Today, after a year of mulling it over, I decided to start the journey of coming off my SSRIs. I spoke to my GP this morning and we agreed to reduce my Sertraline prescription from 50mg per day to 25, to slowly wean myself off them.
I have taken the same dose every day since 2016, that’s eight years. It’s a terrifying new chapter and I wanted to share about it here, and maybe update you along the way, to a) hold space for the fact this will be a huge change, b) offer support for anyone considering the same, and c) get support from anyone who has done this before.
I’ve been pretty open about taking Sertraline, I even have a poem of an eponymous name. Which I reposted to my social media very recently and sell prints of. So, it only feels right to continue being open about it. I don’t have any shame about relying on anti-anxiety medication— anxiety ruled my life in my early twenties after a series of trauma, grief and abuse. It helped a lot, for a long time. And now, I’m not sure it is.
I’ve been doing private therapy every week for two years, after not finding what I was being offered on the NHS enough, or helpful, and that privilege has changed my life. I have a support system, I live with my wonderful partner, I work for myself and - generally - if there were ever a time to try life without SSRIs, it’s now.
After these two weeks on a reduced dose, I might say ‘fuck this’, and go back. I might love it, and have more energy. I might hate it and absolutely spiral. Who knows. But, for now, I’m embracing the change and the bravery that takes.
If you’re considering coming off SSRIs, please speak to a Doctor and do it gradually with support.
Love,
Chloe