Meds again?

[Silvan]

I used to take antidepressants from July 2019 to February 2021. First two types had significant side effects and I settled with the third one prescribed by my doc, which I took from summer 2020 to February this year.
I gradually went off the meds because I was feeling better. Things were okay-ish until around June, when I started having mood swings and depressive episodes. I feel like it's all going downhill once more. I've been thinking whether I should start taking meds again.

The thing is, I really don't like taking any kind of pills. I only take painkillers when it's absolutely necessary and that's about it. I just don't like the idea of some chemicals going through my stomach and then dispersing into my body. Another thing is that I'm afraid of the side effects, also of the processes of starting to take meds and going off them.
And the last reason why I'm hesitating is that psychiatric consultations are very expensive in my country. Some medications are refunded, but some are not. If I'm prescribed the ones I have to fully pay for it would be a considerable strain on my budget. Psychotherapy once a week is already kind of expensive. I'm not sure what to do.

[Ennui.]

Hey there,

It definitely can be a big decision whether or not to go on meds.

I want to start out by saying that the issue with stopping medication because you feel better is because a lot of the time you are feeling better is because of the meds. Medication helps to stabilize you but when you go off of it you’re at risk of backsliding like you unfortunately are now.

If you do decide to go on meds maybe you can start on a lower dose? I would make the person you are aware of your concerns about not liking to take pills and not liking chemicals. I’d also talk about side effects. Everyone is different for sure but maybe they’d be able to tell you how to deal with typical ones and what to look out for.

The expense is definitely an issue though! Mental health access isn’t always the best. Are there any programs in your country that help people afford their meds?

[hendertik]

Have you tried various dietary supplements to restore and maintain mental health? usually have a cumulative effect. I don’t know what’s wrong with you, your diagnosis ... but the edit