Published on 12, July, 2020
I’ve got some questions, maybe someone’s got the answers.
I’ve tried to improve my mood. First by taking st.john’s wort and when it didn’t work I tried 5-htp. It didn’t work. Maybe the dose was too low, maybe I should double/triple it.
I have generally low mood (but some days better, some days worse) and I have an anxiety. Anxiety is ruining my life.
It’s not a new issue and I’ve tried CBT and counselling which didn’t help.
NHS CBT was completely useless.
Recently I’ve talked to someone about suicide and they said that it would be worth if I talk to GP and take some medication.
But I’m not sure.
I’m not at imminent risk. I know I might kill myself in the future but I’m not going to do it yet. It’s just an option if the life is too much.
I’ve chosen the method and the thought is comforting.
The thought that I’ve got the way out and that I’m prepared.
But I’m not going to kill myself yet.
I have small children and I’m not going to cause trauma to my children. They are not ready to deal with that.
I’ve been having recurring suicidal thoughts for years.
I’ve never mentioned them in therapy because I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it and I was afraid how they might react.
And now to my questions.
Should I go to GP?
Will they tell anyone?
Are they going to make a big deal out of it?
Or maybe ignore me?
Maybe it’s not worth mentioning at all?
Will I be sent to CBT again?
Offered medication?
Can I choose medication or therapy?
What about side effects of medication?
I’m worried about side effects.
I’ve just sent long message to my GP via askmyGP.
I’m waiting for the reply. Anxiety makes me hard to breathe. But that’s just anxiety so it’s ok.
The waiting is always hard, pleased you've contacted them. Hope they reply quickly.
I’ve just talked to them (online chat) and been prescribed 50mg of setraline. I’ll pick it up tomorrow. And I’m completely freaking out. Breathe in, breathe out, I’ll be fine.
Setraline helped me
My sister takes zoloft and swears by it for her insomnia as well as depression. I luckily didn't get hit with insomnia. We're all hoping moods improve for you & you feel better. I tried supplements for awhile like St. Johns & 5-http, after researching they seemed perfect, but they never quite hit the mark.
Thanks for warning. I’ve got rid of st.johns wort and 5-htp for now. And grapefruit.
I was so scared of side effects that I’m taking half of the dose for now, I’m planning to take full after 8 days.
No side effects so far (but maybe it’s because I’m on baby dose)
Sexual dysfunction doesn’t scare me, my marriage’s sexless, has been for years.
Whatever you do, do not take the st johns wort and sertraline together. They dont mix together well and the result is an unpleasant condition called serotonin syndrome. thats from past experience of a doctor giving me sertraline when i was taking OTC st johns wort. Spent the night in hospital. So please avoid.
Oh and you will probably experience sexual dysfunction and some other interesting but annoying side effects. Some of them go with time, but initially they can be a pain in the ass.
It is a lot to take in, I freaked out too when given a prescription. You will be fine! And I'm happy to chat any time you need or want.
That is such an big emotional demand to open up about how you are feeling to your GP - I would feel totally wiped out by that. Sorry to hear that your anxiety has got really bad and that you are freaking out. I hope that you manage to get rid of some of that tonight. I hope you manage to get some sleep tonight and that the sertraline doesn't give you any bad side-effects. Take care and stay safe.
Glad you've made contact with them - I hope this helps you.