Like many other young teenagers, I was depressed and anxious. Looking back, I’m thankful that I was even able to wake up in the morning. The people around me were concerned and they had the right to be. If I wasn’t in class, I was sleeping. And if it wasn’t either of those, I was wanting to die. I felt alone and as if I had no advocate. It was the lowest point in my life.
If I wasn't sad, I was panicking. Panic attacks were an everyday thing for me. I was different than most anxious people in that I wouldn't show my anxiety. I was scared of what people thought of me. I was scared I would get yelled at for thinking too irrationally. And having to worry about my family knowing? That's another story. I felt as if I couldn't share my thoughts to anyone else because everyone else already had stuff going on in their life, and I didn't want to add to their stress. I thought my depression and anxiety were pretty normal. From what I had seen on TV, a lot of teens had these problems and they lived every day like that without help, so I thought I could do the same.
At a routine doctor appointment, I had mentioned to my physician that I was having panic attacks. Apparently that's not normal. I was immediately referred to a therapist to get a proper diagnosis. This is where I was formerly diagnosed with depression and anxiety. And yeah, a lot of teens do have it, but a lot of them also get help. So that's what I did: I found help.
Prozac is in the category of a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressant. It works with the chemicals in the brain to help balance depression and anxiety issues. It can also help with OCD and panic disorders.
When my doctor prescribed me 10 milligrams of Prozac, I felt like I could get up in the morning without crying. When I was given 20 milligrams, I could actually finish most of my homework. I started taking 40 milligrams, and I could hold a conversation with people without freaking out at them. Seventy-five milligrams got me to the point where I felt like myself again. I could wake up in the morning with a smile. I could relax. I could go to school without screaming in my car before the bell rang. Prozac brought me back to life. With the help of multiple other strategies, I was back to normal.
I was lucky compared to others that are depressed. I found my cure on the first try. I know many people who try an SSRI and then gradually increase their dosage but end up having to try another one. It’s a cycle that many depressed people go through. I’m so thankful that Prozac helped me my first time around.
