My Medication Journey

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  • Опубліковано 14 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 76

  • @ScottSpotMedia
    @ScottSpotMedia 2 роки тому +6

    I'm 50 years old, and for most of my life, I lived with undiagnosed anxiety even though it affected every part of my life. I had trouble keeping jobs because at some point I would have an outburst that would be a bit scary to those around me. Nothing violent or physical, just an outburst of anger and emotion that was focused inward than anywhere else. I also found being around people exhausting and I would pass on any outings with coworkers, friends, and family. I thought this was just who I was and that I would just try to deal with it as best I could until the next outburst happened and then I move on. I grew up in a house that didn't put any stock in mental health therapy and taking medication was not a thing you did. Then in 2010, I got a job in a high-pressure, public-facing environment. I was there for almost 4 years and I did everything to cope, and it took every bit of energy I had. Then in the last year I was there the wheels started coming off the bus. I sniped at a customer who complained to my manager and it was a big deal. I was given a warning, but it put me on thin ice. Then there were incidents of me going into the backroom and "venting" very loudly would make people uneasy because I was very loud and animated, again, I was never violent. I confided in one of the managers what was going on and he was very sympathetic he even coined the phrase to describe my outbursts as "hulking out" which was a good description since while I "hulked out" it was like my 'real self' was inside looking out but had no way of controlling what was coming out of my mouth. I knew I couldn't do this anymore! I found out I could take a leave of absence from my job and that my company offered to pay for 7 mental health sessions. So, I took the leave and went to therapy. It was helpful, but honestly, there didn't seem to be some deep childhood trauma and talk therapy wasn't helping. However, my therapist recommended a good Psychiatrist who she knew and who more importantly took my insurance. He sat down with me we talked for a while, and he asked certain questions and he said he believed I suffered from Anxiety. I was floored because I had never even thought of that being the root cause of my issues. He prescribed me an SSRI and after a certain amount of time, I felt more in control. Then my leave was over and I had to go back to work even though it was too soon in my therapy and medication journey. I was a bit better, but in the end, I had another outburst and I lost that job. It's been 9 years since then and I'm still on the medication with some adjustments here and there with dosage. I haven't "hulked out" in many years and having the cognitive knowledge that I have anxiety allows me to know when I'm feeling it rising within me and I can do some things to calm myself down. I have no regrets about having taken the medication, but I do have some regret that it took me so long to realize I needed to do so.

    • @willowwinkle
      @willowwinkle 2 роки тому

      Amazing story, friend. Glad you got help. A friend who deals with a similar issue talks about how they learned cognitive tools to place filters and buffers between the trigger and the reaction, but medication can also help those triggers and emotions be less overwhelming.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Oh wow. I wish I had the words - but thank you SO much for feeling able to share this with all of us - it is clear that it resonated with lots of people. You're amazing. 🧡

  • @valeriehill6382
    @valeriehill6382 2 роки тому +8

    Well done young lady - As a much older subscriber, I am so impressed at your insight into mental health 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Oh thank you so much Valerie - you're always so lovely. 🧡

  • @miltongurl28
    @miltongurl28 2 роки тому +3

    Becca - Good on you for taking this on. And for realizing it’s not a magic pill. You still need to do the work, but it’s worth it!
    And it’s feels so great when not only you, but the people close to you see and feel the difference! So happy for you!
    I’ve been on five different types of medication! Took that many for it to work, and we had to play with the dosage. But it’s working. It’s also been my Mom, husband and close family who have seen the difference. And that feels great!
    Also, I too the the period pains at the top of legs, and my very low back/top of my bum! (Oh my!) Just achey and a little miserable!
    Thank you again for this lovely video! Keep up the amazing work!
    Hugs from Ontario, Canada! 🇨🇦

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Oh thank you so much for this - this comment made me feel far less alone, so thank you so much for taking the time to write this out. 🧡

  • @MaryleaMemaw
    @MaryleaMemaw 2 роки тому +5

    I have been on antidepressants off and on for over 25 years. I had gone without one for about 2 years but after my Mom died last year I went back on a different one and felt great! Then my neurologist said I needed to wean off of it and that has been very difficult. I am down to 1/2 pill every other night but can't seem to get off completely. I am okay emotionally but my nights are very rough for some reason. I will get there. It will just take time. I am 65 btw. Thank you for sharing!

    • @MaryleaMemaw
      @MaryleaMemaw 2 роки тому

      @Mikey Chan Sorry for your loss. My dad passed 30 years before my Mom.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      I cannot thank you enough for sharing this insight with us and feeling comfortable enough to do so. I really wish you all the best and sending you a gentle hug - the community is here for you. 🧡

  • @LBeeeeeee
    @LBeeeeeee 2 роки тому +2

    I was just thinking about you like two days ago, curious about your journey and how it’s been for you these last months and years. Thanks for posting. Many blessings to you from Colorado

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Oh thank you so so much, you're beyond lovely. Thank you for sticking around for the ride. 🧡

  • @willowwinkle
    @willowwinkle 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this beautiful video that reduces the stigma around mental health/medication. I so relate with being a person who wants to be in control of my body (and especially my mind!) so I was really really scared of taking medications just in general. I took medication for anxiety and depression for a period of time during a really rough patch in my late 20s and it was really helpful and necessary. I also worked on managing my emotions and mental health and physical well-being in other ways (you're SO right, you can't just rely on the meds to do everything!) and eventually no longer needed the medication. Medication isn't something you necessarily have to take forever. Speaking of things that change over time: from my friends and family experiences - a lot of people grow out of having mood disturbance with their periods and even symptoms of physical discomfort and pain can get better with age. Fortunately, there has been a lot more research and attention paid to PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and the mental and physical health impact of hormones on women and people who menstruate and there is more support now-a-days. 🤗🤗

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you, so much for this. This is such a valuable comment - I am going to keep it pinned so I can refer back to it. I definitely need to research PMDD much more. Lots of love. 🧡

  • @always4peach687
    @always4peach687 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for making this video Becca. I really admire you for that. I have a lot of similarities like you have especially when I get my period, my mood swings goes blizzard.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Again, you're always so lovely. Mood swings are so horrible. 🧡

    • @always4peach687
      @always4peach687 2 роки тому

      @@IamBecca ❤️❤️❤️

  • @Jac-Jay
    @Jac-Jay 2 роки тому +3

    As I got older, starting in my early 30s,my cycle became so unpredictable as did I,I felt my whole life was changing and out of my control , I feared the week before my cycle started,the week itself and the come down after which meant I had one week of feeling "normal",I also had the chat with my doctor who did all the necessary tests for early menopause which were negative and eventually we settled on anxiety meds and CBT therapy,I did have to increase my dosage after the first couple of months but eventually we got it right and it worked,I would love to lower the dose slowly but I'm not there yet..i also found that when talking about it with my girlfriends that so many of them felt the same.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Bless your heart. Thank you so much for sharing this with us - you're incredible. 🧡

  • @nickbiss39
    @nickbiss39 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for talking about this, Becca. I've been on/off antidepressant medication for the past 4 years, and it's honestly saved my life. I too resisted for a long time, mostly from the arrogant belief that I could overcome it myself and denial that I was really depressed. There's absolutely no shame in needing a little external help. I think of it like a crutch for a leg injury - it won't cure you, but it's a useful tool for healing. 🙂

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Nick you're right, it definitely is like a crutch and should be used as a tool - not an absolute cure - thank you so much for this reminder. 🧡

    • @nickbiss39
      @nickbiss39 2 роки тому

      @@IamBecca Always welcome! Thank you for your efforts to normalise talking about MH 😊

  • @sarahmaurice3930
    @sarahmaurice3930 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much for this video Becca!

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much for watching. Sorry for the slow reply. Sending a lotta love. 🧡

  • @vegarddlmo2298
    @vegarddlmo2298 2 роки тому

    I dont know how...but every time you talk about mental health..you manage to "wake" something within me that i can relate too..i cant EVEN start to tell you how much you mean to me,but it is a LOT..thank you Becca!!

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Oh I am so thrilled about this comment. Thank YOU so much, for being here. You mean so much to me. 🧡

  • @kellybreeyear9017
    @kellybreeyear9017 2 роки тому

    I also have been off and on since 2013...I just got out of rehab again. For the 5th time....I do CBT, DBT, and where I am is a lower place than usual. I have reported that my vulnerability to substance use or self medicating have ALWAYS revolved around 3-5 days before my cycle. They have made me violent towards my children....and I am now going through pre-menopause and they have worsened! TY for being so open, really have so much respect for you Becca. I do my best, as do you, here in the states, VT.

    • @kellybreeyear9017
      @kellybreeyear9017 2 роки тому

      Also was put on 'the pilll' at 16 due to 11+days, heavy bleed periods until I had children. I still hate mess, and my MD STILL has to remind me it is 'treatment'

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Oh Kelly - thank you so much for showing some vulnerability and sharing this with us. You're truly doing amazingly and should be so proud of yourself. Sending you so much love your way. 🧡

  • @vegasprepperone
    @vegasprepperone 2 роки тому +2

    Becca beautifully said very articulate and inspiring

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Thank you so so much. 🧡

  • @BlakeAudenPoetry
    @BlakeAudenPoetry 2 роки тому +1

    I’ve been through a similar thought process. It’s hard to take that step, but I think it’s the right thing to do. Love your videos Bec 💙

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Thank you, always. 🧡

  • @b25364
    @b25364 2 роки тому +1

    Really insightful video. Hope that helps lots of people.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Awww thank you so much. I hope it does too. 🧡

  • @TSewell67
    @TSewell67 2 роки тому

    Thanks Becca, another really interesting and relatable video.
    I am on medication for my mental health and like you initially rejected it because I thought it would change me, what I now know is my brain without the medication can change me into someone I don’t want to be but with the medication and other self care strategies I get to be someone I mostly like 🤷‍♀️!
    I would say I’m stable now but it’s taken me a long time to get here and I have tried to stop the medication because I thought I would be fine, but I wasn’t, I was slipping back into a much darker place and so being on the medication is much more suitable for me and I’ve accepted that now.
    Thank you for sharing your story though. I always had very bad period pains but it never affected my mood at that time of the month. The pain was eventually diagnosed as endometriosis and I ended up needing a hysterectomy. I didn’t take HRT so I went into immediate early menopause and that’s what kicked off my depression/anxiety/“madness” and it took me approximately 10 years to work my way through that and understand my mental and personal health challenges and accept that sometimes medicine is good!
    Anyway, thanks again, big hugs and you still made me laugh at the end 😂😂.
    Tx❤️

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Haha I’m glad I could make you laugh at the end - it makes me happy some of you get to the end?! It’s a little club just for you guys. I really hope you’re okay - please do look after yourself. And I hope your son is doing well at uni! Sending a massive hug. 🧡

  • @davidp2888
    @davidp2888 2 роки тому +1

    I tried an anti depressant years ago and it made my life worse so I got off of it. I’m considering going to my doctor and telling him I want to talk about my options for medication.
    Sending love from America. 🧡

    • @debbriggs5811
      @debbriggs5811 2 роки тому

      Yes, do that. If a medication isn't for you, you will know it. There are other options. Always notify the prescriber immediately what is happening, they should not make life worse, they are meant to help.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      I think it is a very, very personal choice - nobody can make it for you - but definitely talking it through with a doctor is a great idea! Sending you so much love David. 🧡

  • @wickidbloodymetalqueen7901
    @wickidbloodymetalqueen7901 2 роки тому +1

    TACKLES MY BECCAPOOH!!! I have my new job!! I start my new job at Walmart this week!!! 14 bucks an hour. I'm on a ton of meds...I mean soo many meds my mind will go wild without half of them

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope its going well for you? Best of luck with it!! 🧡🧡🧡

  • @dianerose8316
    @dianerose8316 2 роки тому +1

    Oh I do not miss getting my period. Menopause was a wonder, no more feeling like I was on a swing...next mood swing in 2.5 sec. Lol. I can laugh at it now.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      I hope to be able to laugh about it one day! 🧡

  • @sarahmcqueenie
    @sarahmcqueenie 2 роки тому +1

    I’m fed up of us women suffering each month (excruciating pain each month here and v v heavy). If men had periods they’d soon find something to stop/minimize the effects. But us women are told to be quiet, get on with it and suffer in silence, basically.
    I have a gynecology appt next month- thank heavens! As someone who’s never wanted children, really don’t want to suffer each month anymore!😊

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Best of luck with your appointment! Thank you so much for this comment - I completely agree - women suffer. It is awful. Sending so much love.🧡

  • @danlowe3491
    @danlowe3491 2 роки тому

    For everything you have been through you should be proud of how you have carried yourself :) Be proud lady

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Oh thank you so much, Dan. You're lovely. 🧡

  • @Lushy260
    @Lushy260 2 роки тому +1

    When I'm on my period, I get really bad cramps (not fun)

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      I feel for you?! Cramps are the WORST!! Hugs. 🧡

  • @francescajones3527
    @francescajones3527 2 роки тому +1

    The pill (combined) can be great for regulating hormones if suffering with severe premenstrual mood swings. It supressed your natural levels and keeps a constant balance. Doesn't suit everyone but always worth a try

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      I have been told this before - but it makes me nervous adding more medication - I think I need to do some research. 🧡

  • @LoNotFound
    @LoNotFound 2 роки тому

    Hope youre doing well❤️

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you! Hope you are too. 🧡

  • @LarissaSchiefer
    @LarissaSchiefer 2 роки тому

    I really liked to hear about a doctor that listens and cares so much. You don't find doctors like this often, I think. Unfortunately I did not have a good experience with medication. I was on some anti-depressants a decade ago and I only took them because I was promised not to gain weight and I couldn't get into psychotherapy at that time. Well, weight gain did not happen. I lost quite a bit of weight since I couldn't keep my feet still. I had to go on walks again and again and again because I felt like a tiger trapped in a cage in my room. The worst thing however was the mental shift. Things that would have made me incredible sad and weepy in the past did not touch me the least any more. I just didn't care about people that I loved anymore. Everyday felt the same - just fine. Soon I had to increase the dose since the meds didn't work anymore and by the time I had to change to another pill because I had reached the maximum dose of my anti-depressant I was done with medication. It was just not worth it for me.
    I think that you need to either be very self aware or have some kind of help (a good doctor, a psychologist...) to keep an eye on your medication journey and - obviously - you need to find the right medication and the right dose. Maybe I'll try medication again some day but most likely not without a good doctor at my side.
    I hope that your medication journey stays positive for you. Maybe it will help people to try medication (again) if they struggle too much without it.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      This is such an insightful comment - thank you so so much for this. I love that you feel able to write this out here. I also know what you mean about the doctors - it can be a bit hit or miss at times. 🧡

  • @The_PaleHorseman
    @The_PaleHorseman 2 роки тому

    Hiiiiiii glad to see ya Becca!

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Hiiiiiiiiii!!!! 🧡🧡🧡

  • @mkoziol2001
    @mkoziol2001 2 роки тому

    Hi Becca, thank you for sharing that. Hugs…

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Sending a huge hug your way Mark. 🧡

  • @kurtismuzio7436
    @kurtismuzio7436 2 роки тому

    The decision to take medication will be the biggest one I've ever taken. I accept that meds work for some people. But I just hate the thought of being.. medically numbed. I hate it inside my head most days. But the thought of not having that part of me around is scary. I don't want them to make me feel like I'm not myself. Even if who am I isn't someone I like half the time.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      I completely get that. You have to do what’s best for YOU. 🧡

  • @betterlife6510
    @betterlife6510 2 роки тому

    Me too medication of depression, I feel much better

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Yep - I agree! 🧡

  • @sHorrorfan
    @sHorrorfan 2 роки тому

    Im dedicated to been medicated! great vid Becca! i'm on propranolol utterly a wonder drug for me! changed everything in my life im a better person daily for it, no more panic no more worries,yea im still OCD yea im still ADHD,but the propran helps so so much with not having panic attacks (was having one weely!).. anyway i'm off to hoover the garden..(ADHD people will understand haha) P.S you ladies are warriors dealing with periods! i would be such a wuss with the whole bleeding thing alone!

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Dedicated to being medicated - still a great phrase?! And I love this. I’m 99% certain I’m ADHD and have OCD too - same storm! Lots of love. 🧡

  • @Jada94
    @Jada94 2 роки тому +1

    I thought I was the only one 😮

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      Nope! We should start a club!! 🧡

  • @shawnjesseman664
    @shawnjesseman664 2 роки тому

    There is always a stigma attached to medications, particularly psychotropic medication, and there really shouldn't be anymore. Here in the US, I pretty much assume most people are on some medication or other. I was on many different meds through the years, but I haven't been on anything for about five years now. I suffer from anxiety/panic disorder, as well as pretty severe depressive episodes which, luckily, don't happen that often these days. I've thought of going back on something but, for the most part, I don't feel like I really need anything at this point. But I would never rule it out. I am a firm believer in psychiatric medications and what they can do for people and people really need to cool it with the stigma. It's the same with people who choose to go to therapy. There is a stigma attached to mental health counseling for some...weird fucking reason. People will actually make fun of someone or talk down to them if the person goes to therapy. EVERYONE could benefit from therapy. I think this kind of goes along with your other video where you talk about "how not to care" - if people are struggling with mental health issues, anxiety, depression, whatever it is...and they think therapy and meds will help, then it's really time to stop caring about what other people think and do what you know is right for yourself.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому +1

      You're so right Shawn. We should do what is right for ourselves - it is so sad people feel they can intervene with other peoples decisions for their own mental health - you make such great points. Please do look after yourself. 🧡

  • @tondah
    @tondah 2 роки тому

    I live in the states & I’ve been on Xanax for the last 14 years, it’s the only thing that works for me & I have no side effects.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      I'm so glad you've found something that works for you. 🧡

  • @andrewbarczak3921
    @andrewbarczak3921 2 роки тому

    I will never take any medication 💊, never. I saw 👀, how it destroyed other people's lives, including some of my family members, but hey, as long as it's helping you, good luck.. All the best.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      It definitely isn't for everyone - it is a personal decision. 🧡

  • @stephanieb6578
    @stephanieb6578 2 роки тому

    Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder-PMDD.

    • @IamBecca
      @IamBecca  2 роки тому

      Yep - pretty sure that is what I have! But, like most things to do with women, there is very little we can do about it! 🧡