Back to square one

[Elieens12]

New to this site l was on Sertaline a couple of years ago with diagnosed GAD and depression . Been off them about a year now have had a massive collapse and relapse of my mental health after getting back into work only to have to go on the sick again has anybody else had this feel like a total failure .

[blackcat64013]

Welcome. Some people have only one episode in a lifetime and others like me have a roller coaster ride of relapse, recover and relapse again. For me the same drugs worked each time. I understand this is not so for everyone. After 2 cycles, I have not yet gone away from the combination of medication and therapy on medical advice. The biggest take away is that you are not a failure. Mental illness health can recur just like a physical complaint. I prefer to think I am in a better place to know what my depression looks like so that I can recognise it and find those coping tools again to help me feel better.

[Hidden]

How can you be that failure especially after having a collapse at work. You now mention you are back on the sick, Has your Doctor arranged a treatment pathway for you or to be seen in Mental Health ? The problem is if in the UK you may need to ask the GP for treatment alternatives like Mindfulness Relaxation Technique or breathing techniques to try when you feel woozy

BOB

[Elieens12 in reply to Hidden]

Yes l am to be seen by the crisis team and take up supporting minds for therapy.

[Arners]

This has recently happened to me and am back on sertraline. It’s so disappointing. I let myself slide way too far before making the decision to go back on them. Go back on sertraline if it helped last time. No question. If you’re a failure then so am I and millions of others who suffer with mental health issues. I don’t believe we are. We have an illness that we struggle with and try to overcome with medication etc, just like any other. I hope you get back on track very soon.

[Elieens12 in reply to Arners]

Thanks for your reply the doctors put me on citalopram never taken it before and making me feel sick but l know l got to preserve and it will settle into my system. I never call anybody a failure its just how l feel as l have tried to live a life off of medication but it is not to be anything better than struggling the way l was so hope things get better thank you.

[Arners]

I know you didn’t call anyone else a failure. I was just pointing out that you’re not (prob in a clumsy way)!😀. I’m also settling in with sertraline after a couple of years without and seem to have every side effect going. Can’t wait to feel normal again. I’m never coming off them. Can’t go through all this again!!

[Elieens12 in reply to Arners]

I know and just didn't want you or anybody else to think by me saying failure in a collective term .l think people going though mental health issues are some of the bravest strongest people .trouble with me us l bottle everything up and try and keep going and it comes to ahead .l was only sertaline a couple of years ago had very bad side effects agitation could not sit still in one room but l was warned by the doctor in does calm down in my experience and when on 100mg l found it very helpful at the time as it was working at full capacity . l hope it does for you too.