Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. ~Francesca Reigler

I have decided that I need to return to the basics. You know, that basic homework my counselor had me use to create a more positive thought process in my head. It is a fairly simple bit of homework, all I have to do is look for at least three positive things out of every situation. Okay, well maybe it sounds simpler then it really is.

I thought I had gotten extremely skilled at doing this. I suppose in comparison to how I used to think – glass is always half empty, life sucks and the world is out to get me – I was getting fairly adept at it. However, this whole withdrawal process has shown me, that I am still a long way from being as skilled at positive thinking as I want to be.

“Would I like some cheese with my Whine?”

Instead of focusing on the positive parts of withdrawing from Effexor, I have spent a lot of time thinking about how rotten I have been feeling. The headaches, the muscle aches, the constant need to sleep, and even the nausea have been what I have been concentrating on. Thinking so much about how my body feels has done me no good. In fact, I have allowed it to create a negative mental attitude in me. I do not know about the rest of you, but when I have a negative attitude it also affects how I feel physically.

It is time to practice what I preach!

I talk often about being positive.  I tell other people that thinking positive will help them/us get through the trials that depression and other mental health issues throw at us.  I say that I practice positive thinking everyday.  Yet, when I am faced with my biggest personal trial since I began depression treatment I revert, to some extent, to old patterns of behavior.

I believe that I had become complacent. Taking it for granted that I would always pick a positive attitude and/or thought process.  At the same time, I had not really paid attention to the fact that it has been months since I have had to face any real difficulties in my life and depression treatment. This withdrawal process has turned into a much needed reminder that when it comes to my mental health, I can not take anything for granted.

Beginning again

1.  Withdrawing from the Effexor is allowing me to sleep more than I have in years and years.

2.  The constant feeling of wanting/needing to cry is a great reminder that I still need to be on an anti-depressant.

3.  At least during the time that I am not having to take any anti-depressant my sex life will be better than it has been in about four years (3 years of untreated depression and about 1 year of being on Effexor)