A simple modality guide to managing SSRI withdrawal symptoms.

Everything included are things I have found extremely helpful for symptom management and my overall mental health .

Let me preface this post by saying that all things included here are those that I couldn’t get through my taper journey without. From arts and crafts to comfy clothes, I have spent mindful time finding ways to manage my withdrawal symptoms when they arise. Included are modalities I’ve found extremely helpful in curbing many common withdrawal symptoms as well as some that maybe aren’t as common.

For Dizziness & Dry Mouth

Obviously drinking staying hydrated is important for everyone, but there seems to be a much more obvious impact of hydration and dehydration alike on severity of withdrawal symptoms. I personally experience dizziness and dry mouth and ALWAYS need to be drinking water (at this point I do it subconsciously without even paying attention) thanks to my emotional support water bottle (cue me trying to be cool with an ESWB).

Water Tumbler

The Simple Modern 40oz Trek Tumbler has become my ultimate emotional support water bottle. I drink at least 80oz of water per day with this and when it is sitting near me, I can’t help but take a sip. By the way, how chic is it?! And have no fear, it actually fits in a cup holder.

For Poor Concentration & Memory

With the overwhelm of stimulation these days, it’s no surprise that most people have trouble concentrating. Poor concentration during SSRI withdrawal is an entirely different ballgame. Think doing a task for 20 seconds, getting distracted, and forgetting you were even doing something else not even one minute before. I’ve found activities that include motor skills have helped me improve my focus and concentration even if acutely.

Paint By Numbers

I have very recently jumped on the paint by numbers train and I am obsessed. There are so many options of kits and I personally gravitate towards the ones that include bright colors and large surface areas. In the process of working on this paint by numbers kit of the Amalfi Coast. Might even frame it when I’m done!

Puzzles

Puzzl-ing (I know, it’s not a real verb) has always been something I enjoy doing. Especially now, they have had such a positive impact on my cognitive processing. Weird to say that I have some favorite puzzles, but I seriously do! Some of them I’ve even used puzzle glue on and framed to hang up including this Jonathan Adler Rainbow Hand Puzzle.

Journaling

Journaling is one of the most underrated ways to relieve stress and rid your mind of thoughts that are living rent free. You’d be shocked at how helpful a good journaling session (or brain dump as I like to call it) is in creating space to keep your memory more clear and sharp. A fresh Moleskin Notebook will forever have my heart.

For Sleep Troubles

No offense taken if you’re asking yourself “why in the world would I need an overpriced fancy alarm clock?”. Let me tell you why. For the amount of times I have disrupted sleep when I am experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, I have gotten bang for my buck.

Hatch Alarm Clock

The Hatch Alarm Clock includes meditations, custom alarm sounds, custom wind down routines, and the ability to control everything right from your phone. So when I’m craving a good rainstorm when I can’t fall asleep, I simply make it happen.

For Minimizing Withdrawal Symptoms

The key to minimizing withdrawal symptoms is tapering off of SSRI’s slowly and under medical supervision. This is not to say that withdrawal symptoms are entirely avoidable, but they can definitely be less severe. I’ve been tapering for 8 months now from 100mg of Zoloft and am only down to 45mg (slow and steady wins the race). But if it weren’t for Outro Health, there is absolutely no way I would have successfully made it to where I am so far.

Outro Health

For years I was hesitant to taper off of SSRI’s because I was A.) not sure my anxiety and depression would be manageable without them and B.) wasn’t confident that I would be able to deal with the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Outro has made my experience an amazing one and held my hand every step of the way. I can’t say I haven’t experienced withdrawal, but I can confidently say what I have experienced is not nearly as bad as it could be.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.

xx ariella