Thanks to those who encouraged me...I saw my doctor this morning. He was so warm and even inserted some humor in to our appointment, guessing all the various diseases I had looked up online. He said he has seen several middle-aged women complaining of head zaps over the years. For some it is anxiety related, and for others usually Fibromyalgia. He didn't order any blood work or anything...guess it all seemed pretty straightforward to him. He basically said since the anxiety is staring us right in the face, let's treat that first and see what's left. So, Zoloft it is...and therapy next.
Here goes...
Thank you again.
Fan-freaking-tastic job taking that first step!
It takes time, but it'll help. And it takes work, but it's worth it.
Hugs!
This is awesome!
(Of course, you actually have to TAKE the Zoloft as prescribed in order to achieve the desired affect)
When my kids were about 2, 5, and 7, I began to feel overwhelmed, can't really explain it, just could not cope with anything. Felt like I was going to burst into tears at the drop of a hat, fell to pieces over every little thing. No specific determining factor really, it's hard to describe.
Anyway, was at my GP's office for just an annual visit, and when she asked me some general question like "How are things at home?", I suddenly started sobbing and going on and on about how I felt like I was losing my mind, and everything was just Too Much.
Then I felt ridiculous cuz I didn't really have any huge problems, and even as I'm talking about things, I feel like a big fat whiner, you know?
Anyway, she gave me a px for the medium dose of Zoloft, and the name of her own dr she goes to for just the same thing.
So within just one week on the Zoloft, I felt better, stronger, jollier, lighthearted. A month in I was rolling up my sleeves, getting busy, loving life. Able to stay on task, so much more focused.
About 6 months on it, dr and I decided to go down to the smallest dose, 2 weeks of that, then went to taking one every other day, then stopped completely. I noticed no difference, and have never had to go back on it. Frankly, just knowing it's there for me if I need it helps me get through rough spots.
Of course, we're all different, but I thought you might like to hear a success story.
Best to you, you're on the right track!
:)
I had terrible anxiety and Zoloft helped me feel "normal" again. I ended up switching after about a year due to side effects to Celexa, but it has worked as well. Remember that with medications and therapists there are a ton out there. Don't give up if one or the other doesn't fit. Medication is not a crutch - some of us need it because our brains aren't wired like others. You may need to take it long term - don't be afraid of that. If you had diabetes and had to be on insulin no one would question it...same with anxiety. It is not something you "control".
Thank YOU for the followup, and please know that your courageous step to start getting better can serve as an inspiration for others here online and in the face-to-face world if/when you share your experiences with them. So many people--men and women--face a similar struggle, and seeing that someone else can face it and succeed is a great help.
Sending you wishes for a speedy, full recovery.
ETA: Ditto to what Diane D said. When someone is dealing with anxiety, I think it's critical to develop ways of changing the thinking pattern and attitude towards the world which ramps up the anxiety level in the first place. The medication can reduce the anxiety level for now, however the real fix will come with other changes.
The zoloft is the crutch until the therapy kicks in and gets your anxiety under control. Talk therapy gives you the tools you need to work at home and rewire how you are framing situations. Make time to do the homework and you'll be feeling better soon.
A healthy mind goes with a healthy body. Good for you for doing what you needed to do. I truly hope it works for you.
Good to hear. Good luck, and good for you!
Good for you. Don't get discouraged if it takes time to really get yourself where you want to be.
I was only on Zoloft for 6 months but it really helped the hair on the back of my neck stop standing on end all the time.
Hope you feel better soon!
Our son is on Zoloft and it's helped his OCD and anxiety a lot. He hasn't had any side effects.
Hope it's just as successful for you!
Good for you! Best wishes to you on a good recovery.
Take care of yourself!!
A word of advice. Many meds have side effects. Sometimes they can be avoided by starting on a miniscule dose. My daughter has tried 4 so far and is back on the first med that works great but caused insomnia. On the retry, after those other 3 and a 2 week no meds break, she started with 1 mg and slowly at 1 mg per week worked back up to 10 mg. The happiness effect remains but the insomnia is no longer present! Also note that it may take 2 weeks to see benefits but side effects can show after 2 days. Often, even if you start at full dose, those side effects can go away when your body gets used to the new balance. Wishing you all the best. Therapy and being open with those who love you can really help. My daughter was trying to hide her condition and the secrecy added more stress. Just being able to talk about it at home helped a lot. She did have to learn that just because she is on meds that does not mean there is never a sad or anxious day anymore, and not to worry about spiraling doen to her worst low when 1 day she feel a little less up.(((hugs)))
Zoloft isn't anti anxiety medication, it's an antidepressant. Managing your Serotonin levels can make you feel better overall but a regular anti-anxiety med might work better. So if you don't feel better in that 2 months don't be disappointed. There are some wonderful anti-anxiety meds out there that work wonders. Perhaps this med will help you too. I hope so.
