1. < Depression & Anxiety

why is this happening to me

Posted by masoudmohammad @masoudmohammad, 11 hours ago

I’m a 31-year-old male (180 cm, 110 kg) with anxiety, panic disorder, and derealization since a sudden panic attack on March 11, 2024. Medical tests were normal. I tried cannabis once (2 months prior), had a panic reaction, and never used it again. Diagnosed with depression and GAD. Treated with citalopram (up to 40 mg, partial response), then bupropion (up to 300 mg). Panic attacks stopped after 6 months, but anxiety, insomnia, depersonalization, and intrusive suicidal thoughts remained. Citalopram was stopped; started sertraline 50 mg in Dec, increased to 150 mg in March. Bupropion was later stopped. After 4 months on sertraline 150 mg, I still have intrusive suicidal thoughts, derealization, identity confusion, and emotional detachment. I live in social isolation, gained 25 kg, and take supplements (Omega-3, magnesium, D, K2, B12, probiotics). I do CBT exercises, but relapses continue.
Should I stay on sertraline? Do I need augmentation or a med change?

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catelynn | @catelynn | 8 hours ago

So sorry to hear this is happening to you, sounds like a really frightening experience... I do understand having been diagnosed many years ago with Major Depressive Disorder and GAD. I don't think anyone has an answer as to why... really it's like why does anyone get any number of illnesses. I KNOW that does not make your experience any easier (or mine for that matter). Mental illness symptoms reallly are an awful thing to deal/cope with. It is of course normal to ask why me... I think psychiatric symptoms are that much more difficult to deal with because (esp. in the beginning) they can be so incapacitating--your 'normal' life is blown away so to speak. I can tell you that typically once you are prescribed the 'right' medications for you, and better learn how to handle the symptoms that things do improve and you can likely get back your life again--but as you already know, getting to that point the road is a difficult one. Sp I am here if you want to talk about things.... My prayers are with you @ Catelyn ( I'm new here so I hope this comes to you OK? Take care

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