424: Antidepressants are Making me WORSE & Stress is Waking Me Up Early
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Robert Duff, Ph.D.
4.6 • 1K Ratings
🗓️ 14 December 2024
⏱️ 31 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this solo Q&A episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast (Episode 424), I tackle two listener questions that address challenging mental health scenarios. The first question delves into the concept of antidepressant-associated chronic irritable dysphoria (ACID), a proposed condition rather than a formally recognized diagnosis, and the potential long-term effects of antidepressants in the context of bipolar disorder. I break down the limited research behind ACID, emphasize the importance of comprehensive care, and acknowledge the frustration that can arise when medications seem to worsen symptoms instead of helping.
The second question focuses on waking up early with irritability and racing thoughts. I provide practical strategies like pre-bed journaling to offload worries, identifying actionable steps for lingering concerns, and creating a calming buffer before sleep. I also discuss the importance of reexamining one’s work environment, considering meaningful changes, and finding fulfillment outside of a stressful job. Throughout the episode, I offer insights on self-advocacy, exploring alternative treatments, and laying the groundwork to regain a sense of control in your daily life.
Chapters:
00:15 — Introduction: Needing More Questions & Holiday Scheduling
02:00 — ACID Explained: A Proposed Condition, Not a Formal Diagnosis
08:00 — Bipolar Disorder & Antidepressants: Complex Interactions and Research Gaps
11:00 — Frustration with Care: Inadequate Guidance and Long-Term Medication Issues
14:00 — Exploring Alternatives: Therapy, Lifestyle Changes, and Treatments Like TMS/Ketamine
21:00 — Morning Irritability: Unpacking Workplace Stress & Uncontrollable Factors
24:00 — Reevaluating Work: Finding Meaning Outside Employment and Considering Changes
27:00 — Pre-Bed Journaling: Offloading Worries, Identifying Action Steps, and Creating Buffers
30:00 — Final Thoughts: Gratitude, Year-End Plans, and Continuing the Journey
About the Podcast
I’m Dr. Robert Duff, a clinical psychologist and the host of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. I’m here to demystify mental health, break down psychological concepts, and provide actionable advice without unnecessary jargon. Through expert interviews, listener Q&A, and relatable discussions, this podcast aims to help you live a healthier, more fulfilled life.
Connect With Me:
- Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com/
- Contact: https://www.duffthepsych.com/contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DuffThePsych
#MentalHealth #Antidepressants #Bipolar #WorkStress #Journaling #SleepHygiene #QandA #SelfHelp #Psychology
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | It's been seen in some people that have taken long-term antidepressants in the context of bipolar, |
| 0:04.9 | that they develop a chronic condition, meaning an ongoing condition, of feeling irritable. |
| 0:10.6 | Case studies absolutely have a place in scientific literature. |
| 0:14.7 | They're often how we first become aware of something that should even be studied in the first place, right? |
| 0:19.7 | They looked at the data for participants that had a depressive episode and were treated with antidepressants |
| 0:25.6 | and then followed up with again later in a year. |
| 0:28.6 | And in his research, he mentions that people who were treated with antidepressants were 10 times more likely to develop those acid symptoms |
| 0:36.6 | than people who are not. |
| 0:37.8 | It is normal to have that reduced effect over time. |
| 0:40.8 | And it's also very, very common to need to change medications or adjust the approach over time as you're being treated. |
| 0:47.3 | And it sounds like for you, you've essentially been ignored and left to feel like it was your fault for not getting any better. |
| 0:53.3 | It can be really hard to feel motivated to show up, try your best, |
| 0:57.0 | when the company culture itself is a drain on your energy and your mental health. |
| 1:02.0 | That's a recipe for long-term pain and burnout. |
| 1:05.0 | One thing I would really encourage you to do is |
| 1:08.0 | challenge the idea that you have no control over it. Our brains really, |
| 1:12.4 | really don't like having lingering problems or lingering things that we haven't figured out yet. So this |
| 1:17.7 | is just a process of, you know, unwinding that ball of yarn, getting the threads in their |
| 1:22.3 | place. They're still there, but they're going to be easier for you to work with. |
| 1:36.4 | Hey friends, this is the hardcore health help podcast. |
| 1:37.9 | I'm your host, Dr. Robert Duff. |
| 1:41.4 | Today, I am excited to answer a few questions for you. |
... |
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