Last Updated on November 28, 2020 by
It helped that there was the constant presence of caring staff. It also made me feel less alone because fellow residents were going through similar issues.
Before coming to Alternative to Meds Center I had been on medications for over 10 years for depression and anxiety. At the time of my arrival I was taking Abilify, Clonazepam and Lamictal. Even though I was on all these medications my symptoms persisted, so I thought, “would life be any different if I were off these meds?”
When I discovered Alternative to Meds Center I was looking for a change in my life. I was sick of being sad, anxious, worried, unhealthy, the list goes on and on. I was scared because previous attempts at going off my meds had not had pleasant results. I had experienced suicidal thoughts, seizures and other serious withdrawal effects. All of which lead me to remaining on the medications.
Arrival at Alternative to Meds Center was a bit of a jolt. Everything was different! The food, the activity level, the supplements, detoxing, they were all new and took some getting used to.
Before long I had settled into the routine and began to focus on not just my physical symptoms but also my emotional barriers to wellness. It helped that there was the constant presence of caring staff. It also made me feel less alone because fellow residents were going through similar issues.
Med tapers, and trying to figure out our lives, created a sense of community. There was also plenty of laughter in our shared experience which helped breathe light into sometimes difficult days. In the end I came off my two most difficult meds and started examining my true self.
I also gained skills to help me be successful in life without meds. If I could offer any words of encouragement they would be that wellness is possible. I have seen it in myself and those around me. Just be open to new ideas, and a new life may be waiting for you.
~ Sarah
