on this board have provided me and sought the help I needed. I've gained alot of strength from this stay and have turned it into a positive experience. I'll now go that step further to try to help better myself. The psychologist I spoke with helped me to dig deep and face the beginning of my illness, which now gives me a starting point to work from. I was only willing before to deal with the here and now and not to look further. So now my journey truely begins. Knowing I have you ladies to lean on when things get rough will make this journey easier.

Keitha

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
In reply to: kywomyn
Mon, 01-30-2006 - 11:01am

Keitha,


You know that we are ALWAYS here for you. NO MATTER WHAT you can count on us.


You did the right thing by taking that step and now you are on your way to really getting better and dealing with all the issues that surround you right now..


We love you!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
In reply to: kywomyn
Mon, 01-30-2006 - 12:12pm
Keitha I am just so happy that you are OK NOW!!
I feel so bad that you did not have the meds you needed
and find that totally unfair!! No one should have to go
through what you did!!! You are a very strong woman K
and I am glad that you are doing well! HUGS! Judy
Avatar for jukie33
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: kywomyn
Mon, 01-30-2006 - 1:04pm

Keitha,


I am so glad you're ok! I too Thank God for the two IP stays I have had. The first one was to introduce meds and the second one was to eliminate a med that had caused me to have severe depression after it got a level in my blood. Once they took me off of it I was doing better. I am glad you're at a good starting point and that your T got you the help you needed.


Sincerely,


Julie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
In reply to: kywomyn
Mon, 01-30-2006 - 4:43pm

Julie thank you for sharing. I'm very thankful to my T and now I will trust her to help me on the next leg of this journey. I was only dealing with the here and now, and I'm glad to have accepted that my anxiety comes from a long time ago and I believe I'm ready to accept that and work forward. Denial has kept me down a long time and it's time for that to change. I'm not saying this will be easy and I'm not saying I'm not afraid I'm just saying I'm finally going to do my best to conquer this problem and hopfully come out way ahead.

Keitha