I am taking medicines on depression, anxiety and restless legs prescribed by psychologist since near about 3 years. I want to know that for how many years I have to take medicines. After asking to psychologist he has replied that on right time he will take decision. My question is that how he assess that I am completely cured or not ?

Ans: Dear A, I can only imagine what you are going through. Do you want to feel better not for anyone else, but for yourself?

Break this mould that you are in please. You already have by sharing here on this platform. So that’s a courageous step towards a better life.

How can you do this?

This may sound very instructional, but since you aren’t a client that I work directly with, this is something I can offer you on top of my mind.

Firstly, please work with a Psychiatrist who also believes in alternate intensive Mind Therapy that you absolute need right now.

They need to work in tandem for you to get to a better state. There will be a point in time when the medication can be weaned off as the alternate therapy starts to work on you. That’s why both these experts need to see eye to eye and work for you and with you and not stick to their ground. Please touch base with groups/friends who can help you

In the interim, do the following almost like a prescription…it can be an ally to you.

• I want you to cover your walls with pictures of positive quotes and images that you can see first thing in the morning
• Hang out with people who nurture and nourish you
• Eat only freshly cooked food without preservatives
• Everyday pen down 5 things that you are grateful for
• Spend time with Nature; walk barefoot on grass, immerse your hand into water for a few minutes everyday and let go of what doesn’t serve you
• Spend time going back into places in your mind when you actually were happy; celebrate it

And most importantly, move in with your family and allow them to step into care for you till you are back on your feet.

Please take care and I wish you a good healing.

Ans: Mental health issues like these can be challenging to overcome, and it's not uncommon for symptoms to fluctuate over time. It could be beneficial to revisit your treatment plan with your psychologist. Sometimes, adjustments to medication dosage or therapy techniques may be necessary to better address your symptoms. Your psychologist might suggest trying different therapeutic approaches or techniques that could be more effective for your specific needs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, or even lifestyle changes like exercise and diet adjustments can sometimes help manage symptoms Recovery from anxiety, depression, and fear can be a gradual process, and it's essential to be patient with yourself. Set realistic expectations and acknowledge the progress you've made, even if it's incremental. there's no fixed timeline for overcoming mental health challenges, and everyone's journey is unique. It's essential to continue working closely with your psychologist and healthcare team to find strategies that work best for you. With persistence, support, and the right resources, it's possible to manage and improve your mental health over time.