Posted , 5 users are following.
does sertraline make anybody feel emotionless? it feels like my emotions are numbing and its not a nice feeling. like i cant feel happy or excitement or joy. just sadness and floating through the days
0 likes, 17 replies
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GodsServant matt18802
Edited
Matt, you are DEFINITELY getting better! Remember, I said the transitional phase before returning to your normal life was that period where I felt numb and wanted to cry but couldn't. I called this period "zombiefied." This is completely normal. Just go through the motions and cry if you need to. Eventually, you will like your old self again. 😃
matt18802 GodsServant
Posted
I always appreciate your replies but it really doesnt feel like i am making any progress
GodsServant matt18802
Posted
Matt, please believe me. I went through this. On my last attack, it occurred to me that I go thru these same phases each time I get out of my OCD attack.
This numbness is just a phase before you stop being depressed. I've said this before. Sertraline will help with diminishing the intensity of your OCD thoughts or keep them at bay completely (as in my case, thank God!), but the med takes longer to help with depression.
So, if this was how it was for me, I have a feeling it's probably the same for you. So, please hang in there. Everything takes patience and time. Sending prayers your way.
matt18802 GodsServant
Posted
i do believe you. its just incredibly difficult especially on days like today. i feel so anxious that my skins crawling and have a ball of energy in my chest and keep having bad thoughts like what is the point in living when im never going to be the same and nobody cares about me
GodsServant matt18802
Posted
Matt, you could be throwing yourself a pity party, but what good would it achieve?
I know it's extremely hard, but you have to go on and believe that you will overcome this and you will be able to live with this illness once the med kicks in and your symptoms are at bay. And you have to believe and get hope from someone who has gone through this and who has lived with this illness almost her entire life.
In a few weeks, you will be better, just hang in there and keep yourself as occupied as possible and remember the good times, like how you recently had a good meeting with your friend. You are so very close to seeing the rainbow at the end of the tunnel. Keep the faith.
c53732 matt18802
Posted
hi Matt. l can identify with this. l am having a few awful days at the moment and wondering if it will ever get better. So tired today and heavy headed, Struggling to get through the day.. Just have to believe it will get better.
matt18802 GodsServant
Posted
Maybe I should see a therapist. I dont know how I can move forward with my life whilst having these thoughts that im not straight. Like how can I ever find the woman of my dreams and start a family if i dont even know myself. The thoughts are so powerful and feel real, you must know how that feels 😕
GodsServant matt18802
Posted
Remember, recovery is like a roller coaster. Just hang in there - it will get better. As for seeing a therapist, I think this is a good idea!
Matt, you sound very young. Do NOT lose heart. Just keep taking meds, do talk therapy, and do not worry - always try to think positive.
sandi77808 matt18802
Edited
Based on when I cared for my daughter when she went through this (18 months ago, at age 25) - it was the combination of the meds and therapy that pulled her through. If you can, I highly recommend trying to find a good therapist who will be in your corner, someone you can rely on when you are feeling hopeless and who can give you tools to cope. Remember: THIS WILL NOT LAST AND YOU WILL GET BETTER. Rooting for you xo
c53732 matt18802
Posted
Matt. l don't know how long you have been on sertraline. l am in 12th week at 50mg. Just had/having the most awful day. Getting more difficult to keep taking it but reading other peoples experiences does keep me going.
matt18802 c53732
Posted
12 weeks at 50 3 weeks at 100
c53732 matt18802
Posted
Did your doctor increase the dose? I am speaking to my doctor tomorrow, not sure what to do. GodsServant is so good at replying and she does give people reassurance reassurance.
matt18802 c53732
Posted
he increased me about 6 weeks in but i waited on 3 months to see if I would get away with 50. but i wasnt
andrew84761 matt18802
Posted
yes I feel that way too. I thought it was just me. Are you feeling any shortness of breath and chest pain too? Some days are so long I'm trying to change my thoughts from " this is never going to change " to. I'm lucky to be alive and have family that loves me. I have a great job and live in a nice part of town. I AM NOT MY THOUGHTS!! Thoughts are stories that our mind makes up. And the emotion with feeling from that thought is clueless. Feelings are what we put on our thoughts and emotions. But those feeling can be misdirected and misinterpreted. Please look at all the good things you have. Family is the most important!
andrew84761
Posted
I'm only on 25 mg daily for 1 1/2 years every time I increase my dose I get very severe chest discomfort. I tried going up slowly with liquid and still had problems. So everyone on here has had some trouble adjusting to med changes.
matt18802 andrew84761
Posted
yeah i get the chest tightness. Literally all my problems are all in my head like my life is so good and im privileged but no matter how hard i try to convince myself that i haven't got any worries and im fortunate for what i have it wants to turn anything into a negative.
andrew84761 matt18802
Posted
just remember they’re just thoughts. Your mind is making up the stories that aren’t true. You are in charge not your thoughts. Whenever I thought like that comes in that’s negative. just let it go don’t grab onto it and turn it over in your mind. That’s the worst thing you can do. Buddy I’m here and I know I have those damn thoughts. You have to also build your confidence back up again that you can beat this. Life is not easy and there will be struggles like we’re dealing with right now. Medication can help yet it still has to have you use your free will. God gave us free will. So whenever you think of a negative thought. like life is too hard I’m never gonna get out of this. I’m gonna be stuck like this forever. And say to yourself can I get up and be bad.? can you show me what bad looks like or can you show me what good looks like. It’s all in how we were taught to perceive our emotions and our feelings. You may feel down and we think that’s a bad emotion.. It’s bracing for a bad situation That will never come. It’s all in our minds and we have control over what we will latch onto and think about or let go. Sorry Matt I’m just rambling but you know where I’m coming from.