Take Sertraline or not

[buggeringbuggery]

I am incredibly low right now. Last week I actually did something that went beyond SH, but no one would know.

I have Bipolar and PTSD (and others), but also think I am menopausal (didn't think I had missed a period yet, but my daughter has had two since I last had one).

I've lost a parent and sibling in the last 18 months and a child 9 years ago.

I've put on a ton of weight very recently. I always put on weight when down, as I crave sweet food. When I am 'happy', I tend to lose weight.

This has been compounded by the fact that I can not exercise right now. Someone broke my leg years ago and the bone suffered from malunion. Now my ankle and foot joints have collapsed and my hips and knees are out of alignment. Walking - or putting weight on it - causes severe pain and it gives way. My other leg is now double the size.

What's worse is I won't leave the house. Right now I am avoiding phone calls from my mum or sister. I was talking to a CPN, but then cancelled, saying it was too hard to talk on the phone.

Realistically I know that I need Sertraline as the other pills are just not cutting it, but I'm scared they will put more weight on (though they haven't in the past). I also know that not wanting to do anything but lie on the sofa is not sustainable, and awful for DD.

So, should I just suck it up and take them?

Sorry, that was way too long. Basically I just want to know if it's worth taking Sertraline, even though I'm scared.

Anyone take it?

Yes. You should take it. You feel awful right now and the professionals have assessed you and think sertraline is the right thing - give it a go - you deserve to feel better than this.
I‘ m currently taking a different antidepressant and mood stabiliser and empathise with the worry about taking meds but I’m honestly so glad I did.
lots of hugs to you. Xx

@Cowardlytiger Thank you. I used to take it. I take Lithium, but that's not helping now. I just worried that adding that into the mix would make weight worse, but I can't bear this half-life, or screaming at my family. Refusing to go on days out, etc. Thank you again.

You do deserve better than this. Can I also suggest you make contact with your CPN again? I think the odds of sertraline affecting your weight are small and your mental well-being is the most important thing.