Re: Handling Outside Stress Along with Withdrawal

[Guest guest]

Kava kava isn't advised during withdrawal. Chamomile tea is lovely though, as is chamomile essence from Green Hope farm (www.greenhopeessences.com). A little lavender essential oil on your pillow is wonderfully soothing. Magnesium and calcium also have a calming effect.

You won't have a complete breakdown. You've already decided not to. Let go of that fear right now.

Instead, reflect on the fact that you are entering a new phase of your life. Oftentimes old things must come to an end to make way for new and better things. It's sad and perhaps a little scary--but also exciting! Continue to take good care of yourself and all will be well.

Regards,

Kim

moderator-- KIM DENISE FINE ARTwww.Kim.comFine Art Giftswww.CafePress.com/Kim

[Guest guest]

Hi Colleen,

It must be hard to find that your BF isn't " with " you in this. From

what I've experienced with my husband, I think in most cases it

takes a deep and committed relationship to survive this process

together. We've been together for over 12 years and have a little

girl, and I think we had a good foundation before the depression,

the antidepressant, and the cold turkey withdrawal. But things have

got very rocky at times, and if it weren't for that foundation we

built together, I'm sure we would have split up. My guy does try to

understand, but I think it's hard when you've not experienced what

it's like firsthand. I, too, am emotionally numb a lot of the time,

and have no sex drive whatsoever; my husband often interprets this

as a sign that I don't love him, or that he's done something wrong,

or isn't good enough somehow, etc. We're going through a spell right

now where I'm not feeling so well and he's respectfully backed off,

but I know from experience that if it continues much longer, he'll

start getting fed up again. It's tricky. I trust that things will

improve in time and all I can do is ask that he does the same.

I suppose what I'd say to you is just to consider how you feel about

your guy. This can be very hard when the emotional numbness sets in,

and sometimes that can skew a person's judgement. But if you don't

feel that close to him, then maybe what Kim said would apply -- you

could look at this as the beginning of a new time in your life and

make a fresh start.

Hope this helps

.

[Guest guest]

Hi , Collen and others,

I just read your e-mails and feel like responding from the

perspective of my relationship. I agree with you that it takes

both to go through withdrawal and other problems, like side-effects,

e.g. low sex drive. I did not realise that it was related so much to

meds...In the beginning my husband and I had no knowledge about it

but we have learnt together. I feel so easier now when it is him who

explains things to me. He previously acted the way that I reacted

with enormous guilt. We went through very difficult time to the

extent that I thought about living him...

It feels still strange, the numbness, feeling so little

sexually...Sometimes I think I will never get a pleassure in sex

again...

When I started my diet my husband decided to try it as well. He has

his own modification...He started to take some supplements etc. He

likes the idea of Paleo diet...

Looking back my relationship is a real learning experience. We both

learn and get even stronger. There are times I want to leave

everything and be on my own and then times when I am so greatful to

be with my husband...He gives me a lot of support, I give

him...Although there are quiet times as well...

ikam

>

> Hi Colleen,

>

> It must be hard to find that your BF isn't " with " you in this.

From

> what I've experienced with my husband, I think in most cases it

> takes a deep and committed relationship to survive this process

> together. We've been together for over 12 years and have a little

> girl, and I think we had a good foundation before the depression,

> the antidepressant, and the cold turkey withdrawal. But things

have

> got very rocky at times, and if it weren't for that foundation we

> built together, I'm sure we would have split up. My guy does try

to

> understand, but I think it's hard when you've not experienced what

> it's like firsthand. I, too, am emotionally numb a lot of the

time,

> and have no sex drive whatsoever; my husband often interprets this

> as a sign that I don't love him, or that he's done something

wrong,

> or isn't good enough somehow, etc. We're going through a spell

right

> now where I'm not feeling so well and he's respectfully backed

off,

> but I know from experience that if it continues much longer, he'll

> start getting fed up again. It's tricky. I trust that things will

> improve in time and all I can do is ask that he does the same.

>

> I suppose what I'd say to you is just to consider how you feel

about

> your guy. This can be very hard when the emotional numbness sets

in,

> and sometimes that can skew a person's judgement. But if you don't

> feel that close to him, then maybe what Kim said would apply --

you

> could look at this as the beginning of a new time in your life and

> make a fresh start.

>

> Hope this helps

> .

>