2 Weeks free from Sertraline

I have been off Sertraline now for 2 weeks.

I would love to say its been easy and I haven't experienced any negative effects but it has not been easy.

It is important to note early that I have tapered gradually from 100mg over a period of 3 months and under the guidance of my doctor. Do not ever go cold turkey from these as it can affect your brain chemistry and you may have a mental health crisis and need to return to your meds.

I decided after 2 weeks of 25mg every other day I was going to stop taking them and see how I got on. The first week was probably the hardest as being autistic I struggle to manage emotions because I can't identify them. Therefore I will just feel like something is wrong but because I can't identify the emotion I am always feeling I will struggle to cope with identifying the feeling on top of managing day to day tasks. This can leave me feeling overwhelmed, causing me to be snappy and just wanting to be left alone.

Despite the above I do feel like I have been able to manage myself well by identifying this and keeping an open line of communication with my husband.

The hardest part has been sticking with is. Sertraline has really helped me and I know that if I take it, it takes the edge off.

I however, do not want to rely on drugs my whole life in order to be able to cope and because I also have diagnosed ADHD, I was struggling to keep track of how many meds I had left, ordering them late and consequently dealing with horrendous side effects until the prescription was filled.

The second week of coming off the meds I decided to take all remaining sertraline I had to the pharmacy as I felt if it isn't in the house I can't be tempted to take it. I didn't feel addicted to it I did feel it was a crutch though, a safety net definitely.

One thing I have made a conscious effort to do during this time is to not drink alcohol and try to keep a routine in place for exercise which is my biggest self regulator. Even if it is to just go for a longer walk than usual.

My biggest learning curves so far are:

• It takes time to adjust to coping with feelings returning after coming off meds.

• Adjust your schedule to include more self care.

• It is OK to not feel like yourself.

• Get more rest as I have definitely felt more drained.

• Be open and honest with how you feel.

• Don't get wrapped up with social media

• Create more distance with negative or toxic people.

• Do not put undue pressure on yourself.

• I have been open and honest with my employer and colleagues about coming off meds. This has made a difference as I have not had to mask in difficult periods.

Whilst the journey of coming off Sertraline hasn't been easy I feel in a much better place in my life to have been able to do so.

By making some huge changes to my work and to my personal life I have been able to make to step to being Sertraline free.