To think I'm being paranoid?

[pamelat]

I started taking st johns wort 3 weeks ago to help with mild depression, which had manifested itself in how I was not coping with my children v well, aged 4 and 23 months

I have had supportive advice on a separate thread and think I can cope with the AIBU direct approach. I can still smile at my own short comings ...

I just feel that these short comings have increased. I feel calmer, but apparently the herbal remedy doesn't work yet so that may be a placebo? I feel it's genuine though.

However, i had one bad drunken incident after only one week of taking them where I over drank socially (not down that since pre kids!!) and found that I got quite upset but it manifested itself in verbal anger. I convinced myself that some woman was only talking to us because she fancied DH!! I actually think she did but can laugh at how silly I was to assume it?

Since then, I feel calm and life with my little ones iscalmer and easier. I am making a big effort to not shout at them or DH. I was just not coping before
But now I feel odd socially. 2 acquaintances have said I seem quiet, 1 said I seemed a bit dazed?

I just feel like I'm boring and have nothing to say. Even people that I am normally comfortable around have made me feel uneasy. Its like I have been more introvert.

I am quite quiet anyway but have just stated to feel too under scrutiny in public? Still going to everything but AIBU to think this herbal remedy could make me feel like this?!!!

I don't want to stop taking it as enjoying calmer feeling with mychikdren who are a lot more important than my social life!!

Also thinking more and more about how I don't have proper friends and a bit sad about friendships lost along the years ...

Actually, you don't sound paranoid, you sound depressed. I really would go and see someone about it. I'm not saying you have to take more orthodox medication, but it really sounds as though you need someone to talk to.

my husband reacts very badly to st johns wort, he took it because he was feeling depressed, and it made him feel much much worse.. have you seen your GP? that might be the best course of action.

It's hard to say. Possibly if you feel less depressed, you now have more mental energy to worry about your social life. But it's not impossible the SJW is having some negative effect on you, as not all anti-depressants suit everyone, even the prescribed ones. I'ld be inclined to stop the SJW gradually, then either go to the docs rather than self-medicate or if you really didn't want to for whatever reason, look at lifestyle change - less junk food, more exercise etc and maybe some v v mild stuff like calming herbal teas.

btw I had an adverse reaction to SJW that I have never had with conventional ADs, I had this awful tic where I had to keep stroking my chin .

I'm not sure AIBU is the best place for this, given that you're clearly feeling so tender.

But that said...

• 3 weeks probably a bit soon to judge the effects of the StJW
• it sounds like it didn't mix well with the alcohol... maybe best to lay off drinking for a bit?

Could you just be looking for something to feel anxious about?

Are you anxious normally?

Sometimes if you've been stressed and it goes, it can leave a gap where those thoughts would have been and you look round for something else to fill the gap - like you don't trust that it's OK to feel content and calm, there must be something.

I agree with those advising you to see your GP, it sounds like you need a little support. Best of luck.

I've got a history of depression and anxiety and have always steered well clear of St Johns Wort. From what I've read of it, it can help done people but make some people's symptoms worse. My GP described it as a 'dirty' drug. What helped me was a combination of antidepressants and counselling. Last time I struggled, I was very paranoid and stressed but a course of counselling alone I wasn't keen to have antidepressants as I'm ttc was incredibly effective. I would echo the suggestions to go to your GP to discuss possibilities of medications and ask for a counselling referral. I hope you feel better soon.

And if it's any consolation. I feel odd socially now too. Or maybe just different. Since DS my life has changed totally and I'm afraid I've lost one very old friend who just didn't get that I couldn't chat on the phone for hours at a time anymore.

I still seem to have baby brain and my conversation skills have left me totally unable to talk to other adults. God only knows how I manage to work (albeit part time).

Be kind to yourself. You do sound a little depressed and there's no shame speaking to your GP. I've been on anti-depressants in the past and had counselling (bereavement related) and they both helped me.

Good luck.

Thank you

I will stop posting in here but just to say thank you

Ds was up for 5 hours in the night (!!) so had a lot of thinking time. I'm going to stop them and try my GP. The problem with that's that I have been twice before, when ds was tiny, and they said I was fine and it was normal to be down/anxious with a baby

My grandparents passed away 2 years ago and never really got over that, was pregnant with ds. The sadness is quite intense over them, even though I know they were elderly/ill etc

Dh great practically but doesnt understand emotional things. He's so rational and thinks I should pull myself together, which obviously I want to!!!

I also need more sleep. Thank you

Ah the old pull yourself together chestnut. Not quite as simple as that! Can DH help out to let you get more sleep? Could he take DS out for a bit this afternoon so you could have a nap?
Try your GP again but if there's no joy there, go to a different GP. Feelings like this shouldn't be dismissed! If you're still struggling with a bereavement from two years ago, I think counselling might help you to deal with your feelings but also think about how you will move on. Hope you get the help you need.

not paranoid. and possibly not depressed either. just low in self-esteem at the moment. being calm with your children is great - give yourself a pat on the back. thinking your oh is attractive enough for some other woman to fancy him - great, good for his ego and for yours because you're the one he's with. counselling is always worth a try. even if it doesn't seem to work immediately, it has long term benefits. good luck.

www.drugs.com/food-interactions/st-john-s-wort.html you shouldn't drink alcohol while taking St. Johns' wort, or certainly not in excess. It also has many drug interactions and side effects so read around this website.

You probably should see your GP, and be perhaps more honest? By which I mean, don't downplay your symptoms (something that so many people do when they see the GP, like they don't want to be a bother) - be completely open about how you're feeling and your support (or lack of) in the home.

"Pull yourself together" is about as useful a comment as a chocolate teapot would be.