Update on my daughter, Sheila

Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers.  We spent hours on Tuesday with Sheila in therapy and with the psychiatrist.  We did get some answers and some positive, realistic actions to take.  First of all, Sheila was started on Cymbalta a few months ago and was doing really well.  For whatever reason  the doctor increased the dosage.  She increased it again.  Sheila went back to work, then fell apart, having anxiety/panic attacks.  Sheila decided on her own to increase the Cymbalta yet again.    Yesterday, we found out that increasing that particular medication can tip the scales for people with anxiety/panic disorder, causing MORE panic along with more suicidal thoughts.  Good grief.  She can't just come off of it because of withdrawal problems, but they decreased it, added Zoloft at a low dose (which has worked for other family members with depression) and also added Xanax, as needed.  The doctor said she should increase the Zoloft after 2 weeks and I said forget it.  Let's see how she is doing first, and if she is feeling better, I refuse to change up the meds. 

Wonderful, positive, action suggestions:

1.  Sheila will attend therapy twice a wee****il she is more stable.  Bill and I are splitting that duty.  (Thank God for Bill.  For the first time in my life, I do not feel like a single parent.)

2.  We will keep all sharp objects (knives, scissors, razors, box cutters, etc.) in our room.  We're supposed to lock them up, but I have issues with this instruction as it is.  I know someone who wants to cut will find something to cut with, no matter what I hide, but, on the other hand, she doesn't need to have it in her face either.  (kinda like me knowing there is beer in the fridge in the basement, but it's not calling my name.)

3.  Weekly nature walks with Mom.  (this is good for both of us)

4.  Buy birdhouses or boxes for Sheila to paint.  (art therapy?)

I love having a simple plan.

I'm so happy to hear you have a plan for Sheila now, and hopefully she is on the proper meds she needs to help her through this, and you as well. Still sending many well wishes and prayers your way. Hugs - Kathy

I hope and pray your daughter does better.  I am a cutter, and I ended up in Lower Bucks Hospital's psych ward in January after a Vicodin/Alcohol/Cutting episode.  That was my last drink, but not my last cutting episode.  Keeping the sharp objects out of her reach till she is stable is an excellent idea.  But, you are right, when I am ready to act out, I can always go to WalMart and stock up on sharp things. 

Hope you are well, and are able to trust the Lord for your daughter's well being.  Ultimately, our children are His, and He is the Great Physician. 

Hugs,
Trish

Jill,
Glad to see that you have a plan in place.  I am continuing to send Good Thoughts and Prayers to you, your daughter and your family.  This is definitely the place to come for the support you need.
Hugs, Ena

Jill,

Glad to read that your daughter has gotten her meds adjusted and hoping that all the plans to aid her along go well. 

Take care, Laureen

love to both of you!!!

Glad to hear that you got some answers and are on the road to finding the right balance of meds.

Hugs to both of you

Jill,

I am so glad that you not only got some answers but also some solutions to help! You are a great mom and Sheila is lucky to have you. Continued love and support for both of you!!

((HUGS))
Beth