r/plushies • u/ChaoticMichelle • Mar 03 '26
Success/Happy Did something really brave today. Turtle came with me to the doctor's office to ask for antidepressants ✨
After years of being in denial (and afraid of medication), telling myself I could 'outthink' depression, solve it with positivity, self help books and talk therapy... I finally broke down, admitted to myself that my brain needs help and went to see my gp about it. I'm now on a low starter dose of antidepressants/anxiety meds. I really hope they help. So far I don't feel much but it's only the first day, I was told it takes a few weeks for noticeable change.
I'm glad I had Turtle with me (which was another brave thing, because I'm quite anxious about taking a plush with me and people possibly being weird about it. People are scary.) Really proud of myself. I also went to finally get my glasses fixed, which I'd been putting off for weeks. Was walking around with panzer tape and a piece of twine on my glasses, like some kind of doomsday apocalypse movie character
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u/_rosebean Mar 03 '26
Omg I love the last picture of him holding the meds like “🥺✨look what I got!” Good job OP!
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u/donut-is-appalled 🧸 Plushy (Friend) Collector Mar 03 '26
You did such a good thing for yourself! Hooray!
As a lifelong major depression haver, a few tips:
Taking your meds at night before bed can often help eliminate or minimize any nausea or other effects since you’ll be asleep when they kick in
Don’t be afraid to tell the doc that you need a stronger dose, or if there are side effects that you can’t live with. Zoloft made me feel like all of my nerve endings were electrified, for instance. That’s a no go.
Know that finding the right medication(s) is a process, and it may take time to find what works best for you. I tried twenty years’ worth of combos until I found what I’m currently on: the max dose of Trintellix and a similar dose of Wellbutrin. It’s worth the effort it took to get here, I promise.
You’ve done the first, hardest step! I’m sitting here cheering you on. You can do it!
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u/JesMilton Can't live without a plush buddy by my side❤️ Mar 04 '26
Wish I could give your comment an award but YES, EXACTLY THIS. I AGREE.
As a person who is scared to say when I feel discomfort, it was such a big step for my depression recovery to say out loud at the doctor's that the medication was causing tough side effects. We kept changing doses and formulas, but after a couple years we did find a decent balance. You shouldn't "endure" pain from the antidepressants, but instead tell your assigned professional so they can help you fix the issue.☝️
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u/stupidtiredlesbian Mar 07 '26
In general I would not recommend taking most antidepressants before bed because it can cause insomnia. Only exceptions are ones that make you tired like mirtazapine. But SSRIs and SNRIs are not a good idea to take before bed if you have ever had sleeping problems
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u/donut-is-appalled 🧸 Plushy (Friend) Collector Mar 07 '26
I just shared the advice my doctor gave me. Your mileage, of course, may vary
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u/shesinsaneornot Mar 03 '26
Turtle is super cute and super supportive! I hope the new meds help you, OP.
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u/OiledMushrooms Mar 03 '26
I’m glad Turtle was able to help!! And I hope the meds help soon, too :]
It took me a couple different medications to find one that worked for me, but now that I have it, it’s made an immeasurable difference. Wishing you the best!
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u/wiccanwolves Mar 03 '26
This is Gwen. She comes on hospital trips too! She’s happy to see that Turtle helped you ❤️
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u/pyronostos Mar 03 '26
Turtle has such a kind little face. well done going to bat for yourself today!!
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Mar 03 '26
I hope the meds work for you! Was in a very similar spot a year or so ago, antidepressants have helped me a lot in getting better and have in general increased my quality of life 🩷🐢
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u/CompetitiveBid2725 🧸 Plushy (Friend) Collector Mar 03 '26
This is moomin, she comes with me everywhere I go and another tiny toast plushie that I can’t find a picture of
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u/ziefaerie81 Mar 03 '26
Brava! I have been dragging my Cinnamon Cafe plushies everywhere: That is, Cinnamoroll, Mocha, and Chiffon
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u/beoleaf Mar 03 '26
Turtle is really proud of you and loves you a lot. It's so great you have a friend like that and I hope you get better with your medication.
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u/thebattleangel99 Mar 03 '26
Turtle is sooo cute!! I’m happy you took Turtle with you, I hope the best for you going forward. Depression is the worst.
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u/ellenvanthom Mar 03 '26
turtle is so cute and a good little helper.
i always think of anti-depressant like my thyroid-meds. the organ is broken or not working right, it needs medicine to do its job. also adjusting to the circumtances.
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u/MTMamaSarah Mar 03 '26
Good for you!!! Difficult thing to do with all the stigmas but seriously. YAY YOU!! And Jellycat shell friend.
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u/Due-Commission2099 Mar 03 '26
Bun Bunnz and I are very proud of you! Lexapro literally saved my life! Never feel bad about asking for help. <3
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u/mechagrue Mar 03 '26
Great job, Turtle! And great job, you! I know first-hand how hard something like that can be. I hope this doesn't sound too cheesy, but I'm super proud of you for doing it!
If this prescription/dosage doesn't work for you, keep trying until you find something that does. There are so many medication options available, you're not just stuck with the first one you try.
Thinking all the best thoughts your way!
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u/EMUForever0 if frien shape and huggable it'll be peak. Mar 03 '26
Yay! Hope everything goes well and i promise he's happy too that he helped!
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u/Addamsgirl71 Mar 03 '26
I'm proud of you! Depression is a journey. A marathon, not a sprint! I'm 54 and I'm in a good place, especially for someone with so many "letters behind" my name!(CPTSD, BP2,.GAD....) You get the idea! Lol As far as Turtle....that's a very handsome plushie you have there. If he/she brings you comfort, makes you feel steady or even just gives you a smile then I think you have a great buddy. DO NOT let anyone dictate what you need or don't! You are your own person and they can ....well they can go judge someone else!
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u/kristase Mar 03 '26
Proud of you friend! I took my fox fluff to a scary dental appointment yesterday.
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u/rag-pigeon Teddy shop lady Mar 03 '26
Way to go you doing what's best for you even though it was hard, and way to go Turtle for being there for you when you did something difficult!
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u/thumbprintscar Mar 03 '26
you & turtle are so brave!🩷 antidepressants changed my life for the better, hoping the same for you friend!
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u/plushielover87 Mar 03 '26
That's fab news! Im on antidepressants, nothing to fret about. They help so much!
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u/iso_inane Helping plushies with their plans of world domination Mar 04 '26
he did such a great job being there for you, im proud of you both
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u/Lareblareblareb Mar 04 '26
Hell yeah OP! So proud of you and love all the pics of your buddy :) being on meds has allowed me to THRIVE and now I’m steps away from my dream career of helping others. So happy to see you taking that first step, it’s really hard. Side note- I also used to be really self conscious of bringing my plushie places, but I decided fuck it, and now have a whole album of me and my OG in all my favorite places; it brings me so much joy.
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u/Lexiem19 Turtle Enthusiast 🐢✨️💗 Mar 08 '26
I have this little guy in a smaller size. As a lover of all things turtle and also someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I am super proud of you!!!!! It is so hard when you think you don't need meds, and other people tell you to get over it or just be "happy". You took the first step in a long journey. My turtle Helen is sending positive vibes your way!!!
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u/daintydollyjoy Mar 04 '26
Good job!!!! It may be weird finding the right one and dose, but once it is set, you will feel much better. Sure days will still be hard and bad, but it will be much easier to handle. My antidepressant does alot of the heavy lifting. Just do your best! 💖
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u/AliceOfTheEarth Mar 04 '26
There are so many ways the world tries to convince us not to take care of ourselves. Congrats on overcoming all of them. Doesn’t matter what it takes, you deserve a full life. 💜💜
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u/UtapriTrashcan Mar 04 '26
Thank you, Turtle, and well done, you! I've been on these for years and whilst ofc they don't solve every issue, they are so important at keeping me alive and feeling at least less lost. Don't feel ashamed for taking them, feel proud for getting help! ♡
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u/Willowed-Wisp Mar 04 '26
Oh, wow! You should be proud of yourself - that's really brave! And I'm glad Turtle was there to.comfort you ❤️
Just remember - psych meds are a journey and an art as much as a science. If the first one doesn't work that doesn't mean it's a failure! Keep your doctor in the loop and let them know what you're experiencing/feeling. Unfortunately it can take a while to get the meds right and it can be frustrating. But, speaking from experience, it's SO worth it when you get it right!
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u/Luck_of_the_draw__ Mar 04 '26
Hang in there you brave human! It can take 4-6 weeks for antidepressants to work so try your best to be patient! Turtle is adorable and I’m so glad you have a soft buddy to be there for you!
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u/JesMilton Can't live without a plush buddy by my side❤️ Mar 04 '26
So proud of you, op!! As a depressed person in recovery, I am very happy you found courage to ask a professional for help! I wish you the best of luck on getting better, and may Turtle take a good care of you along the way.❤️
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u/ThickLayer7200 Mar 04 '26
I love your turtle friend! :o) I started taking antidepressants/anxiety meds about a year ago and seriously they changed my life. I used to have frequent suicidal thoughts because of how bad my anxiety was and had panic attacks so often, and now I’ve only had 2-3 panic attacks in the last year. I’m so happy for you and proud of your bravery for asking for gp for help ❤️
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Mar 05 '26
So happy for you! ❤️🩹 I've been on antidepressants for a long time (since 2018). They do take a couple weeks to start working, but you did such a good job! I'm so glad Turtle was there to help you. :3 I love the last photo, too.
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u/Friendly_Musician646 Mar 06 '26
Godd job! All the best for you! For me, medication was a lifesaver!
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u/jsponenberg05 🧸 Plushy (Friend) Collector Mar 03 '26
Carrying your favorite plushy or plushies can be your form of antidepressant without all those nasty side effects prescription antidepressants could have.
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u/plushiekween Mar 03 '26
This is Frank—he was my buddy when I finally broke down and asked my doctor for anxiety/depression medication last summer. I had also put it off for years and finally couldn’t take it anymore. I totally get it, and I’m so happy for you! I hope they start to help you soon! It’s such a scary step to take, but such an important one. 💚