Need to call my doctor tomorrow

[DueyCheatemAndHow]

I'm so scared.

I'm on 10mg of citalopram that he prescribed me unhappily. I've been on it for months. But I'm no better. I have good days but I have bad days too. I shouted at my 3 year old today and when I apologised he said 'you didn't mean to shout' - that's how many times he has heard this.

I'm utterly exhausted and my mother is addicted to antidepressants after being on them for 50 years. I'm terrified.

Your mother would have probably been on very old fashioned treatment like diazepam or temazepam; they’re very addictive. Newer drugs like Citalopram are completely different. You’re also on a small dose, it might need to be increased.

Definitely talk to your Gp. And as poster above said, modern anti depressants are non addictive. I’d be very surprised if your mother was actually addicted to whatever she’s currently prescribed

I reluctantly started on 10mg Citalopram. It helped for a few months, then I went up to 20mg. That helped for another 2-3 months. I then increased to 30mg and that's when my life started again. I started to live instead of just existing. Please see your gp about adjusting your dose, do not think your Mother's experience will be yours. I was on Citalopram for a few years then I was fine without. It helps when you need it and that doesn't necessarily mean you will have to rely on it longterm.

Hello lovely- tomorrow please get an appt with your GP.

Im a mental health nurse - and the dose you are on is below the therapeutic level- you need to be on 20mg.

Citalopram is a good drug so stick with it .

No antidepressants are addictive , i assure you and there is nothing wrong with being on them for years .

Its no different than you if you needed medication for diabetes.

You will feel better- you just need your dose increasing.

And then you must stay on them for at least 6 months

I'm so frightened of so many things. Frightened that this is just how I am. Frightened that I've damaged my son. Frightened that it won't work. Frightened that I'll have a battle to make him raise it

I know it's difficult Duey, but try and calm yourself if you can. Remember, FEAR stands for "False Evidence Appearing Real". Say that to yourself. It's always worse in your mind than what it actually turns out to be at the end.
And it doesnt have to be a case of "it's just the way I am". Things can change, and you can change and overcome your situation. Just the fact that you are worried that you might be "damaging your son" shows that you are a good person who cares about your son. You're OK, and you don't have to be frightened. Thinking of you xx

Tell the doc those things.

From what you've said anxiety is a big issue and that's different.

Be honest.

Don't worry.

The drugs have not helped. Tell him that you are ANXIOUS.

Maybe depressed as well but they have different treatments.

Make sure to use the word anxious.

You are fine. Your worries are not realistic.

Good luck.

Anti depressants ideally for most people.

Give you s lift, you feel a bit more normal, so behave in ways that are more positive. And then you gradually come off.

It is not a forever thing always.

What is going on in your life? I lost the plot totally with pregnancy. Hormones. Thought people wanted to kill me. Didn't go out. Stared at the wall all day.

It took a long time but I got better.

You can too.

Think when it started. Or anything in your life that is shit.

Anxiety is a different ball game. Say that word to him.

It's ok. Really. It's one chat with a person.

You can do it.

Be honest.

I can identify with all of your fears and reading your posts takes me right back to my own times of worry and anxiety. I can tell you I’m out the other side of it now.
Do you have support around you?
The doctor appointment is a good plan.
Antidepressants are not addictive so you’ll be fine on that count.
I hope things get better soon for you.

Please don’t be scared to ring GP, they started you on a low dose to see how you got on, but once they know it’s not working as well as it could, they will increase it and hopefully you will see improvements to your anxiety in the coming months. They can’t help if you don’t contact them, but in my experience they are only too happy to help.