From Jodi: MG is indeed, challenging. I struggle with major depression and anxiety. Many of you, I'm sure, struggle with the signs and symptoms of psychological and mental illnesses.
I stopped taking my mental health medications just before MG because they started making me sleepy. However, MG has made several of my triggers and reactions worse.
Because each person with MG responds to meds differently, I have been reluctant to try any. It's terrifying to think that taking medication could bring on an MG crisis. However, as you may have already discovered, medication can significantly improve mood in general, productivity, and the ability to avoid negative thoughts.
From Robert: I've had generalized MG for more than 8 years, and during that period, I've taken an antidepressant without incident. I've started taking medication for anxiety now that I've been having some problems with it lately. Additionally, since I have MG, getting a decent night's sleep has always been important to me.
For the anxiety medicine, my PCP advised I see a psychiatrist, which has thus far been a novel but positive experience. I hope you find the comfort you require!
From George: In relation to this matter, I have two different points of view. First off, I was given a Generalized MG diagnosis in May 2020, and I had been taking Zoloft for years to treat my anxiety. On top of MG, I also get anxiousness.
Second, in Tennessee, I hold a license as a marriage and family therapist.
I meet children and their families on a regular basis while working for our neighborhood community mental health organization.
Some people use medicine to treat their mental health issues, while others do so without it. I've seen both strategies succeed.
Medication has reduced my anxiety and improved how I deal with daily stress in my personal life. Don't get me wrong, I still experience a fair amount of stress, but Zoloft has helped to tame those feelings and make them more bearable.
I can then utilize behavioral intervention to further reduce my anxiety because I'm in a better position to do so. In my 30 years in the sector, I have worked with patients who have benefited from both approaches (medical and non-medical). Since I don't have to deal with the consequences, I could never advise someone to take or not take medication. But one thing that worries me about my clients is that they occasionally feel ashamed about needing to take anxiety and/or depression medications, even though they shouldn't.
Some people believe that if they need to take medicine for depression or anxiety, they have failed. However, sadness or concern frequently have a biological component because of chemical imbalances in the brain.
There is a physical component to it, and medications occasionally work well. I don't push people to take medications, but I do strive to educate people about the unfair stigma associated with doing so. You shouldn't feel guilty about taking an antidepressant, just as you wouldn't feel guilty about taking an antibiotic for an illness or insulin for diabetes. It's acceptable if you decide to go that route.
My neurologist, who I see for my MG, says that reducing stress by addressing anxiety and/or depression will help lessen MG symptoms.
Have you received therapy for a mental illness while having MG? Did your MG symptoms get worse or did you have any negative reactions? Did your body respond favorably to a certain drug in the past? Use the comment section below to share your experience.
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