Mental and physical health on decline

I am going through a very difficult time right now.

A month ago I decided to come off my antidepressants after eleven years - I was feeling terrible experiencing the side effects but none of the benefits. I suspect it was autistic burnout rather than depression, though I honestly would be hard-pressed to tell the difference. A couple of weeks after I reduced my dose, I found I had serious pain in my leg, to the point it was agony just to walk. A week and two hospital trips later, I was diagnosed as having blood clots in the superficial vein in my leg, and prescribed blood thinners.

Ever since, my anxiety has been through the roof. Every slight ache, every itch, has me on edge. I have always had problems with being extra-sensitive to what's going on in my body, and right now I feel so fragile, like the slightest knock could make me break completely. The uncertainty surrounding whether this treatment is working is not helping matters at all, making me feel extremely vulnerable.

All I want to do is hide and cry.

I don't know what to do. I have no access to therapy in this area, and I don't think there's anything more the doctors can do for me.

I feel like the victim of some kind of unholy convergence, where everything is going wrong at once, and I can't see a way out.

Sorry that my first post here is basically a whinge, but I feel like I need to talk to others who may understand where I'm coming from, because it certainly doesn't feel like the medical industry does.

  • Hey,

    Sounds like a difficult time for sure. I am the same as you! I become hyper focused and tuned in to every symptom/ feeling my body experiences and it can feel overwhelming and anxiety provoking!

    Just to agree with the advice already given really, let yourself have some down time to process how you are feeling and whats happened ( we all need time to process stuff emotionally and re-build ourselves and lives when we can).

    Get re-assurance from a Dr re your meds and a reminder they are doing what theyre suppose to.

    Have you tried online therapy/ phonecall/skype? Theres a website called: www.counselling-directory.org.uk

    Its to find qualified and registered therapist in or around your local area and most of them do over the phone sessons!

    And last but not least self care! As mentioned by people already, now sounds like a good time to take care of your body and mind. Meditate, routine where possible, make your fave hot drink, dress well, smell good, walks if possible, listen to fave music, paint, make food etc etc what makes you feel good?

    You can and will feel better!

  • Yes, just to clarify, I did talk about coming off antidepressants with my GP and there was a weening-off period. However, that period was shortened because I had to start blood thinners.

    I really appreciate the replies. It is at least reassuring that I'm not alone in this, that it's not just my brain that's wired in this specifically awful way.

  • Welcome,

    When you decided to come off your antidepressants, did you have a discussion with your GP about it first? I guess what I'm trying to ask is if there was a gradual tapering off process involved?

    As stated in the Online Community Rules, we are not allowed to give medical advice. Although your post makes it clear that you are not seeking medical advice, I thought I would mention this for the benefit of other new members who may read your post and not be familiar with those rules.

    I feel sure that there are many members here who will be able to relate to how you are currently feeling. I can see that you have already received a couples of responses from Lotus and Lionhare 12Slight smile

  • Hi 

    I really feel for you, what you’re going through sounds so frightening and overwhelming. You’ve had so much happen in such a short time, and anyone would be struggling to cope with that.

    You’re not whingeing at all, you’re being really honest about how hard it feels, and that takes courage.


    I can relate to that constant awareness of every little change in your body. I’m waiting on medical results myself right now, and the uncertainty can make it hard to rest or think about anything else. It’s like your mind just won’t give you any peace. I try just take it hour by hour and keep some sort of routine.

    There are people who understand you don’t have to carry it all alone.

    Keep reaching out.

    Sending you a warm hug ༼⁠ ⁠つ⁠ ⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠ ⁠༽⁠つ

  • Hi and welcome to the community. I'm sorry to hear how you are feeling.

    There is an article on this website about autistic burnout, which may provide some useful information:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/autistic-fatigue/autistic-adults

    As you were on antidepressants for so many years, maybe you are still getting withdrawal symptoms - I suggest you speak to your GP and ask if this might be the case, and also ask about how you can know that your new blood thinning medication is working - hopefully they will be able to provide some reassurance.

    Other than that, just take care of yourself - make sure you eat and drink enough, keep in a routine of washing and dressing every day, go out and get some fresh air if you can, and try to focus on things that interest you. I find reading or.playing a game helps me.

    Wishing you well.