how is withdrawal depression different

Here is something I have been wondering. How is withdrawal depression different from now withdrawal depression. When someone is depressed in withdrawal they're told to hang tight and wait, but why/how does it go away. Surely people can be stuck in a depressive state? How do people in withdrawal resolve this?

 

Given withdrawal people are less likely try medication. Like people not in withdrawal aren't told to hang tight and wait it out so why are we? Is that not running the risk of letting it spiral?

Following! This is an awesome question.

The level of depression I was)am in, there was no waiting it out when I am also being told it will take a year to heal. I have a life and don't have the option of being bedridden and hiding under a cover on the couch. I have a family to care for, a business to run, laundry that needs done, meals that need prepared. It's bad enough I had to cancel a huge family vacation and could not travel to my daughter's college graduation due to the anxiety/depression/insomnia that I am experiencing. 

I finally met with a new psychiatrist and we came up with a plan of an AD that should help me better and when this depression lifts then I will wean off extremely slowly. Just like every person here needed a Benzo for one reason or another to get through some time in their life, I now need an AD. I know the risks. I know I will have to withdraw. But I am educated enough to know how to do it now. Perhaps that's why my higher power put me through this benzo journey...because he knew I would do the research and learn about ADs and how to best utilize them to get me through one of the hardest times of my life. I know I will not need one forever.  I will get through this. And I will heal.

Interesting, I got put on Lexapro as I had a misdiagnosed concussion. It immediately sent me into panic 4x as bad as what I experienced before. I was given ativan for the initial period before the drugs started to work (I barely remember the whole period as I was so out of it), well they never evened out and i needed them the whole  time I was on the Lexapro and and then subsequent taper off. For the first 3 months of withdrawal I would say I had some very mild depression if even, more just like a natural reaction to how restricting the physical symptoms were. The last 2 months have shown me what really clinical depression is like. I some days I can barely move and I can't make myself food. Lost a stone in weight. Desperately wish I could exercise but my body rejects it almost immediately.

I think that ADs do help the depression from whatever the cause, HOWEVER, after benzos our CNS is messed up and super sensitive and I think THIS is why ADs are so awful to people during withdrawal.  I had some depression from my previous withdrawal/reinstatement/kindling 9 years ago, and I took zoloft and it helped a lot.  It also created a whole knew bunch of problems with side effects and not working as much anymore, and then withdrawal from ADs.  I think it did help me though, and I'm glad I tried it.  I would not ever recommend anyone take it for life. 

 

I feel strongly that ADs should be taken for short amounts of time.  Like 3-6 months and then stopped and I believe they can make a real difference in that timeframe.  This is all based on my own experience though. 

I think that ADs do help the depression from whatever the cause, HOWEVER, after benzos our CNS is messed up and super sensitive and I think THIS is why ADs are so awful to people during withdrawal.  I had some depression from my previous withdrawal/reinstatement/kindling 9 years ago, and I took zoloft and it helped a lot.  It also created a whole knew bunch of problems with side effects and not working as much anymore, and then withdrawal from ADs.  I think it did help me though, and I'm glad I tried it.  I would not ever recommend anyone take it for life. 

I feel strongly that ADs should be taken for short amounts of time.  Like 3-6 months and then stopped and I believe they can make a real difference in that timeframe.  This is all based on my own experience though.

 

Id agree if needed short time use, based on the cns system could help however we need to assess our own body and its reactions.

 

I have been on an antidepressant for five months now. I want off so bad but surviving antidepressants website is saying that it will take YEARS to taper off if it!!!!  Is this true???

I’m about 8 months out from a cold turkey from October 2017. I was taking Ativan and other benzos for about two months, dosages ranging from .5-4mgs. I was pretty suicidal at the time. I also started tapering my Lamictal in December. I was dropping way too fast and now I am at 41mgs, using a liquid taper. For me, the depression has gotten much better than it was in early withdrawal. It still remains though, just not nearly as bad. It lightened up around April. I think the weather is helping. I’m eating a paleo diet which seems to help with mood. I would avoid getting on an antidepressant

The key is to distinguish 'organic' depression from 'chemical' depression, which may not be easy during benzo withdrawal.  'Chemical' depression is caused by the drug leaving the body and by the body repairing itself until it gets to the state of homeostasis.  'Chemical' depression dissipates with time.  'Organic' depression, on the other hand, is depression that occurs naturally and isn't caused by drug withdrawal.  It isn't always easy to distinguish the two, but it helps to ask if one suffered from depression prior to benzos and benzo withdrawal.  If the answer is no, then the depression is probably 'chemical' and will resolve on its own.  If the answer is yes, the depression is probably 'organic' and may respond to antidepressants.  The occurrence of depression in humans isn't fully understood by medical research, as there many variables involved in it that cannot be quantified.  It is rather a subjective area that often involves trial and error.

The key is to distinguish 'organic' depression from 'chemical' depression, which may not be easy during benzo withdrawal.  'Chemical' depression is caused by the drug leaving the body and by the body repairing itself until it gets to the state of homeostasis.  'Chemical' depression dissipates with time.  'Organic' depression, on the other hand, is depression that occurs naturally and isn't caused by drug withdrawal.  It isn't always easy to distinguish the two, but it helps to ask if one suffered from depression prior to benzos and benzo withdrawal.  If the answer is no, then the depression is probably 'chemical' and will resolve on its own.  If the answer is yes, the depression is probably 'organic' and may respond to antidepressants.  The occurrence of depression in humans isn't fully understood by medical research, as there many variables involved in it that cannot be quantified.  It is rather a subjective area that often involves trial and error.

 

 

 

so if my depression isn't helped with antidepressants, then it's probably chemical? Can the antidepressant make it worse?, Because that's how I feel.

 

so if my depression isn't helped with antidepressants, then it's probably chemical?

 

Not necessarily, antidepressants can wreak havoc on your body.  Again, the question is: were you treated for depression prior to benzos?  If no, you're experiencing 'chemical' depression, which subsides on its own, it did for me.

 

 

No, I was never treated for depression before benzos. But I was under a lot of stress and stuff and everyone thinks going into the hospital, etc. (the trauma of it all), pushed me to my limit and that's what brought on the insomnia...which led to the Ativan...which led to depression.  It's almost impossible to sort it out in my case because there was so much going on. Most people here had nothing else going on except benzo use and insomnia. I was in the hospital, heart issue,  quit smoking cold turkey, stress hives, perimenopause (no period for four months), marriage stress, work stress, and more.

Then add in the Ativan use and I think I it's almost impossible to say what the heck is causing the depression/anxiety. I don't think I can blame it all on the benzos. My username should have been theperfectstorm.

Dear Friend,

 

You are so strong and admire you how many things you can do despite your desperation.  You mentioned heart issue...was it a real issue or just a trigger from the stress?

 

Hugs and love,

Mary

Dear Friend,

 

You are so strong and admire you how many things you can do despite your desperation.  You mentioned heart issue...was it a real issue or just a trigger from the stress?

 

Hugs and love,

Mary

 

I believe it was just stress. I have not had another episode since then. I was smoking too much too because if the stress I felt I was under.

In a nutshell it was an SVT (elevated heart rate).

But while in the hospital I had insomnia and then it came home with me. The rest is history as they say.

The same happened to me...my pulse was around 100 and went to ER ...anf i got ativan...how was your pulse then?

The same happened to me...my pulse was around 100 and went to ER ...anf i got ativan...how was your pulse then?

 

Oh, mine was much higher. About 225 or so. 100 isn't even that high. My pulse is over 100 when I go for brisk walks. But my resting heart rate is in the high 70's.  Is 100 that high for you??

When i was sitting i had 100

Did you find out why it was so high?

Did you find out why it was so high?

 

Not really. I think it was stress and too much smoking. Thankfully I have not had another smoke since then (November)

Yeah, that's a tough one. My depression is a lifelong thing, so there's that. Then there's the meds  - off/on antidepressants for decades. Then there's the other addictive meds - Gabapentin - still on, Norco - off, Seroquel - off except on occasion, taken for sleep. Then of course, this wretched Klonopin withdrawal - 22 mo., still a freakin' nightmare. People can so easily say - "look on the bright side", "could be worse" etc. and I just have a huge ? in my mind - what do I even do what that? Doesn't change a damn thing. Psychiatrists, therapists point to stuff like - Mom totally lost it mentally back in 1965, Dad - Alzheimer's, brother committed suicide after prison time, 5-bypass surgery, lost whole family, job, career, car and house . . . whatever. But none of that is really the point for someone with depression in their natural state. For me, life was never going to be fine. Would be a POS regardless of the 'sinkholes' in the road. But the depression from the Benzos is something else - more insidious and dangerous for someone as sensitive as I am. Yes, I'm 'sour grapes'. . . gotta have some fun in life!

No, I was never treated for depression before benzos. But I was under a lot of stress and stuff and everyone thinks going into the hospital, etc. (the trauma of it all), pushed me to my limit and that's what brought on the insomnia...which led to the Ativan...which led to depression.  It's almost impossible to sort it out in my case because there was so much going on.

 

You were never depressed prior to benzos.  Stress has led to benzos and then to subsequent depression that they bring about, boy do I know this predicament, it happened to me.  You will sort this depression issue out over time, don't blame yourself for feeling depressed, you will get this right!  I see from your signature that you've been off Ativan for 3 months, no taper.  My depression was severe for at least 6 months after quitting Ativan no taper, but trust me, it passes, it did for me.  It will for you.  Be prepared for everyday life surprises that can really bring you down along the way, and don't equate them with depression and don't dwell on them during your recovery period from benzos.  Roll with with the punches, give it time, and above all, don't blame yourself!  It isn't your fault, it's the benzos.  Practice self-care and shield yourself from situations/circumstances that may make you feel depressed.

Here is something I have been wondering. How is withdrawal depression different from now withdrawal depression. When someone is depressed in withdrawal they're told to hang tight and wait, but why/how does it go away. Surely people can be stuck in a depressive state? How do people in withdrawal resolve this?

 

Given withdrawal people are less likely try medication. Like people not in withdrawal aren't told to hang tight and wait it out so why are we? Is that not running the risk of letting it spiral?

 

Hi gooner_nate, so sorry we have hijacked your thread without inquiring periodically about your well-being.  How are you?  Have you found any of the above posting of any help?  Hope you're feeling better!

 

 

 

No, I was never treated for depression before benzos. But I was under a lot of stress and stuff and everyone thinks going into the hospital, etc. (the trauma of it all), pushed me to my limit and that's what brought on the insomnia...which led to the Ativan...which led to depression.  It's almost impossible to sort it out in my case because there was so much going on.

 

You were never depressed prior to benzos.  Stress has led to benzos and then to subsequent depression that they bring about, boy do I know this predicament, it happened to me.  You will sort this depression issue out over time, don't blame yourself for feeling depressed, you will get this right!  I see from your signature that you've been off Ativan for 3 months, no taper.  My depression was severe for at least 6 months after quitting Ativan no taper, but trust me, it passes, it did for me.  It will for you.  Be prepared for everyday life surprises that can really bring you down along the way, and don't equate them with depression and don't dwell on them during your recovery period from benzos.  Roll with with the punches, give it time, and above all, don't blame yourself!  It isn't your fault, it's the benzos.  Practice self-care and shield yourself from situations/circumstances that may make you feel depressed.

.thank you! I work hard every day on this.

I also repeat over and over in my head "I love myself, I love my life"

I listened to "love yourself like your life depends on it" and I am putting it into practice.

Here is something I have been wondering. How is withdrawal depression different from now withdrawal depression. When someone is depressed in withdrawal they're told to hang tight and wait, but why/how does it go away. Surely people can be stuck in a depressive state? How do people in withdrawal resolve this?

 

Given withdrawal people are less likely try medication. Like people not in withdrawal aren't told to hang tight and wait it out so why are we? Is that not running the risk of letting it spiral?

 

Hi gooner_nate, so sorry we have hijacked your thread without inquiring periodically about your well-being.  How are you?  Have you found any of the above posting of any help?  Hope you're feeling better!

 

 

 

 

 

No worries at all. No unfortunately not, yesterday was my 6 months since I came off and I keep getting worse. I just have so many symptoms that I'm having a hard time finding elsewhere. I have had periods of low mood throughout all this but it seemed fairly normal considering how my quality of life was diminished. Almost over night 2 months ago I got depression so bad that I felt paralysed in bed, it is such a struggle to move and my cognitive function is absurdly low. I'm struggle to finish sentences and the process of making myself eggs in the morning is like trying to complete a two hour exam. It really feels like something clicked in my head because the change was so drastic. I'm now bed bound, experiencing some really bizarre perception issues where my whole body feels like plastic and although I can move my limbs it feels jerky and unnatural. And for the first time throughout all of this I got akathisia at 5 months off but because I'm so weak and fatigued I can't do anything about it. I know withdrawal is non linear but this has been consistent for quite a while now and the longer I go the worse I get. Which is worrying because if I get worse I'll need to be cared for 24/7, there are periods during the day where I can't do anything at all, I just lie there because I can't think long enough to do anything. Such a strange sequence given my best period was the month directly after jump and I was exercising, socialising a lot and generally feeling great.Given how strange this all is I do wonder if there is something exasperating everything else or if I have something underlying that is making it worse.

 

Anyways sorry to be a buzzkill. Hope everyone else is doing a bit better.

btw just to add, my depression and physical capabilities crashed at nearly the same time. I was able to exercise 20 minutes a day then out of nowhere I couldn't move and my body felt like it didn't know how to walk. Very hard to understand. It really feels like my mind broke on that day

btw just to add, my depression and physical capabilities crashed at nearly the same time. I was able to exercise 20 minutes a day then out of nowhere I couldn't move and my body felt like it didn't know how to walk. Very hard to understand. It really feels like my mind broke on that day

 

You know what? What you are feeling sounds almost exactly like what I went through, except my experience had a shorter life span and I seem to have come out of the "acute" much faster.  Is that because I was on lower dose for a shorter period? I don't know. But if it is, then my guess is that you are going to begin feeling better very soon. Your analogy of making eggs is EXACTLY what I told my doctor.  That and I would turn the burner on, turn around to get the eggs out of the fridge and get distracted by something else only to forget I had turned the burner on. I was terrified I would burn my house done so I quit cooking when I was home alone.

The other difference is that I made the choice to go on an antidepressant. Part of me wishes I would not have, but part of me feels I wouldn't have survived without it. I had to face the facts I had a LOT going on mentally prior to going into the hospital. I was stressed to the max which led to heavy smoking which led to the heart palpitations which led to the hospital which led to insomnia which led to Ativan....and here I am.

Did you have any depression before benzos? Anxiety?

I want to tell you to just hang in there. It's going to get better! People have had the same exact symptoms you are having and have come through and started to feel better. Your body heals. Be gentle with yourself. Listen to audio books when you are stuck in bed.

"Love yourself like your life depends on it" was a life changes for me and is helping me immensely. Anything by Claire Weeks is also priceless.

"Help for your nerves" or whatever that title is was SO incredible for me because she talked about EVERY symptom you are going through in chronological order!! She absolutely let me know I wasn't crazy!! You need to find it and listen to it. Please do that for yourself.

 

Maybe someone else here can find the link to it because I think it's on the web somewhere to. But you HAVE to listen to it. I guarantee it will give you relief from your fear. I PROMISE!!