Hello all. I'm new here. Hoping you can share some advice or experiences.
After being depressed for about three years, I finally went to the doctor and got diagnosed last November. I've been taking Sertraline (50mg) since then, and it's helped. I no longer think about suicide every day, I'm getting along better with the people in my life, I don't get that knot of panic in my chest so often.
It's taken away the deepest lows, but I'm still feeling stuck. I don't have the confidence to socialise, or the motivation to do anything much. I can't concentrate or remember as well as I could before, and do all I can to avoid important things like phone calls, filling in forms, paying bills, talking to strangers - even though I know that those are the things which will make my life better.
Have you been there? What helped? Are the drugs doing what they should? I'm seeing the doctor soon, and wondering if I should ask about increasing the dose or getting some CBT. Or do you have a better idea?
Hi Hawthorn
Sorry to hear that depression has its grip on you. Its good that you found strength to see your doctor. The meds certainly appear to be working for you by giving you space to breath.
Like you, whenever I took them I was still left feeling like an empty shell. I've had depression (on and off) for over 19 years. Tragically it never goes for good. It just takes a break for sometime, waiting to strike when you're vulnerable.
Absolutely talk to your doctor about the dosage. You need to keep trying what's best for you. Sometimes you have to be at a certain level of 'wellness' before you can try other treatments -how ironic is that? Hopefully you're at that stage 
Love on ya!
Icy ((hugs))
hi
the empty shell is definitely something that i can say i have. and basically the antidepressants just make it a little bit easier to interact with the outside world. so i joked with my GP that they are making me more compliant. ha ha.
all i'd add to what Icy said is to be patient and also, what i have learned is not to expect too much. i went through a really tough patch after being on the antidepressants for a few years and now i am back on them and for once i can see - in comparison - why the doctor has put me on them, even though my idea of what i'd like an intidepressant to do is not being met. ie i would like a pill that gives back enthusiasm, interest, happiness. but alas they haven't quite invented one of those yet.
wishing you all the best and do be kind to yourself. ie if on some days you feel like taking things slowly then don't beat yourself up about it. just see it as a slow day.
to cope with the forgetfulness i make lists of all the tasks i have to do. even the most banal things like eg 'do the washing up', empty rubbish bin. ie things that normally would not have to be written down. but if it helps then do it. and of course a list is only useful if i remember to look at it and sometimes i forget it is there. some days i have to function with the lists and other days i can manage without. we have to get used to unpredictability.
best wishes
hi im also on sertraline after tapering off mirtz awfull drug! im feeling better i would put my name down for CBT just ask the doctor! i have and waiting for it..goodluck
It takes a while I'm afraid. Don't put too much pressure on yourself or beat yourself up for not getting there yet. Sounds like the drugs are working but if I'm really honest I think it's best to start taking the next steps without them if you can. I've been there yes! Many times in fact.
Set yourself little goals. Exercise helps (I would do aerobic exercise everyday if I was healthy enough). I've never been good with strangers but so what? If you don't feel like you can do it yet, don't. Little goals. Small steps. I can thouroughly recomend a good counsellor (doesn't have to be CBT, which I can't stand).
Please talk to your doctor though, he/she may be in a better position to judge where you are.
From my experience the key steps to gettin over depression are:
Exercise
Counselling
Socialising
Self care (not beating yourself up, being kind to yourself)
Getting a hobby or passion
Medication
Meditation
Having goals (no matter how small)
Routine
Mindless feel good TV (There's some great series around now)
Keeping occupied
Some of these aren't possible for everyone of course.
Thanks for the good advice, everyone. Looks as if I'm on the right track.
great tips ive been through an awfull time i was violated by a man who i thought was a friend, i reported it to the police had to do a video interview never want to go through that again! never felt so poorly afterwards couldnt focus on anything lost my job. hit rock bottom . to the extent of making some bad choices and nearly taking my life, im on the up now :-) these tips are brilliant paul x
Sorry you went through all that, it sounds absolutely awful!