{"id":137619,"date":"2023-09-19T10:27:37","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T10:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magdelaine.net\/?p=137619"},"modified":"2023-09-19T10:27:37","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T10:27:37","slug":"englands-antidepressant-helpline-to-close-heres-other-ways-to-get-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magdelaine.net\/lifestyle\/englands-antidepressant-helpline-to-close-heres-other-ways-to-get-help\/","title":{"rendered":"England's antidepressant helpline to close – here's other ways to get help"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n
England only has one antidepressant withdrawal helpline \u2013 and it\u2019s closing.<\/p>\n
This will be scary news for many, as the nationwide service, called the Bristol Tranquilliser Project, won\u2019t be replaced once it\u2019s gone.<\/p>\n
Funding for the helpline has been withdrawn, and it\u2019s up to local services to plug the gap this will leave.<\/p>\n
While nothing quite like it exists, there are some other avenues to keep in mind for support after coming off of antidepressants.<\/p>\n
Just because your treatment is over, doesn\u2019t mean your GP\u2019s responsibility to you as a patient is.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to speak to your doctor before stopping, but if you have issues after stopping, you can always arrange to see them again and discuss what might work for you.<\/p>\n
Though there isn\u2019t a direct replacement for the helpline closing down, there are other mental health helplines you can contact.<\/p>\n
Running 24\/7, there\u2019s the Samaritans on 116 123, though it\u2019s a talk service, rather than a place to get advice. It can be a safe space in which to talk freely.<\/p>\n
You can also call 111, which is available for mental health concerns that aren\u2019t emergencies.<\/p>\n
Talking services, like counselling and therapy can help.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s options on the NHS \u2013 though these can have long waiting lists \u2013 or find out if you employee offers the Employee Assistant Programme which offers various types of therapies.<\/p>\n
Programmes offered through work are usually time limited, free and confidential \u2013 your boss won\u2019t know you\u2019ve used them.<\/p>\n
Antidepressants are not addictive in the same\u00a0way that\u00a0illegal drugs and cigarettes are, but you may have some withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll be advised to reduce your dose gradually to help avoid withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n
These can include:<\/p>\n
In most cases, these are quite mild and last no longer than 1 or 2 weeks, but occasionally\u00a0they can be quite severe.<\/p>\n
They seem to be most likely to occur with paroxetine (Seroxat) and\u00a0venlafaxine (Efexor).<\/p>\n
Contact a doctor if you get withdrawal symptoms and they do not improve after 1 or 2 weeks or they get worse.<\/p>\n
Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n