Since I've been off my antidepressant, I've been an anxious mess.

[Rose1988]

Several months ago I took myself off of Zoloft. There was no writing I just flat out quit taking it. I was always out going and never had phobias. Now I have all kinds. I no longer leave the house unless I'm with my boyfriend. I am severely depressed, showers are even hard to take because of being fatigue. I no longer have a social life and stutter when I try to have conversation. I am now suppose to take a new anti depressant but since my doctor told me he was going to take me off of my benzo I haven't been wanting to cooperate with anything because I'm afraid to not be fatigue if I don't have my benzo I don't sleep due to a fear of death. Help!

[Pearwig]

I am very sorry that you are having such a difficult time. Zoloft/Sertraline has been great for me. When I took myself off it, in stages, I had a severe psychotic breakdown, and was told that I would need to take it for the rest of my life. Anti-depressants do eventually help with the sleep problem, but it can take 4 weeks, which is an awfully long time. Benzos are addictive, so it's not good to get dependent on them. Do you use mindfulness sessions during the day? These might replace your need to sleep, or even give you practice at getting to sleep. It helps to learn that the only time we can change is the present. We can do nothing about the past, it has gone, and we can do nothing about the future, it is unknown. I wish you peace, Rose1988. From Pearwig.

[lin62-65ze]

I understand that taking medication is not nice, however most instructions say that you must NOT stop taking them without first consulting your doctor. If they say you can stop it will be gradual. Please listen to your GP and take what they prescribe. Eat lots of bananas go for brisk walks, do relaxation all will help. You sound young, so you certainly are not going to die. Soon longer days will be here and you will start feeling better😊