I took Sertraline years ago when I had severe PND and it was fine. I started taking it again nearly 3 years ago because my peri menopausal depression + anxiety were so dreadful that I was having suicidal ideation and was signed off work for 3 months. Within 8 hours of taking the first tablet it felt like a tiny chink of light had opened up in my brain for the first time in many months. A few days later my brain felt quite zoned out but it was so restful after the crippling anxiety. I spent a lot of time just lying on the sofa in a Zen like state, but I can't tell you what a relief that was after the suicidal ideation. The next few months were quite up and down, I think the Sertraline + Prof Studd's HRT regime had an awful lot of repair work to do because I had been so badly broken. But, after 2 months od starting Sertraline I was able to return to work, and resume normal life again. I still take Sertraline line + HRT and I don't know when/if I will ever stop? I cannot risk going back to how ill I was before.
I have suffered with what Prof Studd describes as reproductive depression since I was 10 years old, my moods have always been so badly affected by my hormones. I used to grapple with PMS then had severe PND after my first child was born. When I look back at the temper tantrums I used to have, all the arguments I picked with my husband, my regular black moods, my waspish temper I feel ashamed and also anger that I had a genuine physical disability that was never even recognised by HCPs.
Since taking Sertraline + HRT my mood has been so much better, calmer and balanced. I am a much nicer person to be around, a better wife and mother. I wish this treatment had been available for my disability/illness 40 years ago.
