6 months on Lexapro for Anxiety, Depression, PMDD + life update

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses her ongoing mental health journey, including her experiences with medication and genetic testing to find the best treatment. She expresses frustration with the mental health care industry and the lack of innovation in women's health, particularly for conditions like PMDD. The creator also shares her recent shift to freelancing, her plans for workshops, and her hope for a more stable future. She reflects on the state of social media and her desire to create content she loves without overthinking.

Takeaways

• 💌 The creator received positive messages from followers which reaffirmed her purpose on social media.
• 💊 She has been on various dosages of Lexapro and Gabapentin for mental health, but they haven't been as effective as desired.
• 🧬 She underwent genetic testing to determine which medications might work best for her mental health.
• 🌱 She is exploring alternatives to prescription medication, including potentially beneficial but illegal substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA.
• 🌐 She criticizes the lack of innovation in mental health care and the trial-and-error approach to medication.
• 🌸 She mentions the impact of seasonal changes on her mood, particularly the relief from winter and the arrival of spring.
• 🏋️‍♀️ She acknowledges the difficulty of exercising while dealing with depression but recognizes its benefits for mental health.
• 💼 She left her job in advertising and has been freelancing, which has provided her with more flexibility and control over her work.
• 🎨 She is considering creating workshops and sharing her advertising experience to help others navigate the industry.
• 🌟 She expresses a desire to do more authentic content creation and less overthinking on social media platforms.

Q & A

Why did the speaker start making videos about mental health?

The speaker started making videos about mental health because they were able to share their own life experiences and help others relate or benefit from what they say on social media.

What medication was the speaker prescribed for their mental health?

The speaker was prescribed the generic of Lexapro, which is a type of SSRI, starting at 10 milligrams and eventually being increased to 20 milligrams.

Why did the speaker feel frustrated with their medication?

The speaker felt frustrated because the medications were not working as effectively as they should have been, and they felt there was a lack of innovation in mental health care, with the process often involving trial and error with SSRIs.

What alternative treatment method did the speaker explore?

The speaker explored genetic testing to determine which medications for mental health would likely work best for them, which involved swabbing their cheeks and sending it away for analysis.

Why did the speaker mention the potential benefits of illegal drugs for mental health?

The speaker mentioned the potential benefits of illegal drugs like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA for mental health because some studies have shown their effectiveness, but due to their classification, they haven't been fully understood or utilized in the U.S.

What health condition does the speaker suffer from that is related to their menstrual cycle?

The speaker suffers from PMDD, which stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Why did the speaker leave their job at an advertising agency?

The speaker left their job because they felt that the advertising agency culture, with its long hours and high-stress environment, was not conducive to their mental health.

What positive aspects did the speaker take away from their advertising agency experience?

The speaker gained valuable experience in team structure, client communication, feedback handling, email communication, and contract dealings, which they can now apply to their personal work.

What are the speaker's plans for the future regarding their career and community involvement?

The speaker is considering creating workshops for the community, both in Chicago and online, focusing on how to work with brands and handle various aspects of influencer marketing. They also plan to offer consulting services.

How does the speaker feel about the current state of social media?

The speaker is critical of the current state of social media, feeling that they don't feel at home anywhere on the internet as they used to, but they also see glimpses of hope and optimism within certain platforms.

What platforms is the speaker most active on currently?

The speaker is most active on Instagram stories and has been updating her Pinterest account frequently.