I'm New Here

[Heavenbound3]

Hi,I’m new here, although NOT in anyway, shape or form new to major depression. I’m a 61 y/o female who has struggled since I was 15. That’s a long time. It’s always been cyclical. But, here’s what’s crazy; I never identified it as a “disorder” before. It obviously is. I didn’t get on medication until 2011, after having the worst depression/anxiety I had ever experienced. I was put on 50 mg of Zoloft, and have taken it for the last 12 years. It helped, but I continued to struggle with moderate breakthrough depression. Then, around Christmas time, I spiraled in to another severe depression. My doctor increased my dose of Zoloft to 100 mg. It gave me the worst anxiety that I have ever experienced. However, I do remember having that type of anxiety when I started Zoloft in 2011. And still, after 2 1/2 months, I‘m about the same as I was in December. I’m really struggling. I’ve recently started working with a new Psychiatrist NP. We both agreed that with the severity of the anxiety that Zoloft gives me, and all the breakthrough depression I’ve experienced, Zoloft is probably not a good med for me. He suggested that that I do a DNA test to see how I metabolize different psych meds. I agreed, and the test should be here in a few days. Has anyone ever done one of these tests and was it helpful? Also, I would love to connect with others for support.

[BirdArt]

thank you for sharing your story, finding the right medication can be a long journey. I’m glad you’re working with a new psychiatrist who has creative ideas for finding a solution.

Just here to share that I’ve been on Zoloft since 2020 and I still experience daily mild to moderate anxiety. I used to be on Lexapro and it helped my anxiety more, but I had some other symptoms that weren’t covered by the meds alone.

Other things besides meds that help my anxiety are: therapy sessions, acupuncture, yoga, headspace meditations, painting

Sometimes when I’m really “in it” with anxiety and my whole body is affected, i take a shower and then stand in cold water for as long as I can. It can shock the system a bit to reset.

[PeaceNeed]

Hello Ill be 64 in May. Was on zoloft and most of the other ssris. Hope u get the right meds. Didnt know there was a dna test for drugs. Most psychs I've known wouldnt even think of it.Wish you well with treatment in future.

[Paint4Health]

Thank you for sharing your story. I was just diagnosed with MDD five months ago and just started taking Prozac two weeks ago. I'm not finding any relief and considered asking my psychiatrist about Zoloft. Hearing your story makes me take pause. I had no idea there were DNA tests to tell you which medications will work best for you. Sounds like a good idea. Please keep us posted on how everything goes. You've got support.

[Bezel75]

Oh, I can relate! I have suffered with high anxiety and depression as long as I can remember. It became unbearable at the end of college and I was finally diagnosed and medicated. I come across as positive and normal but inside I am not. I am introverted and have no friends. I talk with a lot of people for work and in my family but I don’t like to create and maintain friendships and I don’t know why. I am divorced and I have adult children who do not live at home. I lead a very quiet life. I am on two medications now for depression and it keeps me afloat. But I feel alone and I don’t feel the joy that life seems to bring others.