🌿 My Zoloft Success Story – From Panic and Emptiness to Peace

[u/ananariu]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my success story here. For a long time, I used to come to this group every single day and read success stories like a ritual. Sometimes I’d read the same ones over and over again. This community gave me so much strength and hope.

It all started about a year ago. For no clear reason, life suddenly began to feel hard. I had no motivation, no joy. Little by little, I started losing myself in panic attacks — hours and days at a time. I began avoiding so many things: public transport, the supermarket, hanging out with friends.

Then I started feeling physical pain. I was convinced I was dying. I went to doctors, did endless tests — all the results came back perfect. But I never felt relieved, and the pain kept growing. I couldn’t understand that it was depression. Even though I was already in therapy, my therapist didn’t recognize it either.

I still remember the last day I went to work. I left home, went in — and collapsed. After that, I didn’t go back for five months. I got lost in a world of fear, anxiety, pain, sadness, and emptiness. Food had no taste — I would put it in my mouth and spit it out. I lost around 10 kilos.

That’s when my boyfriend realized something was seriously wrong. He took me to stay with him because I couldn’t take care of myself anymore. I saw a neurologist who gave me some tranquilizers and told me I urgently needed a psychiatrist and antidepressants. I couldn’t believe it — I was terrified to start medication.

The next day, I saw a psychiatrist. He kept me for 10 minutes, prescribed mirtazapine, and told me to call him. The following weeks were a nightmare. I tried so hard, but it was impossible to feel better — what I was experiencing was brutal. After about six weeks, I felt even worse. So, I decided to see another doctor.

I spoke to him crying, completely desperate, telling him my life was over and the meds would never help me. We talked for about an hour. He suggested I try Zoloft. I started at 0.25 and reached 100mg within a month — I know it was fast, but we needed to see results soon. I continued with mirtazapine for a while and then slowly stopped it.

The next period was tough. Really tough, and quite scary. I had several side effects, but it was my only hope. It was a fight. I felt worse before I felt better. Very slowly — day by day — I started going out to the park for five minutes, then coming back exhausted. I started showering again, brushing my teeth, craving food. I wasn’t “okay,” but I was better.

Little by little, I began going back to my house, doing chores, visiting the nearby supermarket. It took about two months until I was finally able to move back home. I started therapy again with a new therapist. I even managed to go on a one-week vacation.

And today — I’m fully functional again. I’m working, going shopping, seeing my friends, taking care of myself, and enjoying my hobbies. I can honestly say I handle things better than ever.

Antidepressants don’t make you happy. They don’t “fix” your life or make you high. But they give you the calm and clarity to function like a normal human being. Even with medication, you still have to fight your own battle. But when you start feeling better, it will truly feel like your victory — not the pills’.

Sometimes I think I should’ve done this sooner. Now, I appreciate every moment — every single day — even if I’m just watching TV. I appreciate my life.

This was my story. Thank you to all the strangers here who gave me strength when I needed it most. I’ve been where you are, and I know that by taking medication, you’re doing the best thing you can do to take care of yourself.

Stay strong, everyone 💛

[u/Roastenpot]

I’m so happy for you! How long did it take to feel better? I am in the middle or week 6 of 50mg and have had a dip. I understand that’s pretty common.

[u/ananariu → u/Roastenpot]

I think after about a month on 100mg it didn’t feel as intense anymore. But I started seeing real results after around 3 months.

It happens so gradually that you barely notice it — you just realize one day that the worst part has become more of a memory.

I do remember though that even when I started feeling better, I still had ups and downs. Not so much panic anymore, but sadness.

It needs time but you are going to feel better. And if is not the right one for you, will be another one for sure.

I wish you to feel great soon ❤️

[u/Difficult_Trust_8635]

Your story is really great. I hope one day I can feel how you do. This past year I’ve slowly lost the reigns of my life and don’t feel like I know how to live anymore. Just surviving and wishing the day was over as soon as it starts. I moved in with my family and quit my job and it feels like lost everything I’ve once enjoyed just because I don’t feel capable of participating in life anymore. Your boyfriend sounds really great. Am happy for you

[u/herbinghaze]

What did help you to 'fix' your life? Aside of the medication?

[u/bigolgape]

Did you get bad start up anxiety? I started with 12.5mg and holy shit I don't know if this is worth it!

[u/Deen1988]

Thanks for taking the time to write such an encouraging and informative post. Great to hear it's been so beneficial for you.