Hi Taff

my anti depressants have been my saviour my anxiety had spiralled out of control , ime pretty calm about things these days it's a strange feeling almost like being a bit numb which is fine by me , ime on sertraline

pam

Hi Hen,

Glad they seem to be working for you.

Do you find that you're unable to hold a negative thought for more than a few seconds?

Having been prescribed anti-depressants back in the 60's I was put off.  The Tryptizol knocked me out so I couldn't function, vallium just made me spacey and I read that they were highly addictive so only took them occasionally.  They say the biggest group of drug addicts back then were in fact housewives who were missing out on the positive social changes being enjoyed by men and young people
I also got to see a psychiatrist on the NHS who determined after half an hour that as a 17 year old I was 'frustrated' and should consider embarking on a sexual relationship  That made me laugh and I didn't return for any more counselling.
I enjoyed my life from then onwards because I found a purpose in life in the caring professions and only when I experienced some drawn out and persistent workplace bullying which went on for 5 years (I am so stubborn and wasn't going to resign from a job I loved because of a couple of people)
I did break down and subsequently given early retirement .
Prozaac was the new miracle drug - I bought three books relating to Seasonal Affective Disorder and research on Prozac and finally agreed to take it.  It fitted with my experiences of getting down during winter months and felt the prozac picture fitted my thinking.  I have been taking it now since 1993 and it has made me feel more 'normal' than at any other time of my life.  Like you I intend to take it forever.
As you say, it is well nigh impossible to be negative.  When doctors told me I had cancer my response was "oh no . . . we don't do cancer in my family"  I was finally convinced and embarked on my cancer journey to have part of my lung removed and a course of chemo (just in case)  I really looked on the whole thing as an 'adventure'.
I appreciate that I found an anti-depressant which fitted me to a T.  There are all sorts of reason and causes of depression so SSRI's will not work for everybody.  Unfortunately doctors are likely to prescribe the latest drug accordng to protocol in their practice and costs and not according to the patients symptoms and history.  Sadly my positive mental energy is not matched by my physical limitations but I can sit for hours debating on topical issues and current politics.