A week into Citalopram feel hopeless.
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So last Monday I went to my G.P with severe depression/anxiety. He gave me 10mg Citalopram as well as Zopiclone to help sleeping. So a week in and I'm on my last dose of Zopiclone tonight and the Citalopram is making me even more anxious/worried, can't stop thinking and worrying. I know it's early days but still can't switch off and worried about not sleeping again.
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0897 phillip21536
Posted
The_sleepy_crow phillip21536
Posted
The side effects of your citalopram may feel unbearable but it will get easier within the next 7 days - your body is adapting to the new levels of serotonin. Lack of sleep is dreadful when we are feeling down, but, you will start sleeping again, so try not to worry (easier said than done). Give the drug a chance because it can make a difference. Believe that you will get better and that this is 'a phase'.
Has your GP recommended that you start CBT? - this is available on the NHS. If you can afford it, I would seek out a CBT therapist in your area to have an initial review and help you how to 'manage your automatic negative thoughts'. With CBT, you can begin to understand your thoughts and how they influence your behaviour.
Be kind to yourself in the coming weeks - it is tough going through anxiety & depression. Try to take small steps to make yourself feel a bit better - eat well (bananas, cashews, milk, yogurt, fish), find some relaxation time (read a good book, watch something that makes you laugh), connect with the important person/friends in your life. Before you know it, you'll be setting yourself some monthly challenges that make you feel a sense of achievement.
take it easy Phillip and best wishes for the future that awaits you!
sleepy crow
phillip21536 The_sleepy_crow
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gillian20097 phillip21536
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This illness is horrendous Phillip but we are not alone. So many others are going through the same or have been through the same and come out the other side happier and stronger than ever.
It takes time and sometimes it will sap you of all your strength but the good thing is,that little tablet is still doing its job. Some people feel better in weeks,others it takes months but little by little things improve. Try and not worry about yesterday or tomorrow,think of getting through today and it makes it less overwhelming. Thoughts of the future will come naturally as you move further into your recovery.
Find people you trust to talk too and just take each day as it comes. If it's a rubbish day,accept it and just do whatever you need to do to get through it. Each day is a day closer to being like your old self.
Remember we are here for you. You do not have to go through this alone xx
phillip21536 gillian20097
Posted
The_sleepy_crow phillip21536
Posted
yes, the citalopram can make your anxiety feel worse but this won't last. Tell yourself that your body is adapting and that you will get through this. Really great that you have a phone assessment with a CBT assessor really soon.
i know how difficult it is when your brain plagues you with non-stop anxious thoughts. It is worth trying to manage your thoughts - you will get better with this with practice.
firstly - get yourself a notebook and write down everything that is bothering you. Then tomorrow, schedule a 'specific worry time slot' and put your thoughts on paper again.
CBT will help you to understand your thoughts and help you to challenge anything that is not true.
If the anxious thoughts are really bad - then you must do something to distract yourself - dance to music, go for a run etc
Be kind to yourself and remember that if you can make a small step forward every week, you must acknowledge your progress and be proud of yourself. With anxiety - we always underestimate our capability and strength.
worth having a look on the web for success stories in anxiety management - people do recover and hearing about these successes may help you.
have a look at 'mood juice', 'beatingtheblues' and the NHS pages on anxiety & depression
take it easy and try your best to believe that you can get better (you will - you just need some time)
Sleepy-C