I was put on antidepressants sometime around age 16. I was basically a guinea pig to drs to try all the new pharmaceutical trends being labeled with whatever the hot topic was at the time; borderline, bipolar, major depressive disorder, anxiety….they all landed me in the hospital with psychotic breakdowns and trying to end my life. NO doctors ever monitored me on anything. They prescribed and sent me on my way. Even when I decided a medication wasn’t right for me I was never tapered…which never goes well. As for the sexual side, I’ve just come to terms thinking I’m just not someone attracted to others and need a deeper connection to feel it but I never do nor can I even let myself get close to others on any level. I feel like an alien in this world and it’s extremely lonely. I had periods in my life where I was around groups of amazing human beings and that does more for my mental health than any drug. I’ve been off ssris for a long time and found my mind clearer off of them. However, I’m usually fatigued with brain fog but the gym helps (this started way before any covid stuff.) I still have horrible bouts of depression now and then but I don’t trust medication…Idt medication is what most people need. Especially children. They need people on their side to talk things through and feel like they belong here as much as anyone else. A strong and compassionate community would do wonders for people.

I’m also on disability because of this which is pathetic to me but my mind and body are utterly exhausted. Just fighting my own head 24/7 telling it everything is fine and being alive is worth it takes a lot of energy. I’m a single mom so I HAVE to stay here to raise an amazing kid.

Most people on Effexor have brain zaps – saying it’s rare is a huge lie but they have to hide all the negative stuff. You can see that just on Reddit from patients.