Not sure what to do !!

Hi @Shaz51, That sounds like a very difficult situation. I gather that hubby really wants to keep working? I am surprised that he would be getting advised to stop work - employment has so many positive benefits for people with MI. However, knowing zero about the situation, I don't think I can really have an opinion. What are your own thoughts on the situation???

thank you @Former-Member, @Phoenix_Rising

we have a very small self employed house cleaning and mowing business

we have cut back soo many times to cut back the stress

we have not seen our psychiatrist. for the past year and half , It was just a Gp that said the med are used for short term

going back to the dr with these concerns asap next monday @Former-Member, and I am writting down all the details of the week

@Shaz51, a psychiatrist opinion overrides the GP, let hubby stay on meds till reviewed by a psychiatrist (might need new referral if > 12months). Its a difficult balance. Does he do any meditations, mindfulness, walking and go to therapy? All these things combined can help more than tablets for some. Hugz xox

@Shaz51 It took me twenty years to find a GP who put any effort into understanding my mental health stuff! I only found this one by accident when my regular GP was booked up last year. For the first time in my life I understand the point of people suggesting I go to my GP when I'm struggling - before finding L this had always seemed nonsensical to me because all my previous GPs have shown zero interest in my MH. I would definitely not hesitate to get a second opinion...and a third...and a fourth...although I well know how utterly exhausting it is to have to tell one's story over and over and OVER again!

Thank you @Phoenix_Rising @Former-Member

Hubby has taken both meds tonight

yes we are actually seeing a new GP on monday ,so have to see how it goes

I know hubby saw a really good specialist in 2015 and since then all the Gp`s just give him a repeat , until now and this is the first blood test since then xx

Sounds very confusing for you both @Shaz51 I thik you need more information which you will hopefuly get at your next appoitnment

hugs

@Shaz51 I'm really sorry you are having this stress at the moment. Crossing fingers for you both that the appointment on Monday offers some options.

Hi @Shaz51. I have to agree with @Former-Member - keep hubby on the meds until he sees his psychiatrist.

You said your hubby had to have blood tests, but you didnt say whether you had received any results yet. But certainly if after such a short time off the meds he is already suffering a severe setback, then any reduction or cancelling of the meds should be done with your psych's approval and monitoring. Yes it may be hard to get him there, but it is very important. He must see that, especially as he wishes to continue to work. That sounds like good incentive to get him there.

Hugs to you Shaz.

Sherry

Hi @Shaz51,

From my knowledge, there are some meds that really aren't advisable to use long term because they are known to be addictive. These include some muscle relaxants and sleep meds. But I suggest it would be better for a psychiatrist to be making these suggestions rather than a GP. In fact I would recommend that hubby sees a psychiatrist regularly, rather than relying on GP for so long without specialist advice. As has already been said, GPs are generally not experts on mental health (though better than no doctor usually). I see my psychiatrist every four weeks. The time when I wasn't seeing a psychiatrist regularly is the time I got in the most trouble with my mental health. So that would be my main advice. See a psychiatrist, regularly, if at all possible.