Look Ma, No Meds!
I'm coming out of the closet about discontinuing the use of psychiatric drugs. I've been on some form of medication for the past six or seven years, and it's been a wild ride that I've wanted to jump off since the beginning. I haven't taken them since December 4. Initially, it was really difficult. Withdrawals are a bitch. I'd wake up feeling hungover even though I made a point of abstaining from alcohol, but I'd might as well have snorted an eight ball and downed a bottle of gin if I wanted to wake up feeling that way.
After a couple of weeks, said withdrawals began to subside and after a month, they went away completely. That's about how long it takes to get it all out of your system. I let a few trusted friends, as well as my therapist, in on my undertaking and I was met with plenty of support as well as warnings to be careful. I've heard all kinds of horror stories. Shit, I've lived them. This isn't my first rodeo, so to speak. But this time it's been different.
I haven't really done anything uncharacteristically weird for me. Sure, I've had trouble with establishing a normal sleep schedule because of my resistance to routine. Routine is a dirty word to someone who thinks they'e too special for that shit. Still, it's both comforting and important to have a general idea of where you're going to be when and what you're going to do with whom. It's also a big confidence booster when you actually wake up and get shit done.
Anyway, I feel like I'm in a good place mentally, spiritually and emotionally and I'm working on the physical as well. I've lost 32 pounds, so that's encouraging. I figure if I can master all of these aspects, nothing can stop me from living the best life I can. I want my story to be an inspiration for others who are in similar situations. I want people to see that you can go through hell in your head and not let it swallow you up and keep you forever. You can find the strength to rise up from the pit and move on with your life.
My advice is this: never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Don't settle for something that goes against your intuition. If you can't muster up any faith in a higher power, at least have faith in yourself. Keep your head held high and keep moving forward. Heal yourself and let your light shine bright so you can help heal others. We're all in this together. One love.
After a couple of weeks, said withdrawals began to subside and after a month, they went away completely. That's about how long it takes to get it all out of your system. I let a few trusted friends, as well as my therapist, in on my undertaking and I was met with plenty of support as well as warnings to be careful. I've heard all kinds of horror stories. Shit, I've lived them. This isn't my first rodeo, so to speak. But this time it's been different.
I haven't really done anything uncharacteristically weird for me. Sure, I've had trouble with establishing a normal sleep schedule because of my resistance to routine. Routine is a dirty word to someone who thinks they'e too special for that shit. Still, it's both comforting and important to have a general idea of where you're going to be when and what you're going to do with whom. It's also a big confidence booster when you actually wake up and get shit done.
Anyway, I feel like I'm in a good place mentally, spiritually and emotionally and I'm working on the physical as well. I've lost 32 pounds, so that's encouraging. I figure if I can master all of these aspects, nothing can stop me from living the best life I can. I want my story to be an inspiration for others who are in similar situations. I want people to see that you can go through hell in your head and not let it swallow you up and keep you forever. You can find the strength to rise up from the pit and move on with your life.
My advice is this: never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Don't settle for something that goes against your intuition. If you can't muster up any faith in a higher power, at least have faith in yourself. Keep your head held high and keep moving forward. Heal yourself and let your light shine bright so you can help heal others. We're all in this together. One love.