After years of trying to manage it on my own, I finally decided to take a step I’d been hesitant about for so long: medication. Two months ago, I started sertraline, and I can honestly say it has been life-changing.
How Sertraline Has Helped Me
The biggest change I’ve noticed is in my mind. For the first time in years, my thoughts feel clear rather than tangled. I don’t wake up every morning bracing for the day ahead. I can actually sit with myself without feeling that constant underlying fear. My loved ones have noticed the difference too — I’m calmer, lighter, and more present.
It hasn’t “cured” me, and I don’t expect it to. But it has given me breathing space — space to think, to enjoy, and to live without my anxiety running the show.
The Side Effects
Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. With sertraline, I’ve had a handful of side effects that I wasn’t expecting to hit so hard:
Sweating: I seem to overheat so quickly now, even when I’m not doing much. It’s uncomfortable at times, but manageable. It tends to be worse during the warmer weather, so I always carry water with me wherever I go so I do dehydrate.
Shaking: Sometimes my hands tremble a little, especially if I’m tired or anxious. Sometimes my leg can shake too.
Tiredness: This one surprised me the most. Some days I feel extra drained, like my body is trying to adjust to the new normal.
Crazy dreams: I wake up remembering the most vivid, bizarre dreams. It’s almost entertaining, but definitely a side effect.
Even with these challenges, the benefits have far outweighed the downsides.
Looking Ahead
I’m only two months in, so this is still the beginning of my journey. But already, I feel so grateful that I took this step. Anxiety may always be a part of me, but for the first time, I don’t feel controlled by it.
If you’re reading this and struggling, please know you’re not alone. Medication isn’t the answer for everyone, but it might just be the support you need — and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.
I’ll definitely try this out. Living with anxiety can be so emotionally crippling at times. Hoping this will make things a little easier for me!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you being honest and vulnerable, that despite unexpected side effects, from vivid dreamscapes to afternoon fatigue, the fact that you've gained the breathing room to simply sit with yourself feels like a powerful, hopeful shift to recovery.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the relief is definitely outweighing the side effects. Thank you for sharing your story, and I'm SO HAPPY it's helping you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being honest. I also have anxiety but have never tried this. I am on Lexapro and it seems to be helping.
ReplyDeleteThose intense vivid dreams really hit home, I’ve had nights like that too, never knew meds could stir that up!
ReplyDeleteSuch an honest and moving post. Identifies the benefits and pitfalls. A must read for anyone wondering about sertraline x
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate you sharing your journey with sertraline. I take buspirone for my anxiety, and it’s made such a difference in helping me finally get some relief. The only side effect I notice is the weird brain fog, but it only lasts about 30 minutes tops after taking it. Thank you for being so open about your experience!
ReplyDeleteI’m really glad you’ve found something that’s helping. Anxiety is no joke, and it can take such a toll on daily life. It’s wonderful to hear that you’re able to breathe a little easier and notice some positive changes.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who suffers from anxiety too, I hear you. I'm glad you found something that works.
ReplyDeleteIt's. fantastic that you found something that is working for you. More pros than cons is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to hear about your experience with Sertaline. I am glad to hear that it is helping.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest son has anxiety. We haven’t tried medication yet because he can manage it pretty well so far. But it’s great to know there are options that work for people out there if he ever needs it.
ReplyDeleteYour account of living with anxiety and beginning sertraline feels grounded and honest. Noting both clearer mornings and vivid dreams brings a real sense of gradual hope in everyday life.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for being so vulnerable and honest about your experience, especially with the side effects you've been dealing with. Starting therapy is hard to begin with. Taking medication is an entirely different story. When I first started treatment for my mental illness, I decided I wanted no medication. I just wanted to focus on therapy. That did not work at all. My depression was too severe. After a while I seriously considered medication and started on antidepressants. That was life changing, but I still wasn’t completely better. An antipsychotic was suggested for me and I tried it. I’m still on those medications now, and I haven’t been happier! I don’t plan on staying on the medication indefinitely, but they have made such a positive change in my life!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your journey. I understand all to well what it's like to have anxiety and mild depression. Years ago I took Zoloft (Sertraline) and it helped me.
ReplyDeleteReading this felt like a deep exhale. You put words to so many things that can feel impossible to explain—especially that weird mix of hope and fear when starting meds. I really felt the shift you described, like your mind’s finally got some breathing room. That “not cured, but clearer” part really stuck with me… it’s honest and oddly comforting. Thank you for being so open—this kind of real talk matters more than you know.
ReplyDeleteReading this and how you have shared your own personal experience put a gulp at the back of my throat. Very emotional but a credit to you. Anxiety can literally cripple a person so this is great to raise awareness. Sending hugs Mel Wxx
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