People who struggle with mental health are peculiar. At some point, their pain becomes desperate. Given what is called the “gift” of desperation, they seek treatment and help. Whether they enter a treatment program, work with a therapist or work with a psychiatrist, they might end up on medications. Antidepressant medications are helpful in treating many of the symptoms of trauma which can arise for someone who has experienced trauma. Trauma can manifest in depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Antidepressants help to stabilize otherwise destabilizing emotions, which can be helpful in aiding the therapeutic journey. Oftentimes, antidepressants are SSRI’s, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
What is most peculiar about those on the journey of mental health recovery is what happens when they start feeling better. As emotions stabilize and things seem to become ‘normal’, those on the journey of mental health recovery start believing they are recovered. Recovery is not a final destination. Mental health is called a journey because it is an ongoing process full of ups and downs, including when someone in mental health recovery decides to completely cut medication out of their lives. Feeling better, someone in recovery might believe that they do not need their medication anymore. The medication has done its job and there is no need to continue taking it. Instead of talking to a doctor, working with a psychiatrist, or a therapist, to slowly and safely taper off, an individual decides to quit cold turkey, abruptly ceasing to take their medication.
Symptoms Could Return Worse Than Before
The biggest risk of quitting an SSRI cold turkey is the sudden return of the symptoms which necessitated the medication in the first place. Any progress which was taking place is set back as symptoms resurface. Recalibrating and stabilizing on medication again can take time, putting the therapeutic process on hold.
Symptoms don’t just come back with difficulty. Symptoms can come back in full swing and worse. At the worst, someone who has recently abruptly quit their SSRI’s can experience suicidal ideations or thoughts. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Other symptoms of quitting SSRI’s cold turkey could include:
AnxietyInsomniaMood swingsSweatingExhaustionDigestive issuesStomach issuesWeakened immune systemAnd more
If you are considering quitting your medication, it is critical that you work with a team of professionals to put you on the right path of treatment.
We’re proud to call Florida our home state. At The Guest House Ocala, everyone with an experience of trauma is welcomed to our estate to heal in mind, body, and spirit. Our treatment programs are customized on a concierge level of care. Each client’s treatment program is tailor fit to their specific needs and experiences. For information on life at the estate or our approach to trauma care, call us today: 1-855-483-7800