I switched doctors last month, and last week I went to meet with my new internal medicine physician for the first time. I had heard good things about this doctor, and I have to say it felt like home when I walked into the office and read her mission statement. I can’t recall exactly what the quote was, but it stated her focus on preventative medicine and self-care through physical activity and diet.
There are times when prescriptions are definitely needed, but we can also cure a lot of ailments through a healthy diet and daily physical activity. I know this from first hand knowledge and from the many people I have connected with through this blog.
For those that are unaware, I started taking Zoloft when I was pregnant with my first son about 8 years ago. I had tried various anti-depressants at various times, but Zoloft was the most well-studied and widely used during pregnancy and nursing. Having dealt with bouts of depression, I had a serious fear of postpartum depression. Thankfully I did not suffer from it, but it was more the anxiety that did me in after having my first baby.
Fighting the lack of sleep that accompanies a new baby (and the fact that I had a human being relying on me for everything) left me feeling strung out at the end of the day. I felt like I would bounce around from task to task trying to get things done around the house like I used to, and worried that I wasn’t keeping up. An increase in the Zoloft helped quell those feelings, but over the years, I have realized it isn’t doing much for me anymore. Running makes me feel just as good, without the accompanying side effects.
I had a long talk with the doctor and she made me face the music– DAILY physical activity is mandatory for my mental health. I have been running a few times a week, but less than I have in the past, and my brain is feeling it! My doctor told me exactly what I needed to hear–I had to find a way to get in a daily run (or other workout), no ands ifs or buts. Together we decided that we are going to VERY gradually decrease the Zoloft while I continue running daily. I am hoping that by the fall, I will be off the medication and feeling fine.
The timing feels right, and I feel relieved knowing that I will be getting my daily meds in the form of a run from now on. I am totally okay with the fact that I may have to go back on something again, but right now I’m feeling really good about the whole situation! I’m glad that I have a supportive doctor who “gets” me and understands the (powerful) positive mental effects of physical activity. It was nice leaving the office with a prescription for blood work AND a prescription for exercise. 🙂
Sounds like you have an awesome doctor and that the two of you are going to be able to work together to come up with the plan that will keep you healthy and happy! AWESOME!!!!
My doctors are always telling me how important it is for me to exercise for my heart disease. Last week I went back and rejoined the gym.
That’s great Heather! 🙂 I love that exercise has so many other great effects too!