Starting to struggle again

Hi there,

5 weeks at the 100mg is not quite enough time to feel the full therapeutic effect so don’t give up. This is the hardest thing you will do. Even after 16 weeks at 100mgs I still can have an off day or two. But I assure you it does get better! I sometimes take Tylenol PM before bed to ensure a full 6-7 hrs of sleep. The awful sleep seems to be a constant with this medicine. Morning exercise helps keep the anxiety at bay. 

Hang on in there, you will get there! I am 10 weeks in, starting to feel much better. It is early days. You WILL get better. 

Hi,

Thanks for the encouragement. I just don't know how to pick myself up. The past few days have knocked me sideways. I really feel I can't take anymore knock backs. I've tried counselling, CBT, reiki, massage, meditation all in the past and recently and just can't get any of these to work. I really don't know how much more I can take...so sorry guys to he so down. It's been the worst 3 months ever. I just don't know who I am anymore and how to beat this. I really really have tried. A week ago I went on a bus into town and felt okay. A week later I feel that I'm lost and with The symptoms of anxiety back, I really can't take much more, just want a life, but I'm lost again. Think people would be better off if I just was not around. Everything scares me again. Can't even bring myself to go outside today and I have to try and go back to work tmoz. Hate this hate it hate it hate it. 

Hi Richard, I wanted to post a reply to give you some comfort that your not alone, I was similar to you and couldn't see any light from this awful illness, I started on 50mg last July and after 8 weeks of hell I slowly started to fell myself again, that lasted for around 2 months, and then I crashed back down in early November, my dose was upped to 100mg and that again took around 6 weeks until just before Xmas I felt the depression and anxiety lift again and was doing great for the next few months, then around mid February I woke up one morning and felt dreadful again, I couldn't work out how the meds could suddenly stop being effective, I was told by my GP to increase again to 150mg which I have been taking for the last few weeks and this week have started to feel slightly better again, still struggling to get a restful nights sleep and get quite hot and sweaty when stressed, but the racing thoughts and dread have decreased in the last couple of days, I know its really tough as believe me I have been there, and still wonder if the meds will continue to work, but stick with it and hopefully over the next week or so you will start to improve, its very frustrating when you think your feeling better and then you feel crap again, I have wondered if diet and smoking have effected the meds, so I plan to try a eat a bit healthier and see how that goes, stay in touch as you need the support of others to help you get through this difficult period.

Hi Richard, what you describe is exactly like I have been through, so I can really relate to everything you describe, I too tried acupuncture and CBT, nothing worked until the meds kicked in, I would say give it another week on 100mg and you should start to feel some relief from this awful illness, if you feel you cannot return to work then call them and explain how bad you are, I was off work last summer for 9 weeks, I just want to give you some hope as I know how hard it can be but you will start to feel better, 5 weeks is probably not enough time for the Sertraline to have worked its way into your system, if you need a chat then e-mail me and I would be happy to give you a call to reassure you that things will improve, you need all the support you can get and I know exactly how it feels, stay strong and take care of yourself.

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Hi Richard, I’m so sorry you’re going through such a hard time but please be compassionate with yourself.  You are not alone!  You WILL get through this!

I know it’s hard to return to work when you’re not yourself.  Just take it one moment at a time.  Try to go for walks and practice focusing on your breath when the anxiety escalates, tell yourself you’ll be okay, it will pass.

So many of us have gone through a tough time...I had dark intrusive thoughts too.  I’m now at 100mg for 2 weeks, (increased from 25, 50, 75 over 7 weeks) still have difficult nights and that Adrenalin feeling in my chest.  Energy and motivation is low.

I have improved my diet since my appetite isn’t great, I make smoothies- dumping protein powder (flavoured) flax, loads of spinach and frozen fruit- takes just a minute to whip it up in the blender and I know I’m doing something good for my body.

It takes time, just remember to be kind to yourself- it’s the illness not you and you will feel better soon.

Counting blessings helps too even though you don’t feel blessed there are little things each day we can be thankful for- my therapist recommended hitting down 3 things each day, it’s quick and helps the mind to focus on positives.

There’s also many apps that have guided short meditations - insight timer is good.

Keep reaching out- we’re here for you!

Good luck today you can do it!!

I'm in the same boat Richard. Was feeling great for about a week but this week has been extremely crappy. I'm considering trying a different med instead of upping past 100mg. I've found breathing exercises to be helpful in calming down to a tolerable state of anxiousness but it's still frustrating feeling like this.

Richard, I'm in the same boat. Upped my dose 4 weeks ago today and still feel like I'm at the start. I've had some good days but the last 3-4 days have been so filled with anxiety. I go back to the doctor today to see if this is normal. I also take Buspar for anxiety and will probably have it tweeked. I also feel like I'm letting everyone down and letting myself down. My husband keeps reminding me that I will be fine and will get better. He's being a great support.