by New light for you 21 Replies latest jw friends
Hi,
Im' really thinkin' i might need to get.... something! some kind of drugs to go thru this... ativan, xanax.... something... or i'm gonna make myself sick dealing with saying good-bye to all my life-long friends and family by saturday...
Any suggestions on good drugs? Didd you have to go to your general DR. to get them... or psych?
I would not automatically think pills are the answer. I would see a qualified psychiatrist and try talking it out and being evaluated for a true medical illness.
Ditto on what Blondie said. If you didn't need meds a jw, with all of the pressure that it entails, you very well may not need them after you're out. Just in case, though, why don't you have a counselor's phone number on hand?
I made it through with no pills, alcohol or psychiatrist, although I'm not saying this would work for everyone. Talking to someone about it would probably be the best option of the three (not necessarily a psychiatrist).
I faded out, so it took some time, and I had time to go through several phases of doubt, coming up with new belief systems, discarding those, researching many things, coming to terms with my mortality (that was the worst for me) and finally accept my "fate". There were some tough 'episodes' in there, but I got over it relatively fast, actually. Since I faded out, my family gradually got used to the idea, and I didn't have to suddenly "out myself" as an apostate in one night. When it finally happened recently that I had to tell them in so many words, it went relatively smoothly.
I'm pretty much a whole other person than I was two, three years ago. So it can be done. Not that I'm 'done' with it completely yet, but... I don't know... 99%?
Good luck whichever way you end up handling it.
NEW LIGHT- I agree with Blondie and others who say to get a good therapist you can talk to if you feel this is overwhelming you friend. Then the therapist will know if and what kind of meds, if any, would be required to help you. Just remember, some of your new friends on the board here are only a phone call away if you need to talk as well. Hang in there sis ! Take care, Peace out, Mr. Flipper
I self medicated with alcohol and pills my doctor was happy to provide. It was a very bad idea.
My suggestion is to get involved with things that interest you, that will increase your zest for life. Hobbies, new friends, and courses are great. Pets are great. Seek out a good therapist to talk to, preferably someone that has experience with JW and other cult exit counseling.
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thanks... ya... i might be crazy... i REALLY am probably pushing this too fast, but i feel like the elders are gonna push and i dont know another option....
LOVE The bird though... that would help!
I personally am not a pill person but believe that a short term of prescribed mood lifters, and therapy to improve/assist coping skills can be beneficial for anyone undergoing potentially stressful transitions. .....kinda like an epidural during labor and delivery.
I start seeing a mental health therapist next week just to help me keep perspective of my goals and achieving them in a healthy manner....
After all the WTS is a freaking CULT......I was raised in a freaking CULT.......My life was centered around the CULT
.....that and I am finding myself mentally slacking off with all this new found freedom......so it was a therapist or a drill sargent...
The therapist was free through state mental health.
My suggestion: Create a new social network of non-JW friends... you need to start your social life from scratch. Have fun doing it! You have more time on your hands now that you don't waste time going to meetings, so like others said.. get hobbies, get new interests, start saving the world (by doing something else besides preaching about Armagonnagetyou).
Much better than meds. I think you'll need meds had you stayed as a JW...
No idea if this will work for you, but I started experimenting with vitamins just for health reasons. I wound up buying St. Johns Wort as part of the mix and it has relieved anxiety and tension that I didn't even think was abnormal. Good stuff. Presumably something herbal might be a safer first step. I don't like the idea of meds, I know people who seemed to change "too much" from them. Chance of dependance would make me consider them a last resort. I smoke and addiction to anything further is a bit of a phobia, you don't understand it until it happens to you.
