week 5

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi i have had depression for about 8 weeks now. The gp put me on sertraline 4 weeks ago. I suffered with really bad side effects dizziness,wanting to run away no motivation etc. However, their was light at the end of the tunnel and i felt lots of positive changes. I rate myself on a weekly basis and 2 weeks ago i was rating my mood at a big fat 0 but last week i was on a high at a number 7. I had even visited work and was arranging to go back in 2 weeks as everything was positive. Now this week i am feeling myself slip backover and now i would say its getting worse i would say between a 2/3. I went back to gp yesterday and he did say i would have highs and lows. I was just wondering had anyone else felt like they were on the mend then took a step back. I am feeling so anxious i hate this.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Marie,

    Today I am starting week 5 on sertraline! You can read my post for more info.. But I have experience ups and downs and been told by doctor that it's normal, and that it's still early days on this medication, I think having mostly good days and the odd bad day shows that is starting to have a positive effect! Keep in touch!

    Dannielle

  • Posted

    Hi, I had the same. Weeks 1-2 awful, 3-4 felt better and then 5-6 felt anxious again - that then made me feel low and stressed as I thought I was slipping back and they weren't working. From week 7 onwards I barely had any side effects and felt fine!

    So yes, there are ups and downs but just work through them and remember it won't last forever.

    I was on them for a year and now off for 2 months, they really worked for me and sorted out my life!

  • Posted

    I just feel so tearful and want to crawl in a ball i hate this especially when i could see the positives last week. going from a 0 to a 7 now back down to a 2 out of 10 within 2 weeks is soul destroying
    • Posted

      Hi Marie,

      It is normal to have hiccups in our journey back to health. It's not always an upward journey, but does have twists and turns along the way. This is just a pause in your journey and not back to square 1. I'm not minimising how you are feeling. Our expectations are very high and we want to regain our health as quickly as possible. Any setback feels like a crushing blow but try to change your perception of it. It doesn't undo all the progress you have made. Believe in yourself and trust yourself. The pills are just a stepping stone - you deserve the credit for coming this far but you are not to blame when the brain chemicals become unbalanced. Try to be positive and move forward on your journey when you feel able to do so.

      Good luck! xx

  • Posted

    Hi marie, sounds like you are having a really tuff time, try not to think about the tablets to much plan something to do force yourself to do it just a small thing, keep focus on other things and try to chat with people, maybe you should reduce the dose and built up as you go along the side effects arnt as bad, but do speak to your doctor about how you are feeling, best of luck.

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