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Seventeen-year-old girl with severe depression, parents unilaterally discontinued my medication, how to cope?

severe depression escitalopram oxalate zolpidem withdrawal symptoms insomnia
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Seventeen-year-old girl with severe depression, parents unilaterally discontinued my medication, how to cope? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

At 17, a girl, diagnosed with severe depression in Tianjin on March 7th this year. The doctor prescribed escitalopram oxalate and zolpidem. I was forced to stop taking the medication by my parents on March 21st without tapering off, just abruptly discontinuing it. The withdrawal symptoms (inability to move, inability to sleep) basically disappeared after two days. My parents called some doctor they didn't know to confirm, saying it was my own psychological factors, not withdrawal symptoms. Now I've experienced nearly a week of insomnia and recurrent mood swings, especially severe in the past two days. I can't sleep until 3 or 4 am, and then wake up at 5:40 am, which is extremely painful. I don't know how to deal with their nonsensical behavior? Can I hide the medicine and secretly take it?

William Baker William Baker A total of 2835 people have been helped

Hello, original poster!

It's totally understandable that you're worried about suddenly stopping the medication. But don't worry! We've got this. Let's figure out how to alleviate the current situation.

First of all, depression is like a fever. We know that you have to take medicine for a fever, so let's get you some medicine! If possible, you should still communicate with your parents to explain the importance of medication for your current condition.

Our parents thought they were doing what was best for us. But it seems like we know more about the illness, and we're excited to share what we've learned!

It's great that we're starting to care about our bodies! Even if we're a little worried, we know that suddenly stopping medication can affect our bodies and minds.

That's a great start! Now, let's think about which part of the body is most uncomfortable.

Now, find a quiet, comfortable corner and get comfortable. Close your eyes and get ready for some relaxation!

Now, think about the most uncomfortable part of your body. Focus on it!

Now, think about what kind of feeling it brings you. What kind of state it is in.

You can talk to yourself! Hug that injured part of yourself! I hope you feel better!

I truly believe that you will get better, even if it takes time. It can be challenging to face our wounded parts, but you can do it!

But it really helps if we just give it a few tries! This is a long process, but it's totally worth it in the end.

You will get better, and you will do it gradually!

If we haven't slept very well, we try to say to ourselves before going to sleep that we forgive everything from the day with all our love and slip into peaceful dreams. I know that everything will be fine tomorrow, and it is going to be a great day!

??

There is endless love in my heart! I now let this love well up from within, filling my heart, my body, my mind, the space I am in. It leaves my body and radiates in all directions, only to return to me many times over!

I release more and more love, I release all my reserves. And it feels so good! It's an expression of the joy within me.

I love myself, so I take care of my body with love! I lovingly provide it with nutritious food and drinks, I lovingly groom it and dress it up, and my body gives me back health and energy!

I love myself, so I have prepared the most wonderful home for myself. This home can meet any of my needs and is a happy home!

I fill every room with love, so that whoever enters, including myself, feels this love and is nourished by it. I love myself, so I do work that I really enjoy, work that allows me to use my creativity and talents. I work with and for people who love me and those I love, and I earn a good income. It's so great to be able to do work that I love and that also allows me to support myself and those I love!

I love myself, and it shows! I think and act with love, and I treat all people this way, and they return it to me many times over. I only attract lovely people into my world, and therefore they are my mirror.

I love myself, so I forgive and liberate the past and all its experiences, and I am free! I love myself, so I live fully in the present.

I experience every beautiful moment, and I know that my future is going to be absolutely amazing! Because I am a beloved child of the universe, the world is going to take care of me gladly, now and forever.

We really have to believe that I will get better slowly, and this belief will drive us forward!

I'd love to recommend a few books: "The Black Dog of Depression," by Bion, "Learning from Experience," and "Rebuilding Your Life."

I'm so excited to be back! The world and I love you ☀

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Ian Ian A total of 803 people have been helped

After reading your account, I want to know if you can think of a motive behind your family member's action.

I want to know why he did that.

I don't know what kind of reason you were diagnosed with major depression. One thing is clear, though: depression is a process.

It is still a relatively long process. This is largely due to the way you were raised.

Go see a listener or counselor. Tell them what you need to talk about, whether it's a specific experience, a period of your life, or your whole life.

We, the listeners and psychological counselors, know what to do.

He will help you sort things out and assist you in growing and changing. He will intervene.

Let me be clear: intervention has both positive and negative sides. Your family's intervention is clearly negative. It's interference or infringement.

The same is true of depression. Each word represents a different degree and state. When your family's relationship with you involves the word "violation," it means the degree is very serious.

When you say you're suffering from severe depression, you're telling me that your situation is very serious. You've experienced severe, moderate, and mild depression, as well as a healthy you.

Your sleep is also going through a process like the one described above. You must allow your body and your being to grow and remember something positive.

Reawaken. It will take some time, just as it takes some time to go from a healthy state to a less healthy state.

If you can sleep 4 to 5 hours at night, you don't need to rush. You just need to let yourself sleep 4 hours and 5 minutes or 5 hours and 5 minutes.

It's like your current depressed state. If you can feel a little better tomorrow, then you should just let yourself feel that little bit better for another 5 minutes.

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Scarlett Collins Scarlett Collins A total of 7423 people have been helped

First of all, they need to hug you and feel your anxiety and pain. You asked if you could hide the medicine and take it secretly, because you felt your parents' lack of understanding.

The great news is that you can easily discuss whether or not you can take medication with your doctor. You can even do it online! However, it's important to make sure you go to a formal, professional medical institution.

From your situation, I feel that your parents have not allowed you to consult a professional psychologist, which is a great opportunity for you to take control of your own health and wellbeing! Many people do not understand mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc., but you are in a unique position to educate them. You can share your experience and explain that while taking medicine will have side effects, it is an important step in managing your condition.

So in your current situation, the doctor has clearly said to take medicine, so you should definitely do that! It is best to take the medicine as prescribed and go for regular follow-up visits.

You can absolutely ask your doctor for help in this situation! You can also ask your parents to go with you to the next doctor's appointment so that the doctor can explain your situation to them. You can even ask your parents to take you to see a counselor, and let the counselor help you!

After all, you are only 17 years old! If timely and formal intervention is carried out in cases like yours, the prognosis is relatively good.

The great thing is that doctors and psychological counselors can offer different perspectives. They're all very professional workers, so you've got lots of options!

Absolutely! Let a professional help you explain your situation more clearly to your parents, and they'll change faster.

I really hope this helps! Don't forget, the world and we love you!

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Octavia Octavia A total of 321 people have been helped

Hello, I hope I can be of help to you.

Given that you've been diagnosed with major depression, have been forced by your parents to stop taking the medication your doctor has prescribed, have been suffering from insomnia and low mood for nearly a week, and are able to empathize with your feelings, we can try to make adjustments in the following areas:

First, don't make your symptoms worse. There are lots of symptoms of major depression, and they can change a lot. Believing that you can recover is the first step to effective treatment. Taking medication under a doctor's guidance is only part of the treatment. Taking medication reasonably and not over-relying on it is a sign that you are taking responsibility for yourself.

Second, keep the lines of communication open with your parents. They may have their own reasons for asking you to stop taking the medicine, and they may not be based on scientific evidence. It's clear that they want to reduce unnecessary side effects. Understand their intentions and communicate with them in a positive, gentle manner. This can help you resolve the issue more quickly and effectively.

Third, find something else to focus on. Don't dwell on your illness. Try to find something you enjoy, such as sports, writing, painting, or group activities, to help you relax and enrich your daytime life, which can improve your sleep quality.

Believing in yourself and finding your own motivation are key to getting better.

Have a great day!

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Henry Christopher Cook Henry Christopher Cook A total of 3222 people have been helped

Best regards, OP

From your message, I understand that you have experienced adverse reactions after suddenly stopping the medication, which has caused you considerable discomfort.

It is evident that you are aware of your condition and are taking proactive steps to address it. However, you are experiencing significant distress due to your parents' actions, which have led to your current reaction. In addition, the lack of sleep is a significant source of discomfort for you.

Firstly, with regard to the conduct of your parents, it is possible that they did not take your feelings into account. However, it seems likely that their actions were motivated by a desire to act in your best interests.

It is important to note that medication for depression has side effects. While parents may be aware of these side effects to a limited extent, they may not fully comprehend the nuances of the situation. This lack of understanding could contribute to their actions. Additionally, parents may not have a deep understanding of your feelings. They were concerned about the abrupt cessation of medication, so they sought guidance from a trusted medical professional.

It is evident that they have conducted some research. At the very least, they still have the best intentions and are responsible for you. In this regard, we can understand their actions.

Secondly, it is recommended that you attempt to communicate your feelings to your parents. It is acknowledged that this may be a challenging task, however, it is crucial to persist in order to facilitate mutual understanding.

It is essential to practise expressing yourself to them.

Third, with regard to sleep problems and their correlation with depression, it is important to recognize that sleep disorders can also be a significant indicator of underlying emotional distress. Prolonged periods of poor sleep quality can have a detrimental impact on one's emotional well-being, making it crucial to address sleep issues promptly. It is recommended that individuals engage in regular exercise, such as jogging, yoga, or other sports that align with their interests. Additionally, listening to music that evokes a sense of calm can be an effective way to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Additionally, placing apples next to the bed or soaking feet before bedtime, taking a warm bath, or using aromatherapy or essential oils to promote relaxation and sleep are recommended. Meditation exercises on Yi Xinli can also be beneficial for improving sleep quality.

In light of your parents' decision to cease administering medication, I recommend that you pursue counseling as an additional form of treatment. Given your diagnosis of major depression, counseling can assist you in enhancing your current state of mind. Under the guidance of a qualified professional, it can help you alleviate your distress and improve your overall well-being.

I hope the above suggestions prove helpful. You can count on me for support. If you have any further questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to send me a private message. I am always available to help.

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Rachel Anne King Rachel Anne King A total of 9107 people have been helped

I get it.

As you mentioned, you were diagnosed with major depression by a professional psychiatrist, and the doctor has prescribed antidepressant medication. Now, your parents have forced you to stop taking the medication.

First, talk to your parents. Put yourself in their shoes. They love you, so their decision may be wrong, but their intentions may be good. Ask them why they're stopping the medication, who gave them the advice, and whether this person is qualified to give such advice.

Second, if your parents don't trust the doctors at the hospital where you are being treated, you must go to a more specialized hospital for a second opinion. It is also imperative that you go to a well-known hospital for another diagnosis.

For example, you should go to a major hospital in Beijing. That will be more convincing.

You can also find relatives or friends whose parents are willing to listen to advice and talk to your parents about how to respond to such things. Make sure they understand the risks they may face if your illness is not treated on time.

Your parents will make the right choice.

If all else fails, seek help from the Women's Federation and other departments. They can negotiate with your parents. Take medicine for mental illness. Only a professional doctor can assess dosage. It is illegal for anyone else to diagnose.

You will recover quickly!

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Comments

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Ricky Davis Time is a journey of the heart, through love and loss.

I understand how tough this situation is for you. It's really important to have an open conversation with your parents about how you're feeling and the impact their decision has on you. They might not fully grasp the seriousness of your condition.

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Molly Anderson Life is a journey of the heart and soul, cherish it.

It's crucial that you don't hide medicine or take it without your parents' knowledge. This could lead to more conflict and isn't a healthy way to handle the issue. Instead, maybe suggest seeking a second opinion from another healthcare professional who can explain the importance of proper treatment.

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Catherine Stone An honest man's path is strewn with the roses of respect.

This is such a sensitive topic, and I know you're in pain. Have you thought about reaching out to a school counselor or a trusted adult who could help mediate a discussion between you and your parents? They might be able to provide some guidance and support.

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Chantal Jackson The patience of a teacher is a well - spring that quenches the thirst of students' inquisitiveness.

You're going through so much right now, and it's understandable that you feel desperate. But taking medication secretly isn't the answer. What you need is a plan to communicate effectively with your parents and perhaps involve a mental health specialist who can help everyone understand what's best for you.

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Morgan Davis The pursuit of broad knowledge is a noble endeavor for the intellectually curious.

The insomnia and mood swings must be incredibly hard to manage. It's vital that you find a safe space to talk about these feelings. If there's a friend or family member you trust, they might be able to offer comfort and help you approach your parents again about getting the right care.

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