Thursday, April 12, 2012

I think I am ready to share.....

I have not blogged in a while, and I honestly had no desire to. In late December I was diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression. I have dealt with it for years and years. I always told myself "Your a Christian, if you are depressed then I must be to far from God." I am not saying that it was not good for me to grow closer to God (we should be continually growing closer to Him), but I am saying that my walk was not the problem. I have learned that Depression and Anxiety (or one or the other) are chemical problems, not "heart" problems. Christians can have depression too! It simply means my brain is not producing enough of a chemical I needed to function. It was a small break down that finally caused my sweet husband to lovingly convince me it was time to get some help. I am beginning to understand that it is nothing to be ashamed of and many more people have it than you would think. A very sweet doctor kindly explained what was wrong and how my medicine would help. My family began noticing a difference in my in just a couple of weeks, but it took me about a month (which is average). I am grateful to be taking the lowest dose, that is all I needed, some people need more. I am hoping that anyone who has had some struggles in this area to get help it is not a weakness, or something to be ashamed of. If you had stomach problems you would go to the doctor and be prescribed medicine, this is no different. I will say, I have made to decision, for the sake of my baby, I am not taking my medicine at this time. It is a personal decision and my doctor is fine with it. We both understand that I may need it later on, and we will weigh the pros and cons at that time. Can I tell I am not on it? Yes. Do I think I need it now? Yes. Are some days a struggle? Yes. When I have a difficult day I have a wonderful supportive husband who helps me get up and keep on, but like any medical problem you take it one day at a time. It is not easy to admit there is a problem, no one likes to ask for help, but it is a good thing once you get the help you need.

4 comments:

  1. It takes a lot of courage to share something like this, and I'm so glad you did. I have suffered from depression since my second baby was about 6 months old (he is now 7). I have been on and off medication since then. And we just recently found out that we are expecting baby #7 and I'm really debating going off my meds. I have taken meds in the past while pregnant, but not early in my pregnancy; usually in the 3rd trimester. Did you just quit cold-turkey, or did you wean? I'm starting to wean a bit, but I'm a little nervous about how I'm going to feel, but I know it's best for the baby right now. Maybe we can keep in touch and encourage each other through this similar time! It's not easy, so it would nice to have support of someone who understands!

    Your Sister in Christ,
    Sarah

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    1. I was nervous about how I would feel too. I did quit cold turkey, it was a little difficult after about the third or fourth day when it was probably out of my system. I talked to my doctor and he basically told me that we would see if I needed it. It is not an easy thing to do, and I do have difficult days. Fortunately, the excitement of being pregnant has kept me going. I had not thought of possibly taking it in the third trimester, but I may look into that. You are very right it is not easy, and it is wonderful to have someone who understands! :)

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    2. Well, I've decided to quit cold turkey! I want the best for this little babe and I don't want to take any chances with his/her development! Say a little prayer for me!! How have you been doing?

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    3. I will be praying for you! Doing good, today was a little trying. We are potty training my oldest (well we have been for months) and he was very trying today, but by God's grace it is bedtime ;)

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