Life after SSRI's - The reality of Antidepressant Withdrawals & Work

I want to explore a deeply personal topic this week—one that many may be unfamiliar with... withdrawal from antidepressants. In this edition of Beyond the Screen, I'll share my journey of how antidepressants not only transformed my life but also sharing the challenges of navigating their withdrawal process while balancing work, life, and daily activities.

Antidepressants have become increasingly prevalent, recently a study in 2022 highlighted a significant rise in prescriptions in England. Over the past decade, the annual issuance of antidepressant prescriptions has nearly doubled, reaching 85.6 million, approximately two prescriptions for every adult (source: YouGov UK).

Reflecting on my mental health struggles, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression at 16, I underwent multiple rounds of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counselling, with little improvement. Initially hesitant about antidepressants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), I eventually embraced them after two years of persistent struggles. A decade later, still on Citalopram, I reached a pivotal moment and decided it was time to wean off.

As John Humphrys describes (YouGov UK), discontinuing these mood stabilizers can be immensely challenging. While not addictive like substances such as cocaine or heroin, SSRIs present withdrawal symptoms that can be unexpectedly severe. My GP advised a gradual tapering, but the process felt isolating, lacking follow-ups or check-ins. The withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, severe mood swings, dizziness, and confusion, manifested rapidly.

Navigating these challenges while working full-time demanded resilience. Despite not taking a single day off due to symptoms, managing the withdrawal process has been a journey marked by progress. In this article, I'll share insights into the strategies I employed to cope with the symptoms, offering valuable advice for those juggling demanding jobs while managing the complexities of antidepressant withdrawal.

Consult with your GP first

Before embarking on the journey of discontinuing medication, particularly SSRIs, it is crucial to discuss it with your GP. Although my experience lacked substantial guidance, informing my GP proved beneficial. Scheduling an appointment related to my mental health ensured that they had access to relevant notes and history, potentially aiding any future contact. Your GP's guidance on the appropriate tapering rate is essential to avoid rapid withdrawal, which could lead to severe and debilitating symptoms. I noticed severe problems after speaking with my GP, I had gone down too quickly. I have now been down to 20mg per week for the past 2 weeks, and setting a goal of being completely off medication by April is my realistic goal. Even if your GP sets out a schedule, you can go slower if needed! There are also medications that you can take short-term to alleviate some symptoms. For me, my doctor prescribed anti-nausea medication which has been a lifesaver!

Inform those around you

I have always been open about my mental health - and in today's society, where there is more effort being made to make mental health a priority, it is easier to be open and unashamed. From my perspective, I knew that I had support from my family, friends, and work colleagues. As soon as I made the decision, I sat down with my manager and contacted HR to let them know. This meant that if there was an issue at work or if I did need to take time off, this wouldn't be news to the people I work closely with. I have found that full transparency has helped others understand my limits, because at the end of the day - the people working with you daily will not be able to understand what you are going through unless you tell them!

Keep a journal of thoughts and feelings

At the end of every week, I sit and write what went well - celebrating the small & big successes mean that I feel more engaged with work and it gives me more of a productive attitude. Last week, I struggled - I had the usual recruitment frustrations and didn't take it as well as I usually would. My manager made time to walk with me outside and we hashed out how I was feeling vs my current challenges of building a successful desk. After that week I was determined to make myself proud - and even if it was that extra call I made or a successful meeting - I made sure to write it down and celebrate the small wins. For example: I would write "1x 20mg - Felt panicky episodes, felt low on Monday & Tuesday but by Friday I spoke to a new candidate who is fantastic and just right for the role I am working on!"

Prioritise self-care

While remaining productive at work during the antidepressant withdrawal process is possible, it's vital to listen to your body and mind. I have been less active on my phone, reading more and taking time to focus on myself and setting personal goals for my own mindset and wellbeing. It can be very overwhelming and life doesn't stop - so make sure that you are ready for any eventuality while you are going through the process. Life's hardships do not stop, and if you are unprepared and feel like a difficult time would send you into a spin, think about potentially attending therapy in the meantime or whether now would be a good time to withdraw.

Other factors to consider when coming off medication:

• Exercise & Activities Incorporating exercise and healthy activities will not only help your physical health but will improve your mental wellbeing. Depression can weaken your motivation, but being able to get out can do wonders for your mental health. If you aren't a regular exercise buff, start small with some 20-minute walks or join a beginners club to begin with! I started walking to work every morning, which gives me a moment to listen to music and get mentally ready for the day.
• It may not be for youThere is no shame in taking antidepressants, and if you feel after some time that you are beginning to relapse, discuss your next steps with your doctor - it may be that you need to go back on them to manage your mental health. I have never said I will be stopping completely, but by ensuring that I continue to monitor my symptoms, I will be able to make an informed decision about what is best for me.
• Your workplace is there to support you If you feel that your current place of work would not support you on this journey, take your concerns to HR who should listen. If it is the case that you still do not feel listened to, it may be worth looking at a role that gives you more support in the long run - and feel free to drop me a message to discuss.

If you need any support with withdrawal from SSRI's always speak to a professional who can advise you on the correct steps to take. However, whoever you are and whatever you are doing on your journey, you will get there! Thank you for reading.