I have been having increasing anxiety over the past couple of months. I am in a new relationship with a guy who is wonderful and kind but I am being constantly plagued by thoughts that I am not good enough for him. I also feel like I will fail at my career and that my life is generally hopeless. I went to the GP and scored 14 on the anxiety scale which is the top end of moderate and almost in the severe category (though it’s probably higher because I said I never felt irritable but realised later that I do!). I was prescribed citalopram 20mg and took a tablet yesterday. Initially I felt a bit spaced out which made me feel calm. However a few hours later my anxiety was back more intense than ever. I had a largely sleepless night and feel awful and panicky today. I am due to take the second pill in an hour or so. I’ve taken the day off work.
How long did it take to feel better on citalopram for those who have taken it? Did it help with intrusive thoughts over the longer term?
I am also having counselling privately but have only had a couple of sessions so far where I spent quite a bit of time crying.