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Feeling a bit defeated

6 replies

CollyWombles · 17/04/2018 20:19

Hey all, I'm on sertraline 50mg for the last eight months, second time round on them. I have had two severe depressive episodes and two small relapses after physical illness.

I'm feeling down today and a bit tearful. A bit self pitying. I'd give anything to be one of those lucky people that never experience anxiety or depression. It feels like I will be medicated for the rest of my life and will always be waiting for the next 'episode'. As depression and anxiety run right through my family, the chances are it's genetic and I don't want to come off the tablets to relapse again.

I also have health anxiety which sertraline helps with but despite the fact I've had four children, one without any pain relief at all, I get stressed at the slightest thing health wise. It feels like most of my life I've been healthy, but this year, there seems to be something every month and I'm so fed up of hearing myself say, I'm tired, I feel sick, I don't feel well. I've had headaches on and off for a month and weird pain in my right leg when in bed at night. My wisdom tooth is pushing through the back of my gun and it hurts, but I'm so terrified of the dentist, I haven't been in over ten years. It's not the work or injections that scare me it's sedation. Ever since I was 4 and had a traumatic experience with a GA, I cannot stand the thought of any sort of sedation. Even at my worst with depression I flat out refused to take diazepam.

I guess I'm just feeling sorry for myself and wish I took health things in my stride like other people. I'm tired of feeling tired, I'm tired.of worrying if a sad day means my tablets aren't working and a relapse is imminent. I'm tired of living my life in fear really.

Just needed to sound off, thanks for reading.

OP posts:
Aw12345 · 17/04/2018 20:24

:-( really sorry to read about how you've been struggling :-( Have you been to Dr recently to see if they can help anymore? Sounds like you've had a really tough time.

Are you looked after by specialist mental health team?

Pob13 · 17/04/2018 20:28

Hi, I have been on sertraline for 10+ years ranging from 50mg to 250mg. Im currently in quite a stable place so 50mg is enough to keep me level. However if times are tough I increase to 100mg (obviously with support from GP). Have you thought about increasing your dose? It might be that you need a bit more to keep you a bit more stable and then things might see a bit easier to deal with.

CollyWombles · 17/04/2018 20:36

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate them. The first time I was on sertraline it was 100mg for a year and a half, I stopped taking them without any tapering yet didn't have any withdrawal symptoms what so ever, which makes me wonder if sertraline just stops working for me after a while.

I haven't spoke to my doctor, I'm actually considering a change in surgery as the fantastic doctor I had left and my new doctor, he told me antidepressants are placebos which they most definitely are not! My new doctor seems to think everything is as a result of the anxiety, but I've lived with anxiety most of my life and I know when something is anxiety and when it's not.

I'm just about to finish my notice at my job of two years to be a SAHM for a few months then start university after the summer. I love my colleagues and my customers so its possible I'm just feeling sad about the changes that are coming.

I've been so proud of myself to recover on 50mg, it feels like a step back taking more though I know that's daft. I'm also scared there would be side effects again.

OP posts:
Pob13 · 17/04/2018 20:39

Also, it doesnt matter if you have to be on medication for the rest of your life. If that's what you need to do then thats what you do. Its just like being on medication for a physical illness. I know my depression is genetic, and not due to some hideous childhood experience. once I realised that, i was able to come to terms with being on medication long term. Of course I would like to come off it one day, and i have tried, but i spiral quite quickly. It's not worth it.

CollyWombles · 17/04/2018 20:48

Unfortunately, whilst the depression and anxiety is likely genetic, I have also had probably more than my fair share of trauma since childhood to present really. I have had some counselling but private and couldn't afford it for long, NHS waiting list is massive and to be honest, I think it would take a lot of counselling to sort through things. I don't drink as unfortunately a lot of my family have drink problems as a result of trying to self medicate for the most and my DH is a recovering alcoholic. I think I could end up going the same way one day so I just don't drink at all.

I'm remarried now and this year so far has been much calmer and settled than my life has been for years. It's almost like I don't know how to be or what to do when there isn't something to be stressed about.

OP posts:
wfrances · 17/04/2018 20:49

ive also resigned to the fact i will have to be in therapy and have to take meds for the rest of my life - its a daily struggle.
i seem to be getting worse , i dont know what might be left to try ...
im waiting to see the consultant .

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