New to the group

[nickdanstew]

Good morning everyone and I hope you're doing well. I've just joined the group and also replied to a discussion. Do take a look if you have a moment.

I'm Nick, a 36 year old father of two wonderul girls - Elsie is just 3 and Orla is 14 months. I'm married to Emily, my patient and supportive wife!

I have had a lot of problems with major depression since my late teens and in more recent years severe anxiety. This manifests particularly in health anxiety which at times completely takes over my life. I feel huge guilt about this and what it does to my family.

I am again making a concerted effort to better manage my health and am soon to start CBT through an NHS referral. I have also started Sertraline 3 weeks ago (which I think I am having problems with). I have previous experience of using Citalopram, Escitalopram, Mirtazapine and Diazapam.

All the best

[Hidden]

Hi Nick. Welcome to the group. I hope you find it to be a warm, safe, supportive and comforting experience.

If I can just say - I understand why you might feel guilty about the effect on your family I think the guilt is misplaced. You did not set out to get this illness, and you certainly did not want it to affect others. It seems to me that you are actively seeking ways to avoid your family being affected. So dont be so hard on yourself.

I am glad to hear about the start of your therapy - it is by far the most successful long term real cure for anxiety and its companions ocd and sensorimotor compulsion. I hope all goes well for you.

Karl.

[Hidden]

Hey nick! Hope your okaay!! I also suffer from health anxiety and it's the worst thing ever!! I just finished cbt and it was the best thing I've done!! I've only been doctors once! Usually I'd go everyday 🙈 Sertraline is the worst I only took it 1 day and it was awful.. Good luck with cbt it will help you x

[wentworth67]

Sending you loving thoughts xx

[riodemikiankai]

Wow you sound just like me i had problems with every anti depressant i went on the side effects are not good for me. Im currently doing cbt and its helping me it does get easier but i still have some bad days. Health anxiety is the worst anxiety i struggle with it but there is light at end if the tunnel x

[riodemikiankai]

Oh and your daughter is beautiful x

[Hidden]

How have you been