I am sure this has been asked before but I thought I’d start a new thread!
I basically had a crash at the start of the year, (it was a long time coming after some stress etc.) I had panic attacks every day, felt depressed and couldn’t go to work, or drive. It was horrible! So I was put on 10mg citalophram for about 3 weeks. Then they upped it to 20mg and I had been on that for about 2 months now. My panic attacks have stopped but I still get anxious, depressed and the worst thing of all is my thoughts. I can’t stop worrying about everything, that I won’t get better, I worry about my relationship and even my thoughts are so strange, for example, I don’t feel suicidal at all, I have not once wanted to try and do something, but sometimes I think about what would happen if I did commit suicide, and then I panic that I’ve had the thought, so then it’s a circle. I think nasty thoughts about people I really care about and I have no idea why, I know I am a kind and usually happy person, who does not think these thoughts about anyone, but I then panic where they come from. I have been to 6 counselling sessions to try and combat the thoughts, which helped at the time, but now I can’t stop them it’s all the time/ I’ve been put up to 40mg, I’ve been on that dosage for a week, and I’ve been referred for CBT but I just feel on the verge of crying all the time and just carelessness about myself or my job. I have been told that I need to accept it will take long time to get better, but I can’t stop all the negative feelings and paranoia. I can’t get excited or happy about anything, and felt scared to be close with my boyfriend, who has been absolutely amazing and supported me through all this. I’ve started meditation and running as ways of combating this illness,I just wonder if these feelings are normal, or if anyone has any advice? Thanks in advance xx
I felt the way you did for about 3 months after starting citalopram, eventually it started to kick in and life became calmer for me again and I could actually start to focus on things beyond my anxiety and feelings of unhappiness.
Everyone reacts differently to medication and these are no different, it may take up to 3 months, it may be loads sooner (I hope so), but being on Cit really did help me and allowed me to start functioning again and live a normal life without the dark cloud of anxiety hanging over me always.
I think mediation and exercise is a great idea, I started Pilates and yoga on my doctors advice and I did feel it helped, it calmed me and made me focus.
Dont't me me so hard yourself for thinking badly of others, your going through a tough time and hopefully with help it will pass and you will get to a happier place.
Hang in there, your doing great and your not alone so many of us have been where you are and have come through the other side.
Hi there, sorry to hear you are struggling. I have found that citalopram makes me quite angry too and I have a short temper. It has helped my anxiety though. I am weaning myself off as I have to take amytriptyline now for my back pain and don't want to take both.
I Guess what I'm saying is hang in there and keep talking with your GP. Also your chap sounds like a star, I've no idea how my hubby puts up with my moods sometimes but it's a weight off knowing he's there. Try not to be too hard on yourself x
Omgggggggg I swear this is exactly how I feel. 100% summed me up. I also have constant intrusive thoughts and feel I am losing my mind. Just upped to 30mg Citalopram.
I question every thought I have aswel. It's driving me crazy xxxxxxxxxx
Thank you, it's been about 3 months now, so hopefully soon i will see some changes! It's so hard to not be hard on yourself, but i think I need to work hard,/ It's frustrating as I am usually a happy person!
I think now I've found this forum it will be better to talk to others who understand! My boyfriend has been fantastic, calming me down out of panic attacks and talking to Mind for me. I need to tell myself more that he is not going to do a runner bcause of all of this!
It's driving me mad too - I don't know where they even come from, and they can be quite scary, it's a bit reassuring to know someone else is going through this. Have you been recommended for CBT? i've been told it will help you control your thoughts, it just feels endless at the moment right? xx
Thanks for your honesty and willingness to share. You are describing thoughts, feelings and emotions that many of us find very familiar. Whether you know it or not your story serves as an encouragement to others.
Be patient with yourself. I know that's easier said than done.
It sounds like you are doing the right things by talking to professionals and sharing on this forum.
You are not alone, many of us battled with depression and anxiety for years, and many of us still struggle, but Citalopram can be a powerful help, even if the adjutment process takes time.