The holidays can be a big added stress to our struggles. Add a Work Comp struggles and emotional stress and you have a perfect storm.

I was on an SSRI (Paroxetine) for 14 years, got off it for 6 months then needed Celexa for 6 months during a high stress period. I prefer to be off them but sometimes, you have to do what gets you through the week. I'm doing well with 5-HTP and L-Theanine instead of the Celexa but that is just me.

SSRI's take 2 weeks of uncomfortable time and more weeks before they really take effect. I was in dire straights so my doc prescribed a month of Zyprexa (olanzapine) to get me through until the Celexa took effect. It also helped me gain back some weight I lost from stress.

Other than the normal side-effects, SSRI's can take a while to get off. I spent 3 months tapering.