Help
9 years ago things started changing in my life. I was getting married, had a good job (with adding responsibilities and stress) that I was not enjoying anymore, car loan, mortgage. One day, after months of a racing brain and no sleep, it got to the point that my body went off line. I was crying uncontrollably, couldn’t walk or talk. My wife dragged me in to see the Dr. That was the beginning of medication for me. I was diagnosed with a general anxiety disorder.
Having a GAD was an A-HA moment for me and my family. Finally everything made sense. That explains why I was always nervous, why my mind raced at a million miles an hour, why I had test anxiety and didn’t do well in school. The list went on and on. Great but how to you fix that?
My wife took me to hypnotherapy which worked well for the short term; I was able to relax for the first time in a long time. After sleeping for two months it was back to the world only to falter once again, and again, and again. Through more meds I was able to get back to normal, or at least functioning again.
We started to have children, I changed jobs and things got worse. Lots more time off and lots more meds. Bounced around from therapist to therapist. Got connected with someone who did cognitive behaviour therapy. What an amazing and life saving experience. For the sake of my health my wife and I decided that I should reduce the stressors in my life. I became a stay at home dad. Things were going well. Still had ups and downs but it was better. Of course it was, I was turning into a hermit but I didn’t mind. Still don’t to be honest.
My wife thought it would be good for me to get a part time job just to get back in to the real world and society in general. I was reluctant to say the least but as always she was right. It did me a world of good, but I was still on my meds.
I just turned 37 and believe that my ups and downs and unstable demeanour may be the side effects of my meds which include Cymbalta. I have brain stoppage, loose my temper but not too bad, short fuse, fidgity, on edge, lack of concentration, low sex drive, lack of concentration (that was a joke). How long can I live like this?
After talking to my wife, doctor and mentor (an aunt that went through similar issues and medications, who has been the most supportive and amazing person who I literally owe my life to) it was time to start the long road back to who I really am. Not that I know who that is but I am sure I will find him (me) back.
I have heard of people getting off Cymbalta cold turkey or in as little as a few months and even weeks. I am starting to reduce my 90mg by 5% every two weeks. I am going to take this nice and slow and see where it takes me. Two weeks in and so far so good.
Stay tuned.
