AIBU to report myself to social services for help?

[Username1995]

NC for this.

I almost lost my life a couple of months ago and it has taken it's toll on my already fragile mental health, culminating in a breakdown. I've been diagnosed with PTSD.

I have an almost two year old and a very young baby and I'm struggling to make it through the days when dad is at work, I'm terrified of being alone indoors and won't go out alone with the DC either. I have one relative who supports now and then but is unreliable and very flaky.

Health visitor isn't too bothered, echoed to chat to the GP which I have.

Doctor has prescribed sertraline but warned it's likely to make me worse before I get better, so for that reason I don't feel able to start the course being in sole care of two very young children. For people who are not SAHM's and in work the general advice is to book the week off while adjusting to the AD's, but I can't do that with children. I am waiting for counselling.

I'm on the verge of calling social services and telling them I can't cope and need some support. But is that a bad idea? I know of some horror stories where they're concerned, including my own experiences previous.

I've been perched on the sofa since 9am like a nervous wreck. DH is sympathetic but doesn't feel able to take time off work.

WWYD?

In answer, I found sertraline made me have really strange dreams, I felt a bit numb and my anxiety also spiked. However I had a good friend who’d also experienced these side effects and constantly reassured me it would get better. Otherwise I would have given up.

Doctors often prescribe Diazepam which can help in these initial weeks. You could ask your gp? It was ok though... I cared for my toddler alone and got through it and I still take 50mg per day a few years on. It’s been a life changer.

I just valued the support at the time of someone just saying everything I was feeling was normal and would pass!

Good luck OP- it doesn’t get harder than this

Hey OP, I felt very similar 5 weeks ago and was prescribed sertraline, I experienced no side effects at all and they have definitely helped! I'd really encourage you to start as soon as you can, sending you hugs xxx

I've been on various different antidepressants and anti anxiety medications for most of my adult life and am currently on Venlafaxine. A lot of medications which can cause insomnia as a side effect suggest that you take them in the morning. I have some amazing dreams! 😁 None of them are perfect but they will really improve your life.

Start the sertraline. I was in your shoes. It's absolutely bloody brilliant, has completely changed my life.

Good luck, I hope you start today, or very, very, soon.

I had sertraline yonks ago, not on it anymore.

My GP told me just to be careful in the first two weeks because they give you energy first, just before they change your mood, which is why these types of medicines have lots of warnings on them. Because if you still feeling terrible, then you suddenly have more energy, sometimes people feel energetic enough to be motivated into suicidal acts. So it was more about remembering that if you feel a bit more energy, it’s a really positive sign, and hold on because your mood will feel better any day and you’ll be able to cope very soon, you just need to hang on a tiny bit longer...

I found that useful when I started the tablets, as when I had a particularly bad moment (which probably had nothing to do with the tablets or side effects really, just feeling bad cos I was really suffering at that time)... anyway, I’d say to myself ‘oooh, this is good, this means I’m closer to feeling better’

You can do this, but you won’t get to the other side unless you set off across that bridge xxx

You can do this OP. I needed sertraline when my babies were about 6weeks and 23 months and I was scared of taking them but I got precisely 2 side effects - one was clenching my jaw (very common and if you’re aware of it you can try techniques to stop it) and weird kind of colourful (but pleasant) dreams for a few weeks. That was it. After about a month I felt OK again, then my dose was upped twice ending up at 150mg and I felt good it was a revelation! They honestly saved my life.
So please give the tablets a good try - don’t be scared, you can try others if they don’t agree with you, you can see your GP or have a phone consultation with them if you’re worried about the effects.

Also one thing you said about your DH struck me as I felt similar - you said how can he leave you in charge of 2 young children when you’re almost having a nervous breakdown. And I really can relate to this. I think that part of it is that you are struggling internally (I was the same) and you’re obviously very strong so your husband is not seeing how unwell you really are. My DH really didn’t ‘get’ how unwell I was either, when it’s an illness you can’t see, it’s hard to understand.
Anyway, huge hugs and support from me. I’ve been there, I’ll never be 100% right but I am SO much better, you will also be so much better too

Also I advise you to take the tablets at night - that way you can sleep (hopefully) through the worst of the effects.

@Username1995 hope you have found the strength to start the sertraline today. I got bad anxiety whilst pregnant and I took have a tablet (25mg) from 25 weeks pregnant. The only side effect I had was palpitations (very mild) and it is amazing how fast you begin to feel normal again.

Be kind to yourself for the next 4 weeks don't do anything you don't feel ready for and just allow them to work, they probably saved my life

I take sertraline and they didn’t make me feel worse they do take a couple of weeks off actually start kicking in but once they do you will feel a lot lot better I was in your shoes 2 years ago and even though I still haven’t managed to get back to work my anxiety is a million times better than it was and mum depression isn’t as bad I still have good days and bad days. Start taking the tablets and then see how you feel in a months time when they have started working.

Just want to add my support and send you some

You’ll come through this tough time and be so proud of yourself. Glad you’re going to start the meds. Keep on keeping on

Taking it has been the best thing ever for me

Good luck!

Echoing above don't take herbal stuff with it, get homestart ref and speak to your health visitor about short term help like home start, is there anything else in the area or childcare funding.

If you can stretch to a crèche or childminder for a couple hours toddler free get some headspace and a coffee

Make the most of your time when dh is home with the kids to get out a walk round the block a quick 20 min mile with music blasting in your ear and fresh air away from kids can make a huge difference

How is it looking @Username1995? Have you plucked up the courage yet?