Anyone found sertraline helpful even when you can't remove a major problem?

[freckles20]

I've been prescribed sertraline but am afraid to try it.

I've had low level depression for years, but have coped.

Two weeks ago I found my DS has been desperately struggling with his mental health. He is 14. School have been wonderful and organised a counsellor. They've not shared any details other than he is very low and has thought of suicide.

I know anyone would be desperately upset by this.

I'm so confused and frightened that I can barely function. I need to be able to function for DS, to keep a nice atmosphere, decent meals on the table, a clean cheerful home, most of all to show him I love him and I'm right by his side.

But I'm struggling with all of this because I'm so shocked that I can't function.

GP has prescribed sertraline. I feel like maybe it's pointless as it's DS's mental health that has tipped me over the edge, and me taking a pill won't change that, or improve the way he feels.

Secondly, I'm frightened of the side effects. I'm already terrified of what he might do, overthinking, anxious, guilty, paranoid and generally not thinking straight. I've managed to function enough that he's not aware - but What if all this gets worse and I make an even worse job of being a mum due to initial side effects just when he needs me most?

I'm sorry for such a sad thread, but I'm desperate for thoughts and opinions- and maybe hope that the pills might help.

I have a wonderful DH but he works hard over long hours, he's fab with DS but isn't his dad and I do most of the actual parenting.

Hopeful bump

Yes. I have been on and off antidepressants most of my adult life.

Things came to a head this time last year. I just slumped. Kids dad was awol. Ds was self harming. Money issues etc etc.

I had been on and off sertraline at the time. I had it increased to 100 mg and took it every day. My fatigue lifted. And my ability to cope returned and my low mood improved.

Now a year later my gp phoned and asked if I wanted to reduce it. I said no. As I'm ok now for the first time in years and pandemic. Working from home and home schooling. I'm not changing anything. They agreed.

Give it a go. See how you feel in a few weeks.

It will help but can't always see how. About 2 weeks in I realised just how bad I was feeling and sertraline made it easier

Yes. I have been depressed on and off most of my life and preferred to cope and have therapy than take anti-deps, however when I was plummetted into despair by a relationship ending I went to the docs and was prescribed anti-deps. They changed nothing but they took an enormous weight off me at a time when I was in danger of drowning. They saved my life in all probability. I will be forever grateful to myself that I decided to take them. It was Fluoxetine, which is similar. It was definitely the right thing to do in a crisis.
Really hope you feel better soon OP.

Thank you so much for replying.

It's given me some hope to read that antidepressants have helped some people cope with really hard things, without necessarily taking the 'thing' away.

I can get my head around them helping with depression without a specific cause. But helping when life throws seemingly impossible problems at you is more tricky for me to understand.

I just want to be able to function, and see other ways of being rather than at rock bottom.

That's exactly what they helped me do - function. Depression and emotions are so complex OP. Honestly I am forever pleased that I took them just that once, they really helped me turn myself round in all sorts of ways.
I feel for you.

Well depression and anxiety can affect you lots plus the change in hormones and brain chemicals is what sertraline will help with. It doesn't take the stress away but it can help how it affects you x

Sertraline saved my life too! Have been on 100mg for years. I'm too scared to come off them! I have tried, but felt an emotional wreck so decided to stay on them as they help me function and clear headed. Good luck