Day 14. My journey

Hi Phil,

sorry to hear you've been struggling. I would see how the 20mg works at once instead of separately. I feel I haven't been doing good, but in comparison to others I must be. I keep pushing myself. I went to CBT on Saturday, that was ok. Then I dragged my husband into the city for a few drinks and something to eat. Sunday I went to work for an hour then I went to the supermarket, which is a big thing for me, I then cooked breakfast, I also did a roast in the afternoon, something I haven't done for a while and then we put the Christmas decorations up. I still have low mood, even though I'm busier but I'm seeing small jokes appearing and little laughter's. This morning I was tired and I didn't want to go to work so I stayed at home, and then I thought that I was going to have a bad day, but I jumped out of bed mid morning and said I should go to work. I have a spring in my step! My posture has also changed, I'm not into myself, I am sat right up, I. I've seen a little hope today.

Still getting headaches and those muscle twitches, but I'll take them over depression.

Hi Ryan, my side effects haven't really changed, they haven't got worse. I'm trying to forget that I'm taking medications and just get on with it.

Day 20. Not as much energy today which I have to expect but I've still come to work, less muscle twitches but still have headaches. nausea seems to have subsided now. I haven't low low mood today I'm just doing ok, which I will take.

Hi Joanne, gosh you're doing really well so far at 3 weeks in! I think you're going to respond well to this stuff, I've seen an article on my journey that said if some patients started getting mild side effects and some relief early in the treatment, it often is very successful, so all the best. I think one of the other factors in your recovery is that you've got loads of distractions to focus on instead of the effects of the drugs, that's a huge help. Please don't be too worried if you do get a bit of a downer suddenly (a "blip" as it's called on here!), that's normal too, even after you've started feeling much better - they can last a few hours, days or sometimes a bit longer - it happened to me in week 7, and I was so disappointed and frustrated by it, thinking all that time was wasted, and that the drug would never work. Actually the drug was still working behind the scenes, just a bit slow, still rebuilding my neural pathways and transmitters with the lovely serotonin apparently. I'm just coming up from it this week, and starting to feel quite good at last. There's so many side effects that are often unique to the individual, but probably caused by the drug. They will pass off in time, again that depends on the person. I'm pretty sure you'll do fine, so don't stop taking the pills!! If you feel you're truggling at any point, just get on here and let us know, at least we can offer some support & understanding of what you're going through - better than many other in fact, as we're going through it at different stages too. Best Wishes.

Day 21, up for work again, I started with energy now I feel so tired, unsure if I've caught what y daughter has. Feeling a bit meh today, I don't know if I'm down or not. A little unsure what the feeling is. Keep battling on.....

feeling low today. no energy. I came home from work yesterday afternoon around 1pm and just slept until now 11am. I'm hoping I've come down with something. Fingers crossed x

Day 23. Very anxious this morning. I threw myself into work early this morning. I have 2 parts to my job. The office part and the physical side of things, where I like to help out. Today I did the physical side so kept really busy all morning. I think it does our minds good to distract it from our mental health problems because by 10am the anxiety had gone. I must go to work every day as its good for my mind instead of stating at home. Hope everyone has a good day. Keep fighting. x

Hi again, you're getting closer to the best Xmas present ever getting past these side effects. They are almost certainly causing all your symptoms now. They will go. I'm starting to feel very different right now, and suddenly today, and have done gradually since last week, much more energy and the anxiety is almost gone, in fact as I write I realize I don't have any, omg!! I know that we can get these blips, and had one a few weeks ago, but now I know what's going on and can deal with it knowing it'll pass off. I even did a 500 mile return drive in 2 days, and even getting kicked off the M4 twice last night didn't bother me, bit of fun getting lost in the Cotswolds! The body produces a lot of cortisol (the fight or flight hormone like adrenaline) in the mornings which can feed the anxiety and make you nauseous, mine was exactly the same, and usually gone by 11am ish. I think you're nearly there if you've had a few glimpses of better things already, just keep on toughing it out. I wouldn't have believed I'd feel like this today if anyone had told me last Monday even!! And it's a Sunday and pouring down outside, but I just went out for a walk and could actually smell and really feel the rain, omg I so hope this is the way it's supposed to be, I've been missing out on so much life for so long, this is a wonder drug when you get there. Keep on going Joanne, you've got to, you've come so far along the journey now it'll be mad to give up now! All the best wishes to you, dig deep.

Day 26, I have no side effects anymore, the nausea and lack of appetite has gone thank god. Ha da few issues at work over the weekend so I have been so busy, I even did a 13 hour shift on Saturday. Had the best sleep Saturday night. I've noticed my energy levels increase, especially this morning. I've been into town to do a few jobs and thought about starting the Christmas shopping and looking forward to it. Good to hear you're doing well Phil.

morning all. How is everyone doing. The forum seems to have gone quiet. Im not jumping for joy yet. Seems a slow process but I'm not having negative thoughts or having doom and gloom.Im going to try another month then increase if need be.

I'm.mid way through my 7th week. This weekend has been a good weekend. yesterday was a very good day and I was super productive and full of energy and for the first time I was happy. I've started to take my medication on a morning now instead of lunch. I feel better on a morning too. I'm still having muscle twitches though.

I also bought a light box. I get really low in the winter, so I was thinking the slow process could be the time of year. I will try anything. hope everyone is doing ok.

feeling really good for the 4th day in a row. I am actually scared. i dont want this feeling to end. I'm so productive and high on life. Hoping it's not mania. I've ofter thought I'm bipolar. my Dr says I would have obvious behaviours. He said it's just me being 'normal' if this is normal I am so envious that people get to experience normality day in day out.