Why Taking Antidepressants Isn't Always An Easy Solution

Robyn Morris was prescribed sertraline for depression and anxiety. It worked, but soon other problems began to emerge

- Robyn Morris

In 2019, in the midst of what I can only describe as a mental breakdown, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, signed off work, and prescribed sertraline, an antidepressant. Because of my desperate mental state, I didn't ask my GP about possible side effects. Instead I headed straight to the pharmacy to pick up my new "happy pills" and started taking them the following day.

They definitely worked. Some of my anxiety symptoms slipped away, such as my panic attacks, low moods and low energy. But I wasn't prepared for one of the biggest side effects: weight gain.

In my early twenties I'm now 31- I struggled with disordered eating. By 2019, I'd finally got myself to a stage where I was happy with my body and enjoyed the fruits of a balanced diet. I weight-trained. I enjoyed the gym. I no longer felt the need to restrict what I ate. But sertraline completely changed that.

Within six months of starting to take it, I'd gained weight.

Clothes didn't fit quite as well, despite no changes having been made to my diet, lifestyle, or exercise regime. Now, after three years on sertraline, I'm two stone heavier than I used to be. It's been a huge setback.

Antidepressants can be life-changing. For many people, they can be life-saving. And the possibility of gaining weight as a result of taking vital medication shouldn't be off-putting, or ever a deciding factor in asking a doctor for help and guidance.