Hello everybody! I am a single mother of 2 boys. I take Zoloft everyday for anxiety & depression. Does anybody else suffer from this?

I am no longer on daily medication, but I suffer from anxiety and slight manic depression. I have battled with this since I was about 16 years old and at 24 I am just now able to manage things a little better. I still have times when my physician puts me on meds, but I'm one of the lucky people who has been able to manage without. Drop me a line if you need to talk.

Thanks I have to take it everyday! You are very lucky that you dont. I have even started seeing a psycologist to see if that will help. Hopefully it will!

I have a real problem with anxiety. I have been on and off of meds for the past few years for it, most recently I was on prozac, but had to stop taking it because I lost my insurance.

I can definately relate to anyone who has problems w depression and anxiety. My doctor told me that I have GAD and Post Traumatic Stress... I do have panic attacks too from time to time.

I can relate to the post traumatic stress and panic disorders - I still can't do crowds at all. I have been very lucky, but stubborn more than anything. I have really built a great support network that knows of my issues and they point out to me when I need to go see someone, or possibly change something in my life. I'm no longer on the meds all the time or to the point where I can't get out of bed. I have my moments when I break and I have to call that first number on my list of people I trust and keep dialing until somebody picks up.

This support network is one of my major steps in moving on with life and not letting life go on without me. After my traumatic experience - in July of 2002 - I had to re-organize my entire life and lifestyle. I'm 2+ years in and I have gone a long way. I will never be cured of my depression, mania, or anxiety - but there are ways to fight. A psychologist is a great way to help cope. When I moved last year I had to give mine up and haven't found another I trust yet. If you get a good fit in a psychologist don't let them go.

I've battled depression since I was 13. My mom always wrote it off to teenage angst and emotion. She never had me treated or seen because there was no blood or immediate threat to life. When my son was 1, I sat down in the middle of the floor one night and said I can't do this anymore. I made an appointment w/my doc the next day. He diagnosed me with anxiety. I took Buspar for a long time. I still need it every now and then, but for the most part survive without it.

Ahh. The wonders of zoloft. I have been depressed a few times in life, but moving out on my own for the first time, and having my ex emotionally abuse me, brought on the anxiety. I started freaking when I was trying to find someone to prescribe something to me. I took it, and it did wonders. I have had to stop taking it, because even though I had insurance, I still cant afford it any more. I used to be totally against taking meds. After being on zoloft, though, that whole thought process has changed. I'm better than I was before but still feel I could use it. Maybe if I get a better paying job, I can go back on.

hi im new here im am 19 year old single mother of a 1 year old.when i had my son i went through a severe depression and they gave me zoloft and it didnt work so they switched me to effexor and that didnt work either.i still get depressed.not as bad but i still do does anyone have any non medicated ideas to help me get through this.it seems like my body does react to medication.

I took just about all of those, and if they didn't work for you that's ok. I hope that you gave them plenty of time to get into your system and that they tried upping the dosages and all of that before you completely give into the idea that they don't work. As well, some other medicines can cancel out each other...so I hope you thought of that.

No matter how many pills I take for depression and anxiety..they don't do me 100%. So I have looked into my life and saw which things weren't helping. I have become close to my immediate family again (which I did the opposite of the more depressed I got), I have started to take heed of what kind of foods I'm eating. Fatty, greasy, sugary foods..they tend to fluxuate my moods a lot more. The high I get from eating my "comfort" greasy food or the sugar high I get from the other food - tend to make my lows that much lower.

I tend to keep myself on a schedule. Like you would do a small child. I need my scheduled wake up and bed times and meal times just as badly as my 18 month old. It helps keep me from feeling as tired and worn out. (I'm still a single mom of 2 so it doesn't go away all the way)

Vitamins! Vitamins work wonders for helping. As well, surround your home with wonderful scents that remind you of happy things. Aroma Therapy - but maybe the scent of perfume your grandmother wore, or something off the wall that makes you happy.

But most of all. Wake up and tell yourself every day that you are loved. That the day is going to be a good one. And that you are going to get up and make it happen.

Your mind is yours. You can control where you let your mind go, even when you can't control the emotions that come with those thoughts. With hard work and determination, I've been off of anti-depressants for a year. I'm not always happy. I'm not always anything, but I have a great support system and a plan. I got tired of it and have re-arranged my life to help make a positive change. It really can work.

Another thing, which may not so easy, is exercise. Just take a 30 minute walk. What I like to do is think of what ever is bothering me, and imagining I'm walking it out through my feet. I "feel" it leaving my body. Plus, exercise releases endophins in your body, which help you feel better. I dont know how religious you are, but you can think of any higher power you want, and just say, "I cant take this any more. You take care of it for me." Then let it go. If it pops up in your mind again, you say to yourself, "Oh, I let this go didnt I?" Just some suggestions that have helped me.

I was hospitalized twice in the last year for my anxiety. One of the greatest pieces of advice that they gave me in the hospital was "exercise". Mind you, I am almost 200 pounds, and very lazy.. It hurts me to say the word exercise.. lol..

But, I was going through a depression, which, knock on wood, I think I am pulling out of... For the last week, after work, instead of curling up on the couch, I took my daughter to the park, and walked while she played. It really helped me, I came home with more energy than I normally have, I did the laundry, cleaned the house, and generally felt better.

I think that you guys may have something there on the exercise thing. I was feeling a little out of sorts and stayed home yesterday with the kids. I cleaned out the garage and spent a lot of time running in the yard with the kids. I was energized afterwards. Normally after the same amount of time at work - I'd be a zombie and ready to hide from the rest of the day. Too bad I can't take off work more often to exercise...

I completely agree with the exercise. I exercise every day for 30 minutes and I always feel great and energized afterwards. Plus my 2yr old tries to do it with me, which is hilarious and always puts me in a better mood. When I had my second son, I had post partum depression and was put on Zoloft but as soon as my son was 6 weeks, my doctor told me to start exercising and I haven't taken any meds since then. It gives energy and really makes you feel good about yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by Tabitha702:
[qb] Hello everybody! I am a single mother of 2 boys. I take Zoloft everyday for anxiety & depression. Does anybody else suffer from this? [/qb]

I have done i have 2 sons and i have it everyday but i don't take anything cause id just get more dopey. Im on my own as well for the last 4 years got out of an abusive relationship. feel free to contact.
god bless you
Raina