Post-treatment depression

Susie, I have never taken it, but I work for  a couple of psychiatrists and sertraline is helpful for some and not for others (trial and error really). The only thing might be that it might make your bowel problems temporarily worse- doesn't happen to everyone, but it can do.  The side effects do settle however- also the benefits take a bit of time to kick in so you won't see an overnight improvement- which is the same for all antidepressants.  Yes, a lot of patients do find it helpful.  But there are many other antidepressants if you can't tolerate sertraline...just keep on at your GP if it doesn't work for you. Hopefully all the treatment problems will subside for you soon too.. I've just finished last week and am trying not to get too down about similar effects..

Hi Susie T 

I took Sertraline for 18 months, from just before my diagnosis, through treatment, recurrence and eventual surgery. I had no side effects that I was aware of, and it definitely helped me through that time. It took the edge off, I didn’t experience panic attacks etc. In fact I probably would have benefitted from taking it longer but I chose to stop. Mine was prescribed for anxiety and low mood and that was just before I was diagnosed with cancer the first time. 

Sarah xx

Hi Susie,

I’m so sorry to read you’re having such a rough ride post surgery.  I have suffered with my mental health for 11 years, with severe depression, anxiety and panic attacks so I’m not going to say I know what you’re going through because we are all facing our own battles but I do empathise with you for the impact this has had on your mental health.

I was on Sertraline for many years and for a decent amount of time it helped improve my mental health.  I did suffer with severe diarrhoea as a side effect though, I’m talking like going ten or more times in a few hours.  Obviously this doesn’t happen to everyone but it’s something to consider as it’s probably the last thing you need right now.  If you dI have had problems with it there are other drugs they can try.  I’ve been on my current medication for years now with no real side effects.

I know it’s easier said than done but try and cut yourself some slack, one of my favourite tricks is to catastrophise things, look at worst case scenarios and what ifs.  It takes practice but giving yourself a moment to look at your situation from a different perspective is a great coping mechanism.  If you’re thinking ‘things will never get better’ or ‘won’t improve’ it’s worth asking yourself why do you think that? What evidence is there for that? Like I say it’s not as easy as it sounds and it’s about retraining your brain.  I have the STOPP app on my phone which is great for grounding techniques, it’s free and might just help.

One small step at a time, I’m sure you’re doing better than you realise.  Be kind to yourself and any questions please ask away.

Take care,

Craig 

Susie T.Hi I was prescribed sertraline and it really didnt suit me so my gp changed to another which is fine.so dont worry give it a go as it works well for many people.But bear in mind you can change if needed as there are many more antidepresants available.

After reading posts on here I realised that I wasnt alone in needing a little help after all we have been through.that in itself has been helpful.

All the best

Kath

Susie, I have had bowel cancer and now have a stoma and with this hospitalisation  and recovery my company was tipped into insolvency and with the debts I have now and the recovery from the operation my mind was spinning. I did not have depression which I associate with a black cloud that falls over your head. My doctor prescribed Sertraline, which she said would align my thoughts and ease the pressure, which it has to a certain extent. She also advised me to not stop it immediately but she will advise me on a slow withdrawal as this will avoid headaches.