Six and half years. That is how long I have been taking anti-depressants to help with me cope with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety. I have had my first “weaning off” consultation with my psychiatrist, which will see me starting the process of slowly coming off of them.
There is no set time frame or rule book which can determine a definite cure for mental health illnesses. Treatment varies depending on the degree of the illness and one’s ongoing personal circumstances. Beginning to slowly come off them isn’t a cause for celebration as it doesn’t mean that all my troubles have simply vanished. Rather, I am currently at a point where my body’s natural regulation and nervous system are in a better position to help me regulate my mood. Coming off of anti-depressants also doesn’t mean I will never see them again either. It just simply means given the current circumstances in my life they are unnecessary. These circumstances can also change at any time.