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Post by bunneee on Dec 17, 2007 13:35:45 GMT
Despite being vegan for 3 years I stayed on the contraceptive pill as I couldn't face really heavy periods again. However whenever I think about it I feel extremely guilty and would really appreciate if anyone has any solutions? The other reason I went on the pill was because of severe mood swings, however now I get really violent ones all the time. This added to the fact that everything I find (eg Lithium orotate) either contains animal derivatives or is tested on animals, is making me feel even more depressed and hopeless. I am worried that coming off the pill will make my depression and mood swings even worse (and I am scared my relationship will crumble if they do). I am feeling so hopeless at the moment. Please please please could someone who has experienced similar problems offer me some advice. (Seeing a doctor won't help as he would just prescribe me medication that has been tested on animals).
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Post by fezzarooooo on Dec 17, 2007 14:15:35 GMT
Hey bunneee, my heart really goes out to you in your dilemma . I'm not sure anyone but a health professional could or should give you advice on this matter as it sounds like it is quite serious if you've been prescribed medicines like Lithium etc. What I can do is tell you that I've been poorly with ME for over 10yrs now and due to the pain and sleep disturbances I have to take medication daily. I've tried natural therapies but they just aren't strong enough to provide me with the help I need. I know that most of my medication has been tested on animals and some may contain animal products but there's really nothing I can do about it atm, I need to take it. I see no sense in vegans making themselves iller because of the bad practices of drug companies. Yes we should all be compassionate to the suffering of animals but I truly believe we should be as equally compassionate to the suffering of humans, including ourselves.
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Post by tabitha on Dec 17, 2007 14:29:03 GMT
Fezz is right Bunnee. Unfortunately, sometimes there just is no choice You need to be happy again so you need some help. Ive had countless operations and procedures done and had countless drugs prior and after the ops. I feel awful about it and I wouldnt take anything I didnt absolutely have to, but we all do our best and we dont want the drugs to be tested, so we are not hypocrites for campaigning to stop the morons that do from performing these experiments. Take heart and wishing you well xx
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Post by veggiesosage on Dec 20, 2007 2:18:16 GMT
Wot they said.
The long and short of it all is that you do really have to put your own wellbeing first. As we all know, thats a balance and, as vegans we do make sacrifices but there is a limit.
Like fezza says, if you're talking about takin Lithium your illness is not a minor one and, in that context, you cannot afford to let principles get in the way of getting the treatment you need. Thats NOT hypocritical, its just right. By being a vegan you are already making a positive contribution but the danger is if you let your health slide any further you may not feel able to do so for much longer.
So get down the doctors and do what they tell you ;D. And if anyone gives you grief tell fezza, she'll get'em ;D
PS I'm on Sertraline for depression. Had similar moral anxieties about it as you did but I'm looking after me for now, I suggest you do the same. Like I say, the rest of my being vegan is still there and thats my positive contribution.
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Post by fezzarooooo on Dec 20, 2007 10:57:47 GMT
Aye, just point them out to me babe
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Post by sluggie on Dec 20, 2007 21:52:16 GMT
We can campaign for more "humane" (hah!) methods of drug testing for the future, but we can't change what's been done in the past. I agree with the others that you should take the medications you need. If you feel bad about doing so, why not get involved (as far as your health allows) in campaigning for change?
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Post by vegandaze on Jan 14, 2008 11:41:28 GMT
Have you ever consulted a naturopath? When problems like depression are treated by conventional medicine they only treat the symptoms with drugs and the cause is not addressed, and orthodox treatments have side-effects. If you spoke to a naturopath and got nutritional advice, herbal, perhaps homeopathic treatment, you could become less dependant on drugs and this could in turn help your mental well-being by removing guilt about animal-testing, chemicals etc. Not that i think you should feel bad for taking drugs you need, I am taking a contraceptive pill for heavy periods too ( I did find one that doesnt conain lactic acid) but I plan to try raw foods as an alternative. the pill could actually be a factor in depression (according to my naturopathy workbook) I definitely think naturopathy should be tried by everyone though; doctors don't necessarily do what is best for you as they don't work holistically and all our bodily systems are linked. Bodies and mental health are linked too!
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Post by roslily on Mar 25, 2008 11:36:35 GMT
i suffer from depression and take citalopram. I struggled with it for a long time, but I had to put my well being and that of my partner (living with me!) first. I will support campaigns to change the future, but I will be no use to any campaign if I am holed up at home unable to get out of bed.
Have you tried talking therapies? I had counselling that helped my anxiety and depression no end. It really was worthwhile.
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