Member-only story
I have been on a merry-go-round of taking antidepressants. I experienced a traumatic event in 2013. At first, my doctor prescribed antidepressants. The first antidepressant my doctor prescribed was Sertraline. Unfortunately, I experienced adverse side effects from this antidepressant. The side effects included extreme nausea, dizziness, lethargy, disrupted sleep, and suicidal thoughts. I communicated this to my doctor, and she promptly took me off the drug.
I was referred to an occupational therapist. My doctor informed me to ask the occupational therapist to speak with the practice before making her recommendations. I consulted the occupational therapist. I tried to remain calm and collected during the interview. I later found out that this was a big mistake.
The occupational therapist asked me questions, which I tried my best to answer. She asked me if I was taking antidepressants; I stated no and that my doctor had recommended that I should stop taking antidepressants because of the side effects I had experienced. The doctor advised me to continue exercising because this was helping alleviate some of the depression and anxiety symptoms. I had been regularly going to the gym and going on long walks since my early twenties. I started going on long walks as a child.
