For the past several years I have cycled in and out of depression and anxiety, and thus far have been unable to find any lasting fix. When Tage was almost three months old, I started having panic attacks and general anxiety that all but sidelined me for a couple of months. I was extremely fortunate and got good treatment that included talk therapy with a wonderful psychologist, and started feeling better relatively quickly. It took me a while to realize, however, that although the anxiety had tapered off significantly, the depression was still there.
With winter looming in the not-so-distant future, I have been able to feel myself going into a down cycle again, and I can hardly bear the thought of another winter like last winter. In an effort to stop this downward trend in its tracks, I started taking the anti-depressant Zoloft on Saturday, and I’m very hopeful that it will help me get back to normal and stay there. It’s too early yet for me to feel any positive effects, but I am having some side effects (headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and just an overall weird sensation in my head that’s hard to explain). It’s a bit annoying, but nothing major, and in a strange way I welcome the side effects, because they feel to me like proof that the medicine is working in my body. I’m not exactly sure what to expect and when to expect it, as far as the “real effects” go, because the only other times I’ve been on anti-depressants I didn’t take them long enough for them to work their magic.
I was put on Zoloft a year after my daughter was born. The doc diagnosed it as post-partum, but in hindsight, I think he got it wrong. I did feel better for awhile but the side effects really sucked. The worst thing was no libido. I mean total zero. I didn’t enjoy my fave romantic films or books. I was glad to get off those pills.
Hopefully you’ll fare much better. Glad you can recognize the downward spiral. I rarely do until I’m actually at the bottom. Take care of yourself sweetie!
I was on Zoloft for a few months after being hospitalized for severe depression. Yes, I was locked up! I decided to go off of it myself, which I would not advise to anyone else. Now I am fine though. I did like the medication while I was on it. It also made my first move to Sweden (1996) go a lot smoother I am sure.
I hope it works out for you, I know how awful the depression can be…
I have been on anti-depressant meds too, not Zoloft though. I know what it’s like to battle depression, and I hope this medicine will help you. For me it’s the other way around with the seasons – I tend to feel better during fall and winter. I’m weird, I know. 🙂
Anyway, sending some big hugs your way and keeping my fingers crossed that the medication will help you go in the right direction!
Thanks, everyone! I’m feeling really optimistic about this, and hope it’s only a hint of good feelings to come!
I suffer from depression too (unfortunately runs in my family). I take Prozac and haven’t had any side effects with it. I wish you the best with the Zoloft. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t hesitate to let your doctor know. Different meds can be given to help. 🙂