Information / Ideas / Help

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi,

Looking for information / opinion / ideas / experience really.....

I have had depression for around 18 years which has been fairly well controlled by Citalopram. Due to a couple of things but mainly my Mum being diagnosed with heart failure my mental health took a severe 'nose dive' and i seemed to start with all the hallmark signs of G.A.D and Panic. On boxing day i attended on out of hours doctors and was pescribed Sertraline 50mg and a beta blocker (i also had / have high blood pressure.) I was told to stop taking my Citalopram 20mg and take the Sertraline instead. Initially i seemed to feel ok but the anxiety seemed to get stronger ans stronger. My Doctor authorised an increase to 100mg Sertraline around 26th January but i don't feel it is helping or almost doing anything at all.

Fast forward to today. I have been signed off work and am awaiting an appointment with a Therapist for i'm guessing CBT. I am struggling to sleep due to anxiety and feel down and depressed (but im unsure if the depression is due to exhaustion with dealing with quite severe G.A.D it would appear).

Few questions i had are :

Is around 6 weeks long enough on Sertraline to justify trying something else or do i need to give it longer ?

Also any ideas / suggestions / thoughts about coping with G.A.D / sleeping issues ?

NB : My Doctor pescribed Diazepram (15 tablets only) 07.02.22 - to help with sleep / take the edge off Anxiety temporarily as i am really struggling with sleep and anxiety around going to sleep.

Many Thanks in advance for any replies

J

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    i’m sorry you are going through all of this. I know it must be difficult for you. Is the diazepam helping at all with sleep? of course you can’t depend on that over a long course of time.

    The only way I can get to sleep is by taking a warm bath followed by listening to a soothing meditation for sleep. I never make it through the whole meditation because I fall asleep.

    I can’t just lay down and go to sleep without listening to something soothing otherwise I would just lay there and think and become anxious. Sometimes I also use white noise sound which is very soothing.

    also stay away from caffeine or anything that’s sugary before you go to bed.

    And usually doctors will say give the medication 6 to 8 weeks to fully kick in but just let your doctor know if it’s not working or you’re feeling very anxious.

    glad you’re going to talk to a therapist. It’s good to vent to somebody else and get the help and support you need.

    Just try to take one day at a time and don’t overthink things. Enjoy things in the present moment because that’s all we have. No matter how difficult things are, always remember to remind yourself of what you are grateful for. Most of all take care of yourself. That way you can help other people. ❤

  • Posted

    I can't really speak to any of your medication related questions, but I can make suggestions about sleep, if you're not opposed to the ideas.

    I personally have a weighted blanket, I think of it as similar to a thunder jacket that dogs and cats wear. It makes me feel all snuggly and helps me stay still so I can sleep. I don't have a heavy one, they come in varying weights, I think mine is the most lightweight one they make in an adult size. If you don't mind smells at night, I know they make lavender and other relaxing scent sleep sprays for your pillow at night.

    😃

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