Read this! It’s helping me!

[Marema]

I highly recommend reading “why we sleep” by Matthew Walker.
the importance of rest and sleep just can’t be overlooked.
I have just recently started antidepressants, after trying to manage without them for most of the year. I’ve been reading, and trying to prioritise healthy eating and enough sleep.

also important and fascinating, helpful books are

“good to go” by Christie Aschwanden about the science of recovery (focusses on the physical but does not at all overlook the intertwined nature of mental and physical being)

”can you die of a broken heart” by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp.

also, how quickly can SNRI meds start to effect a person? Within days? Positively or side effects...

[rhinoceros]

I'm on an SNRI - been on it for about 10 years. So my recollection of when I started is a bit dusty.

That said, initially I remember feeling a bit spacey. That lasted a while, perhaps a week. Eventually I started feeling better. Three weeks or so into it I remember feeling much better.

Side effects for me were that I would bruise easily, jaw clenching, feeling a bit "foggy" at times, and at times some sexual side effects (sometimes ED, generally lowered libido). That said the SNRI helped me through quite a nasty patch.

Currently I'm weaning off it very slowly, using a compounding chemist to make custom doses. So far I'm on a very low dose now (basically a tenth of what I used to be on) and feeling mostly okay.

Sleep is important! Makes a huge difference.
I work as a jazz guitarist at nights so unfortunately I miss out on good sleep frequently, but when I get a good sleep, it's wonderful!

Aaron

[smallwolf]

I can also recommend “why we sleep” by Matthew Walker - it was recommended to me by my psychologist when we spoke about my sleep habits/patterns.

[Marema]

Thanks for your replies guys!

I really hope some more people will take advantage of reading these books.