My Experience Taking ANTIDEPRESSANTS || Sertraline, Mirtazapine and Citalopram REVIEW

Summary

In this candid video, the speaker, Hemingway, shares their personal experience with antidepressants, addressing the stigma surrounding mental health medication in Britain. They discuss their struggles with various medications like sertraline, Matassa pain, and citalopram, and highlight the importance of combining medication with therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The speaker reflects on a panic attack triggered by side effects and emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health. Ultimately, Hemingway advocates for breaking the silence on depression and anxiety while encouraging others to seek help through both therapy and medication.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Cultural Attitudes Toward Mental Health**: In Britain, people often avoid discussing mental health issues like depression and anxiety due to a cultural tendency to keep things private.
• 😀 **Medication Misconceptions**: Many people wrongly believe that antidepressants are a 'quick fix' and are ineffective in the long run, though this is not the case for everyone.
• 😀 **Medication and Therapy Together**: The speaker emphasizes the importance of combining antidepressants with therapy (CBT) to achieve the best mental health outcomes.
• 😀 **The Process of Finding the Right Medication**: The speaker experienced a trial-and-error process with different antidepressants, including sertraline, Matassa pain, and citalopram, before finding the one that worked for them.
• 😀 **Side Effects of Medication**: Antidepressants can cause side effects like anxiety and sleep disturbances, which can significantly affect daily life until the right medication is found.
• 😀 **Panic Attack Mistaken for a Heart Attack**: The speaker describes a frightening incident where they believed they were having a heart attack due to side effects of the medication, which turned out to be a panic attack.
• 😀 **The Role of Doctors in Prescribing Medication**: The speaker discusses how doctors, particularly those who take antidepressants themselves, are more likely to prescribe them with confidence and awareness of their benefits.
• 😀 **The Stigma Around Antidepressants**: Despite their effectiveness, antidepressants are often stigmatized, with many people dismissing them as ineffective without firsthand experience.
• 😀 **Adjusting Medication Based on Side Effects**: The speaker was advised by their therapist to adjust their medication when they experienced side effects that were too disruptive, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication with healthcare providers.
• 😀 **The Importance of Gradual Discontinuation**: The speaker emphasizes that it’s important not to abruptly stop taking antidepressants due to withdrawal symptoms and advises tapering off under professional guidance when appropriate.

Q & A

Why does the speaker emphasize the stigma around antidepressants in Britain?

The speaker highlights that in British culture, there is a tendency to avoid discussing mental health, especially conditions like depression and anxiety. The stigma surrounding antidepressants is a significant part of this, with many people viewing medication as a 'quick fix' rather than a legitimate treatment.

What is the speaker's opinion on the negative comments about antidepressants?

The speaker disagrees with the common belief that antidepressants are just a 'quick fix.' They argue that medication can be an essential part of treatment, especially when used alongside therapy, and that it takes time to work, not providing immediate results.

How did the speaker's personal experience with antidepressants impact their view on medication?

The speaker’s experience with antidepressants, particularly sertraline, involved both positive and negative effects. While the medication initially helped manage emotional blockages, it also led to side effects like paranoia and anxiety, which influenced their understanding of how medication can work for different people.

What was the panic attack the speaker experienced related to their medication?

The speaker experienced a panic attack after taking sertraline, thinking they were having a heart attack due to side effects like chest tightness and a racing heart. However, it turned out to be a panic attack triggered by anxiety, not a serious medical issue.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of antidepressants?

The speaker advises that medication should be taken alongside therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and not seen as a standalone solution. They also emphasize that it is important to consult with doctors when choosing a medication and to be open to adjusting the treatment plan if necessary.

What are the three medications the speaker tried, and which one worked best for them?

The speaker tried sertraline, Matassa pain, and citalopram. Citalopram, prescribed later, was the one that worked best for them, with no significant negative side effects, and helped them feel better over time.

Why did the speaker reject Matassa pain despite its recommendation for sleep?

The speaker rejected Matassa pain after learning from their therapist that it is generally prescribed as an emergency medication with significant side effects, such as weight gain and difficulty sleeping once discontinued. The speaker preferred not to take a medication with such long-term consequences.

What was the outcome when the speaker tried sertraline?

When the speaker first tried sertraline, they experienced emotional numbness, where they couldn't cry, which they saw as helpful in managing their depression. However, they also faced new symptoms like paranoia and anxiety, which they attributed to the medication.

What does the speaker think about the general approach to mental health treatment in Britain?

The speaker feels that there is a reluctance in Britain to openly discuss mental health issues and medication. They believe that mental health treatments, including medication, should be more openly talked about to remove the stigma and encourage people to seek help.

How does the speaker plan to stop taking medication in the future?

The speaker plans to gradually taper off their medication (citalopram) in the future, ideally after feeling better for about six months. They acknowledge that stopping medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, so they are taking a cautious approach.