I have suffered from anxiety for years... but can't work out what to do about it. I have 4 young dc, and have found it increasingly difficult to cope on a day-to-day basis with the simple tasks of running the home, and managing my (part-time) job. It all came to a head a few weeks ago, and I went to pieces. I ended up going to the GP and describing how I couldn't concentrate, kept making mistakes, kept feeling upset/emotional, couldn't keep things in proportion etc. She suggested I try sertraline to 'take the edge' off the anxiety. I was thinking that that sounded great, and was willing to give it a go. I had a horrible week of headaches and feeling like a zombie, but then things seemed a bit more normal. I was reviewed by my GP after 3 weeks and told her my anxiety didn't really seem any different, but she explained that it might take longer to take effect, and was reluctant to increase the dosage, which I agreed with.
Now, another 3 weeks on, I am wondering if these drugs are actually doing anything. I'm constantly tired - my jaw is aching from yawning constantly. I can't seem to get motivated to do anything. I get up, get the children their breakfast, do the school run... and then it all sort of collapses. I don't leave the house, and basically just procrastinate and feel guilty until it is time to pick up my 6 year old and 4 year old from school. I am trying to 'relax' more but am so overwhelmed with chores like washing/cooking/cleaning that I don't really think about myself and what I'd like to do, and when it comes to the evening and the dc are in bed, I'm usually in bed myself by about 8.30pm. I tell myself I'll just watch something mindless on tv to relax, but end up falling asleep. I'm not sure what to do. On the one had I could ask the GP about stopping the meds (I know I can't just suddenly stop them) or she might suggest increasing the dose. Does anyone who has been here before have any suggestions for getting motivated and making changes to deal with stress/anxiety? I know CBT might help change my thinking patterns, but my GP seems to think that I need to think about making time for myself more and taking a break... she doesn't seem to think this stems from the way I think... Sorry this is long and rambling - I just hope someone else can come along and offer some insight/thoughts. Thankyou.