It's all a bit too much right now

[Shesellsseashellsontheseasure]

I've been on sertraline for 6 weeks, first time I've ever tried SSRIs but I probably should have started them years ago. I've struggled with anxiety in the past, but moreso depression recently (2 beautiful little girls later and I'm sure I had PND but didn't act on it very quickly as I don't think I realised how low I felt).

Finally reached out to start antidepressants and my mood has really lifted, which is wonderful, but I'm so super anxious it's impacting my day to day life. I don't go out unless I have to, I can't focus at work, I'm irritable around my family, I just want to crawl in a cave and hide. I am working full time and although work isn't hugely stressful at the moment I've just found it another thing to add to life which already felt like a lot.

Not really sure why I'm posting. I think I just needed to get it written down.

Offering a wee hand hold.

You said you've been on the sertraline for 6 weeks, usually things are really starting to even out around this stage.

I was on sertraline for 6 months, but I still experienced a fair bit of anxiety, I felt otherwise so much better apart from the anxiety, GP decided that the sertraline wasn't really agreeing with me. I had the option of changing antidepressants or taking an anti anxiety along side them. I chose the latter.

Might be worth going back to your GP for a review.

Hope things get better for you soon 😊

Thank you @Muddlethroughmam I have a review of my meds next week so I'll ask about adding/ swapping as I'm not sure this is working for me. I'm finding life hard right now

I'm really sorry to hear that you are struggling.
If you need it, phone for an emergency mental health appointment.
Antidepressants etc are a bit of a mine field but when you find that one that works it's absolute magic. Everything crossed that you're feeling a bit brighter soon.

I know this may not be helpful but write everything down to take to your appointment. Your feelings your behaviour around anxiety etc. I do this often when I see my psychiatrist and my cpn. I always forget something I wanted to mention. Good look with your review!

Definitely worth seeing if you can increase the dose especially if you're still on the lower starting dose.

I'm on week 3 of citalopram for severe anxiety and mild depression, same as you I really should have been on them years ago but I was always too afraid to and it was a huge hurdle for me to start them but 3wks in and there is no difference, if anything I may be slightly worse I'm not sure! So going to give it another week and then have a review with my GP, I am loathe to change as I can't bear the side effects again so hoping they just say to increase from 10mg to 20mg.