Miriam, I resonate so much with this. I, too, went off my SSRI somewhat recently and holy moly the increased awareness of my emotions threw me for a loop at first. I wasn't used to feeling so many things! But I had the same thoughts that you bring up here -- it's normal to have big and varied emotions because it is hard to be a human in the world. I didn't want to numb it all anymore. I also ended up leaving my job, I think in part because I became so much more aware of how it was impacting my stress levels and mental health. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your thoughts with the world. I have been reading your words for a long time and you are a huge inspiration for me in making choices based on what matters to me, not what is expected.
Dear Phoebe, your comment makes me so happy! I'm honoured that you find my experiences and thoughts helpful--that's why I share them. So many of us go through similar things, but few talk about it openly, which makes us feel more alone than we are.
That's interesting that you left your job after you stopped taking your meds. I've been reflecting a lot on the reasons why I've been taking the SSRIs for such a long time, and I think now it's partly because it's made me put up with things I shouldn't put up with. That's also the reasons why I drank--to numb myself to parts of my life I didn't like.
It's like when depressed housewives in the 50s and 60s took "mother's little helper" to make their reality more bearable. No more! We deserve to be fully awake and present and create lush, wild lives we're excited to live!
We never know the whole story about everything, including ourselves. Digging deep and finding out more about ourselves, with confidence, is such a gift and privilege. What an amazing time in your life, can't wait to see you next week! ❤️
Finding like-minded women like you and creating a female community is the biggest gift of this period in life. Midlife is an awakening, and I'm here for it!
But also: we deserve and need better support for perimenopause. That shit is no walk in the park. So excited to see you on Monday!!
Thanks Marijke! There is so much clarity that comes with The Awakening (aka perimenopause), and now that my hormones are regulated I'm loving every moment of this period in my life. Healing is beautiful ❤️
Miriam, I resonate so much with this. I, too, went off my SSRI somewhat recently and holy moly the increased awareness of my emotions threw me for a loop at first. I wasn't used to feeling so many things! But I had the same thoughts that you bring up here -- it's normal to have big and varied emotions because it is hard to be a human in the world. I didn't want to numb it all anymore. I also ended up leaving my job, I think in part because I became so much more aware of how it was impacting my stress levels and mental health. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your thoughts with the world. I have been reading your words for a long time and you are a huge inspiration for me in making choices based on what matters to me, not what is expected.
Dear Phoebe, your comment makes me so happy! I'm honoured that you find my experiences and thoughts helpful--that's why I share them. So many of us go through similar things, but few talk about it openly, which makes us feel more alone than we are.
That's interesting that you left your job after you stopped taking your meds. I've been reflecting a lot on the reasons why I've been taking the SSRIs for such a long time, and I think now it's partly because it's made me put up with things I shouldn't put up with. That's also the reasons why I drank--to numb myself to parts of my life I didn't like.
It's like when depressed housewives in the 50s and 60s took "mother's little helper" to make their reality more bearable. No more! We deserve to be fully awake and present and create lush, wild lives we're excited to live!
We never know the whole story about everything, including ourselves. Digging deep and finding out more about ourselves, with confidence, is such a gift and privilege. What an amazing time in your life, can't wait to see you next week! ❤️
Finding like-minded women like you and creating a female community is the biggest gift of this period in life. Midlife is an awakening, and I'm here for it!
But also: we deserve and need better support for perimenopause. That shit is no walk in the park. So excited to see you on Monday!!
This brought tears to my eyes Miriam. So much of it resonates. Beautifully written <3
Thanks Marijke! There is so much clarity that comes with The Awakening (aka perimenopause), and now that my hormones are regulated I'm loving every moment of this period in my life. Healing is beautiful ❤️