Hi guys, sorry i've neglected this post. Thanks for your input, it is nice hearing some success stories! Unfortunately, 8 weeks in, I've finally had enough. My 'good days' were short lived.. And the anxiety was destroying me and making me so much more depressed.
I also had some issues with work, but luckily they're being very supportive, and for now, only a few people know - I'm not sure how I'll tell people, because I'm sure they suspect something serious is up. It's sad that it's almost frowned upon to have mental health issues; but I've had to overcome this as the more I stress, the less likely I am to get better; though it really frustrates me and hurts me, as I want to get back to work. When it comes to telling people, you shouldn't feel obliged to tell people; depending on your colleagues, you're likely to become part of their discussions, which is a pretty hard thing to think about. But it's not always that they're being negative, people talk, it's what we all do. And remember, this will all be in the past pretty soon. If you're not comfortable with it, then just brush it aside, and with time, people will forget.
I've taken the majority of people's advice that you should let your doctor know when you're in my position; and now I'm being phased into Mirtazapine - which isn't an SSRI, but the 'older' tricyclic medication; from what I've heard it generally helps and has a lot less side effects than SSRIs, with the downfall of weight gain. I suffered from such appalling insomnia as a result of the anxiety etc to the point that I was scared of it coming to night time..
So my journey is continuing, and definitely don't be afraid, to those that are 'unsure'. At the end of the day, you know yourself better than any other, and antidepressants don't affect us all in the same way.
I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read your original post and realise that I am not the only one who needs a good rant about this!!
I've been trying to explain to people for years that I'm not purposely feeling flat and unhappy, or that I'm not creating my own anxiety for the fun of it - it just is what it is and I'm getting help for it.
I've been back on sertraline for about 3 months now (100mg) for anxiety, and am additionally taking propranolol, omeprazole and today have ALSO been prescribed temazepam on a short term basis to help with my insomnia. I feel like a walking medicine cabinet, but I know that ultimately it will help to rebalance me and deal with things better (I hope!!).
I suppose it is hard for people to understand mental illness if they have never had any experience of it, but for some reason we are frowned upon by many, rather than supported or attempted to be understood. I also would love to print out your post and send it to every single person I know
I wish you all the luck with your journey, and thank you again for your post.
Thank you so much for posting this. So many people don't seem to realize how painful it is to have depression, anxiety, etc. I've had countless people tell me to "just snap out of it", and I just want to scream at them that depression isn't something you can just "snap out" of. Mental conditions can be every bit as serious as physical conditions. Even though you can't see them doesn't mean they're not there, that they're not destroying someone inside.
Your post is exactly me. Thank you!!! Before I go on are you still active on this site? I really wanted to ask you about my Situation. I'm on day 6 of Zoloft and want to quit. I'm taking it for depression and anxiety that has crippled me. Anxiety is the worst of it! I'm scared to continue the medication but feel like if I don't I will never come out of this?! I was given Xanax but I'm scared of getting addicted to that so I white knuckle it all day miserable and then use it for sleep which only last 2 hours!!! Please tell me your thoughts on staying on Zoloft and pushing through the bad side effects.
hey i thought i'd share my experience since im on day 6 of 50 mg. Im 19 years old 160 pounds, ive been on a couple of meds that gave me side effects, and i thought zoloft was going to be the same from the first couple days. I felt tired but couldnt sleep at all, couldnt eat, and i was sweating like crazy whenever i went outside. these kept on for the first 4 days but last night i got one of the best nights of sleep i've had in a while and im feeling really good. Definetely have alot of energy and its making me alot more tolerable to stressful situations. Sometimes the medicines not for you everyone is different biologically but its working for me! goodluck to everyone on it keep with it
Hi Loco , it took 8 weeks plus before I felt any relief ,so don't give up hope . I'm on 50mg , the doctor thought it would probably be better to be on the 100mg strength ,for my anxiety ,but as yet I haven't gone up any further , and I'm feeling good. I checked out online , how quickly this meds would work ,as I like you was getting fed up ,then one day I just woke up feeling better. Everyone different ,please don't give up Loco as it will work ,it might just take another week or two. I know that's difficult, when you don't feel well ,but my advice is to stick through it for a little longer ,and it will work soon. Hope this helps you ,remember your not alone , so if you need us ,just reach out and we will be here for you God bless x
