If you are in work while recovering and taking citralopram, are there any coping mechanisms???
I often have to centre myself when I’m at work and a I get a rush of anxiety or that physical weird feeling. I focus on my breathing and count (to whatever number I need) my fingers to my thumb. Works for me, I’ve been on 10mg since the beginning of August and still have some off days, it’s the worst when you’re at work.. Just find something that works for you!
Thank you, Im hoping to phase back slowly but any advice helps. The counting and touching finger to thumb sounds very do able. Did you take any time off??
i am off work at the monent just tapered off citlapram onto sertraline i an lucjy my work is being great
It really comes down to mind over matter I find when I get into these little ruts. Yes, I was off work the whole month of August, I ran into every negative side effect unfortunately but luckily we were in the process of moving so I just left my old job 2 weeks early. The stress of being at a new job and having all of this going on was hard so I just started doing those things I mentioned and it’s crazy how much it calms me! Good luck to you! 
my work is being super supportive…I just think a routine and a bit of normality might help me. Fingers crossed!! I dont expect my anxiety to be cured by work, but just want to try to cope in situations
HI lou yes ive been working but i only work around 30 hours a week. I had about two weeks off near the start but have been working since. (7 weeks in, 5 on 20mg) I have an office job. it was really hard near the beginning but my husband was determined that i try and keep up the routine as much as possible. Now i do think it helps. its a better way to pass the day than ruminating and feeling anxious at home. when i get those awful anxious physical feelings i try and do what katiecogs says and just let them come and pass without getting too anxious about them and get on with what im doing but its easier said than done i know. yesterday was a case in point - had a good morning but then everything went to custard at lunchtime when i got that awful weird physical edgy feeling and it just kept getting worse. Sitting with it was making it worse so i just carried on with what i had to do. i like the counting idea. At first it was really hard to concentrate on work so i wasnt very productive but it has got a bit easier now.
I am really inspired by your post and totally agree with katecogs. I have too much time to ruminate and all I have to think about is bloody anxiety! Ill let you know how I get on! I am phasing back very slowly and light duties. The more normal the routine the better! Ive been doing everything bar going to work and I have survived every day so far!
how did you get on at work? i started with my current bout of anxiety back in July and my job was coincidentally coming to an end but i haven’t got it in me to start a new one yet? although i realise working will stop the over thinking, i’m terrified of a new start somewhere in amongst the ‘ups & doens’ of recovery
Hi, I’m not going to say it was easy, but after about 45mins I was settled and happy and had no bother at all! I loved the interaction and having something else to think about. I am doing 2 days next week so the build up will be very gentle. I am at the stage now were I am coping a bit better with anxiety…accepting it definitely helps and it settles quicker…
wow thats great Lou! Well done. I still find it hard and do feel a bit more anxious when im there but it is a good distraction,
you’re doing really well by the sounds - an inspiration and something to aim for perhaps. you’re very right…learning to accept the anxiety and carrying on is the key, whilst trying to stay calm! i think when you spend a few days feeling a bit better, it’s hard to accept the blips but the key ‘is’ to accept them.
Thanks Tasmin x Im looking forward to next week already x
110% Its nearly easier to expect it than feel the disappointment of its unwelcome arrival! I definitely think my coping is a sign the medication is starting to work and I am becoming stronger. Thank you for the lovely compliment. I definitely felt empowered today to make it through
well done my anxiety is so high i have depression too
that is so true! Ive been finding it hard to have the few good hours and then go back to being anxious and down again. Definitely sounds like you are well on the road to recovery Lou
HI Lou and everyone else that reached out to you. I’m on 10mg for 1 year 10 months. the first 3-5 months were horrible. I had every symptom possible and then some. I Started a journal in my IPHONE in notes which really helped me. I worked every day. Luckily l have my own office and I can close the door and tell my staff not to bother me. Flip side is my job is very stressfull as i oversea a big area in the NORTHEAST. I have to thank Katecogs and Lois. They helped me at my lowest lows.
Keep busy and try to stick to your routine and absorb yourself in work. Exercise even walking every day to help with the anxiety.
Cut out alcohol and caffeine and sugar. I drank loads of water. It took me 8 months to
be back to normal. I will still get a day or 2 of anxiety but ill put my headphones on with
music or a pod cast and go walking and just
escape into the moment.
I wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
PS In the beginning I wanted to increase my dosage and so many people on here said to wait and I thank each and every one of them.
I do hate this new upgrade that I cant use
emoji’s only the smiling face below.
WILL
Thanks Will. Great to hear your success and how you kept working! I am inspired to keep digging deep!