Breaking Free from SSRIs: A Personal Reflection
The decision to come off SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) is rarely easy. For many, these medications provide crucial support during difficult periods. Stepping away from them, however, can be daunting, especially when withdrawal symptoms hit unexpectedly. If you’re considering this journey or are already in the thick of it, I hope my story offers some insight and reassurance.
The Decision to Stop
SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, stabilising mood and easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. For many, they’re life-changing, but they’re rarely intended as a permanent solution. Over time, circumstances may shift, and the reasons for starting SSRIs might no longer apply. Some common motivations for stopping include:
Life transitions: Improved situations might inspire a desire to move forward medication-free.
Regaining control: The wish to manage emotions independently.
Unpleasant side effects: Weight gain, low libido or disrupted sleep often prompt reconsideration.
Medical guidance: A doctor might suggest tapering off.
For me, SSRIs became part of my life during a storm of challenges – redundancy, relocation (from London to Edinburgh) and job hunting. They offered a lifeline when I needed it most. Yet as life settled down, I realised it was time to see if I could manage without them.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Even with a gradual taper, SSRI withdrawal can catch you off guard. Here are some common symptoms:
Brain zaps: Those unsettling, shock-like sensations in the brain.
Mood instability: Anxiety, irritability, or emotional swings can appear, even if circumstances have improved.
Physical symptoms: Nausea and dizziness are common.
Unexpected weight gain: Surprising but not uncommon during withdrawal, often tied to serotonin-related appetite changes.
Challenges & Lessons from My Experience
Coming off SSRIs this past summer was a challenging health decision. I knew to expect some symptoms, but I didn’t anticipate the intense carb cravings – croissants, pastries and other serotonin-boosting foods suddenly became hard to resist. For someone committed to a primal lifestyle, this was an unusual and unexpected shift.
The indulgence didn’t last forever, but it left its mark: tighter clothes and weight gain I hadn’t noticed creeping on. While I’ve since returned to my primal habits, I wish I’d been quicker to recalibrate. Nevertheless, as is the case with any medication withdrawal, the goal is survival, not perfection.
Exercise and reflection were my biggest tools. Working out and walking both lifted my mood, even if only temporarily, and gave me the mental space to process the changes. It wasn’t a flawless journey, but it taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of self-compassion.
Reflections and Moving Forward
Now, having been free from SSRIs for several months, I feel lighter – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. This Christmas is particularly meaningful as it marks the first in years where I’ve faced the season without the support of SSRIs. As a result I’ve been tested in ways I didn’t expect. The dark days of winter in Scotland have been especially challenging, and my latent anxiety made social events particularly tough, especially as a non-drinker. But I survived. And as the days grow longer, I am reminded: darkness doesn’t last forever.
Support is Here
If you are contemplating life without SSRIs or finding withdrawal harder than expected, you don’t have to face it alone. While I’m not a medical professional, I can help you through the lifestyle challenges – managing cravings, finding joy in movement, rediscovering balance. To find out more about how I can support you, you can contact me via email at james@mccoyhealthcoaching.com or through the "Get in touch" button on my website.
I sincerely hope this brings some clarity and comfort to anyone navigating SSRI withdrawal. Remember, it is a process, one you don’t have to go through alone.
