Hey! So first off I’m not a doctor and am talking from my own experience, and note SSRIs are incredibly independent and personal in how effective they are and w

Hey! So first off I’m not a doctor and am talking from my own experience, and note SSRIs are incredibly independent and personal in how effective they are and what side effects you can get. I’ve been on Sertraline for around two years. It was the first drug I was given - normally you try a couple till you find one that works - and it did it’s job. I started to come off them last Friday which involves a fairly lengthy multiple-month tapering process. Obviously slightly anxious that my anxieties will come back once I’m off them but they’ve gotten me out of whatever hole I was in and out the other side for the last year or so. Altogether I feel 10x better than at my lowest. I’ve also made lifestyle changes that helped - I cut drinking down to only holidays, I exercise frequently (just did a half hour swim and hour cycle), and I make sure to listen to my body more to try and avoid stress. However I doubt I could have made these changes without the jumpstart sertraline offered me. Regarding side effects - I had nausea when I started and on any dose increase. I’m more prone to napping. And I put on maybe 30lbs, which I’m starting to shift now (I’m 6ft3 and male so this isnt as big a percentage change as it might sound). I’ve yet to have any side effects tapering down. Whatever you choose, I wish you the best. Just don’t let stigma or your anxieties get in the way of getting better through meds. And if you feel suicidal remember to call 911/999 straight away, or any other helpline, because that feeling will pass but the alternative won’t.