My Sertraline Journey: 2 Months In

I’ve lived with anxiety for as long as I can remember. As a child, I didn’t have the words to describe it — just the constant knot in my stomach, the racing thoughts, and the feeling that something bad was always about to happen. As I grew older, I learned the label anxiety, but even knowing what it was didn’t make it any easier to carry.

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.

Until next time Mel x