@Sminismoni I’m so so sorry to hear your story. I almost feel so guilty to written mine. I guess everyone is thinking about their own grief. How do you handle the depression episodes? How are you now? Do you have the windows now and then?

40 minutes ago, SarahMc said:

I don't think there is any reason for you to believe this is anything but withdrawal

Thank you . You are always so nice and polite and lovely to everyone while suffering also. I can respect that but sont know how to handel my own situation. Just have the feeling there is something wrong with me and this is the new me and can’t get it out of my head. I have to find a way to do that I know …

On 9/11/2026 at 8:23 AM, Saar8srl said:

Has anyone of you guys had mild depression before al this start? Do you ever think about this could be the new you? What do you guys do to get through the day when you have lack of motivation? I really try and sometimes if I’m in a window when i see a glimpse of myself, I don’t trust it and think this could be just a honeymoon period . Then I still don’t have motivation enough to do things . I just have a bit energie . This wd really is hard to deal with. Please if anyone recognize this feelings let me know.

People who experience depression before and now experience Anhedonia .

Hello @Saar8srl :),

I just wanted to say hello and chime in....... I read your recent posts and I can relate to what you saying.

Freeze mode is very hard, isn't it? It is quiet a struggle.........

At the moment I am having bad WD symptoms..... mostly I am in freeze mode, even if I need to do urgent stuff. I have never been like this before taking an antidepressant. Even in hard times and when I was sad I was able to do stuff somehow. Freeze mode is ugly to be polite. And I have it on and off for more than one year now. I know some things could make me feel better if I would be able to do them. What helps me is trying to observe the WD, rather than to identify with it🤔. But I know for sure it is easier said then done 🙄.

Sometimes, very rarely, I have these islands, when I feel good and almost normal.Yesterday I had a window for a few minutes 😅😂.

I realize feeling normal, when I don't regret everything I did and I do not think everything I did in my life was wrong.

hope you get better soon

take care 🙂🙂

1 hour ago, Glimmery said:

At the moment I am having bad WD symptoms..... mostly I am in freeze mode, even if I need to do urgent stuff. I have never been like this before taking an antidepressant. Even in hard times and when I was sad I was able to do stuff somehow. Freeze mode is ugly to be polite. And I have it on and off for more than one year now. I know some things could make me feel better if I would be able to do them. What helps me is trying to observe the WD, rather than to identify with it🤔. But I know for sure it is easier said then done 🙄.

Sometimes, very rarely, I have these islands, when I feel good and almost normal.Yesterday I had a window for a few minutes 😅😂.

I realize feeling normal, when I don't regret everything I did and I do not think everything I did in my life was wrong.

Hi love, welkom to this forum.

I know I can’t really explain what is happening to me since the wd. Although I don’t really think I’m in wd. I had a bad reaction on a high dose of the RI and since then the “depression”, low mood, the freez condition started. It doesn’t feel like normal low moods wich I use to have. I haven’t yet found a way to deal with it but I have to find one. Thank you for your massage and I hope you will heal soon and go on with your life. This is what I want for Al the people in this forum. Much love and hugs for you . ❤️

On 9/13/2026 at 7:50 AM, Saar8srl said:

Hi ,

Increased to 4 mg yesterday but had an active reaction so went back today to 3mg. Will I be ok? I feel so odd and disconnect from live. Had a few days last week when I felt relief. Can someone tell me if I’m doing the right thing. Feels like this is my life now in bed most of the time . Will I ever stabilize? Mark also doesn’t know what to say. He just told ne to increase because the last Ri did me good but that also could be a “honeymoon period”. So he told me I could gradually do up. But it’s a risk. I don’t know what to do anymore. Has anyone have experience with Ri and how to handle this situation? I’m going to hold now for a while on 3mg. Anyone who can help wirh experience?

Hi :),

from my own experience with RI I would do very tiny steps. 0,1 mg per RI if possible, not more than 0,5mg at a time and then hold at least for 1-2 weeks. Even tiny amounts can make a change at these stages. But the most important thing is to be patient, from what I have experienced. Still have to tell this myself every day.

After I tapered the way a doctor recommend in 2020, which I know now was way to quick. It was more ct than a taper.

So I got severe anhedonia after that, for about 12 months.

And at least 3 months of anhedonia with some windows.

It was the worst thing I went through. It took me so long to get out of anhedonia.

But from that experience I know it can go away. Having anhedonia is a common WD symptom, unfortunately. Even if now I have to convince myself as well and remember that it went away once, so it can go away this time as well. And also your anhedonia can resolve completely one day.

It really is WD and not your new self.

What helped me with anhedonia during my worst times:

-not telling myself that I am bad because I was not able to get out of bed, instead trying to tell myself something like: "This is anhedonia, and this is a normal WD symptom. I do not like it, I do not have to like it. I do not like it, but I accept it. It can go away."

-going for a walk every day, at least for 10 minutes, even 5 minutes are a success during anhedonia

-even if just for a short time, going out of bed at some point every day if possible, helped me after a while

-watching videos and allowing myself to watch videos

-still staying in touch with friends and meeting friends (as much as possible)

-even if I could not enjoy it anymore, allowing myself to do the good stuff, I used to enjoy helped me, even if time-delayed

-I Know that you might want (I wanted aslo) to do the "hard", "normal" stuff soon, but it is not the right time for that, but you will be able to do it again, just do the easier stuff first, even if it is like the most easy thing you can imagine: doing puzzles, crossword puzzles, knitting e.g., preparing and cooking simple dishes,reading magazines, doing something that is easy to focus on, will help you to get yourself occupied and distracted

-even if you do not feel like it, try to shower every day, focus on the water and the soap and if you blocked because you would have to get up for shower, allow yourself to lay down again afterwards, as it can take the hurdle of going to the shower in the first place, it might sound ridiculous to some, but showering is a success while experiencing anhedonia, always try to remember that and remind yourself of that

Be as kind to yourself as possible

Do you have any times you are feeling better during the day?

Most people do, sometimes without realizing it at first. For me it was in the evenings and sometimes nights......... sometimes it was only the feeling of 10% of normal, but it was an improvement still.

During anhedonia even feeling 1% better is a success. Most of the successes during anhedonia are time-delayed and you only recognize them after a while, but even if it takes time you will recognize the improvements and successes and you will feel better :)).

Edited September 14Sep 14 by Glimmery

6 minutes ago, Glimmery said:

Hi :),

from my own experience with RI I would do very tiny steps. 0,1 mg per RI if possible, not more than 0,5mg at a time and then hold at least for 1-2 weeks. Even tiny amounts can make a change at these stages. But the most important thing is to be patient, from what I have experienced. Still have to tell this myself every day.

After I tapered the way a doctor recommend in 2020, which I know now was way to quick. It was more ct than a taper.

So I got severe anhedonia after that, for about 12 months.

And at least 3 months of anhedonia with some windows.

It was the worst thing I went through. It took me so long to get out of anhedonia.

But from that experience I know it can go away. Having anhedonia is a common WD symptom, unfortunately. Even if now I have to convince myself as well and remember that it went away once, so it can go away this time as well. And also your anhedonia can resolve completely one day.

It really is WD and not your new self.

What helped me with anhedonia during my worst times:

-not telling myself that I am bad because I was not able to get out of bed, instead trying to telling myself something like: "This is anhedonia, and this is a normal WD symptom. I do not like it, I do not have to like it. I do not like it, but I accept it. It can go away."

-going for a walk every day, at least for 10 minutes, even 5 minutes are a success during anhedonia

-even if just for a short time, going out of bed at some point every day if possible, helped me after a while

-watching videos and allowing myself to watch videos

-still staying in touch with friends and meeting friends (as much as possible)

-even if I could not enjoy it anymore, allowing myself to do the good stuff, I used to enjoy helped me, even if time-delayed

-I Know and I myself want to do the "hard", "normal" stuff, but it is not time for that, but you will be able to do it again, just do the easier stuff first, even if it is the most easy thing you can imagine: doing puzzles, crossword puzzles, knitting e.g., preparing and cooking simple dishes,reading magazines, doing something that is easy to focus on to get yourself occupied and detracted

-even if you do not feel like it try to shower every day, focus on the water and the soap and if you blocked because you would have to get up for shower, allow yourself to lay down again afterwards, as it can take the hurdle of going to the shower in the first place, it might sound ridiculous to some, but showering is a success while experiencing anhedonia, always try to remember that and remind yourself of that

Be as kind to yourself as possible

Do you have any times you are feeling better during the day?

Most people do, sometimes without realizing it at first. For me it have been the evenings and sometimes nights......... sometimes it was only the feeling 10% of normal, but it was an improvement still.

During anhedonia even feeling 1% better is a success. Most of the successes during anhedonia are time-delayed and you only recognize them after a while, but even if it takes time you will recognize them and you will feel better :)).

You’re a delight. Thank you so much for putting your energy to write this for me. I know my problem is that because I have never experience this before, I’m searching for answers what this is what is happening to me . Is this the new me ? Could I have changed so quickly to a person who is not able to do simple stuff? What is next waiting for me .. so on and on. I can’t stop the worries about my current situation. I do have windows sometimes when I feel a glim of myself and I try to hold on to that. On good days I try do stuff, meet with friends and even allow myself to feel normal again. Sometimes I think when you have physical symptoms you can cope better. But I don’t know because I only have mental symptoms.

How long are you in wd? What are your symptoms? Also low mood, depression and apathy ( freez condition)? I also have the feeling I’m not living in the reality. Like live is passing on. And sometimes I think what is underneath the anhedonia waiting for me ? So many questions…

19 minutes ago, Saar8srl said:

Hi love, welkom to this forum.

I know I can’t really explain what is happening to me since the wd. Although I don’t really think I’m in wd. I had a bad reaction on a high dose of the RI and since then the “depression”, low mood, the freez condition started. It doesn’t feel like normal low moods wich I use to have. I haven’t yet found a way to deal with it but I have to find one. Thank you for your massage and I hope you will heal soon and go on with your life. This is what I want for Al the people in this forum. Much love and hugs for you . ❤️

Hi :),

thank you for your warm welcoming.

I think whether the anhedonia is from WD or from an adverse reaction or a huge dose or from RI, doesn't make a huge difference in this case, in all matters it is a drug related reaction. I had the same thing as you do, I could not explain what happened the first time in WD. I only got better at it because I already experienced it a few times......... and sometimes I am still not sure if I can describe what I am going through. I used to solve problems with willpower, but now it's not possible anymore. I have to be more patient and in acceptance.

Also I hope you will heal soon and go on with your life. This is what I also want for all and everybody in this forum.

Much love and hugs for you too . ❤️

4 minutes ago, Glimmery said:

I used to solve problems with willpower, but now it's not possible anymore. I have to be more patient and in acceptance.

wow, its like you are in my head. Beautifully said. This is my main problem not the wd. I miss myself so much because I was proud of what I was and how I did the things I did. Even when life was hard on me .

4 hours ago, Glimmery said:

Hi :),

from my own experience with RI I would do very tiny steps. 0,1 mg per RI if possible, not more than 0,5mg at a time and then hold at least for 1-2 weeks. Even tiny amounts can make a change at these stages. But the most important thing is to be patient, from what I have experienced. Still have to tell this myself every day.

After I tapered the way a doctor recommend in 2020, which I know now was way to quick. It was more ct than a taper.

So I got severe anhedonia after that, for about 12 months.

And at least 3 months of anhedonia with some windows.

It was the worst thing I went through. It took me so long to get out of anhedonia.

But from that experience I know it can go away. Having anhedonia is a common WD symptom, unfortunately. Even if now I have to convince myself as well and remember that it went away once, so it can go away this time as well. And also your anhedonia can resolve completely one day.

It really is WD and not your new self.

What helped me with anhedonia during my worst times:

-not telling myself that I am bad because I was not able to get out of bed, instead trying to tell myself something like: "This is anhedonia, and this is a normal WD symptom. I do not like it, I do not have to like it. I do not like it, but I accept it. It can go away."

-going for a walk every day, at least for 10 minutes, even 5 minutes are a success during anhedonia

-even if just for a short time, going out of bed at some point every day if possible, helped me after a while

-watching videos and allowing myself to watch videos

-still staying in touch with friends and meeting friends (as much as possible)

-even if I could not enjoy it anymore, allowing myself to do the good stuff, I used to enjoy helped me, even if time-delayed

-I Know that you might want (I wanted aslo) to do the "hard", "normal" stuff soon, but it is not the right time for that, but you will be able to do it again, just do the easier stuff first, even if it is like the most easy thing you can imagine: doing puzzles, crossword puzzles, knitting e.g., preparing and cooking simple dishes,reading magazines, doing something that is easy to focus on, will help you to get yourself occupied and distracted

-even if you do not feel like it, try to shower every day, focus on the water and the soap and if you blocked because you would have to get up for shower, allow yourself to lay down again afterwards, as it can take the hurdle of going to the shower in the first place, it might sound ridiculous to some, but showering is a success while experiencing anhedonia, always try to remember that and remind yourself of that

Be as kind to yourself as possible

Do you have any times you are feeling better during the day?

Most people do, sometimes without realizing it at first. For me it was in the evenings and sometimes nights......... sometimes it was only the feeling of 10% of normal, but it was an improvement still.

During anhedonia even feeling 1% better is a success. Most of the successes during anhedonia are time-delayed and you only recognize them after a while, but even if it takes time you will recognize the improvements and successes and you will feel better :)).

Well said @Glimmery

1 hour ago, Catbird said:

Well said @Glimmery

@Catbird Thank you

lovely people . I have had a beautiful day yesterday when I woke up . I felt almost myself . Mood was still swinging the whole day but overall I was myself more than than I could wish for. I even danced and screamed from my toes “I love my life”..🫣❤️. Today also woke up better than usual . It’s a hard road and specially when you deal with mental issues it’s hard to say when one is healed . I start to accept more but I have a long road in front of me . I still have to work on it and tell myself every day . This is not you. It helpt to vent here and to hear I’m not the only one …love you guys ❤️❤️

Just now, Saar8srl said:

lovely people . I have had a beautiful day yesterday when I woke up . I felt almost myself . Mood was still swinging the whole day but overall I was myself more than than I could wish for. I even danced and screamed from my toes “I love my life”..🫣❤️. Today also woke up better than usual . It’s a hard road and specially when you deal with mental issues it’s hard to say when one is healed . I start to accept more but I have a long road in front of me . I still have to work on it and tell myself every day . This is not you. It helpt to vent here and to hear I’m not the only one …love you guys ❤️❤️

love to hear the good update ❣️❣️❣️❣️

1 hour ago, Saar8srl said:

lovely people . I have had a beautiful day yesterday when I woke up . I felt almost myself . Mood was still swinging the whole day but overall I was myself more than than I could wish for. I even danced and screamed from my toes “I love my life”..🫣❤️. Today also woke up better than usual . It’s a hard road and specially when you deal with mental issues it’s hard to say when one is healed . I start to accept more but I have a long road in front of me . I still have to work on it and tell myself every day . This is not you. It helpt to vent here and to hear I’m not the only one …love you guys ❤️❤️

I am sooooo very happy to read. Hang onto that window, this is proof you are on the right track. Lots of time now at this dose, stablity is your goal now :)

6 hours ago, Saar8srl said:

lovely people . I have had a beautiful day yesterday when I woke up . I felt almost myself . Mood was still swinging the whole day but overall I was myself more than than I could wish for. I even danced and screamed from my toes “I love my life”..🫣❤️. Today also woke up better than usual . It’s a hard road and specially when you deal with mental issues it’s hard to say when one is healed . I start to accept more but I have a long road in front of me . I still have to work on it and tell myself every day . This is not you. It helpt to vent here and to hear I’m not the only one …love you guys ❤️❤️

I'm so, so happy to hear this @Saar8srl. Windows are proof that your body can heal. Hold tight to that feeling when things get tough again, you will get through this 💜

Thank you @SarahMc . It’s was a weird day with a lot of fluctuating feelings . I still have to figure out where I’m going through . Today the mood is low aging and can’t find the strength to even keep going. I guess this is how it goes .

6 hours ago, Saar8srl said:

lovely people . I have had a beautiful day yesterday when I woke up . I felt almost myself . Mood was still swinging the whole day but overall I was myself more than than I could wish for. I even danced and screamed from my toes “I love my life”..🫣❤️. Today also woke up better than usual . It’s a hard road and specially when you deal with mental issues it’s hard to say when one is healed . I start to accept more but I have a long road in front of me . I still have to work on it and tell myself every day . This is not you. It helpt to vent here and to hear I’m not the only one …love you guys ❤️❤️

I was really happy when I read your post. How nice that you had such a great day. Lots of Love 😍😍

1 hour ago, Saar8srl said:

Thank you @SarahMc . It’s was a weird day with a lot of fluctuating feelings . I still have to figure out where I’m going through . Today the mood is low aging and can’t find the strength to even keep going. I guess this is how it goes .

Yes this is how it goes, up and down, one day at a time, with slow, non-linear improvement as time passes. You will get there 🫂

Haven’t slept . Woke up with huge chemical depression and cortisol running through my body.

just woke up and feel so disconnected and weird . Is this all part of the wd. After a “good” day this is so weird to experience. Sorry guys just need some support.

3 hours ago, Saar8srl said:

Haven’t slept . Woke up with huge chemical depression and cortisol running through my body.

Sorry to read, waves and windows can be brutal, remember the window, more to come....

1 hour ago, Saar8srl said:

just woke up and feel so disconnected and weird . Is this all part of the wd. After a “good” day this is so weird to experience. Sorry guys just need some support.

100% just part of the process. I was so happy to hear of your better days, you are on the right track, just gotta ride the fluctuations as you stablise.

Does anyone know a good online coach who can help with the wd and can guide you in this process?

3 hours ago, Saar8srl said:

Does anyone know a good online coach who can help with the wd and can guide you in this process?

Hi @Saar8srl yes absolutely, there are a bunch. I've tried a couple and have discussed others with a few folks on here. Why don't you send me a pm when you have a chance and we can chat.

Hi guys ,

The chemical depression hasn’t been with me for 6 days now and I have been experiencing mood swings during the day for a few days . Is this normal and does this mean I’m healing. Do I updose or just stay at the 3mg? I really don’t know how this Ri works . I just want to feel better so I could function and then slowly get back to life .

1 hour ago, Saar8srl said:

Hi guys ,

The chemical depression hasn’t been with me for 6 days now and I have been experiencing mood swings during the day for a few days . Is this normal and does this mean I’m healing. Do I updose or just stay at the 3mg? I really don’t know how this Ri works . I just want to feel better so I could function and then slowly get back to life .

This is great news, I personally would suggest staying put on this dose. You felt activation from 4mg, I also think that Receptor Occupancy wise you may well be at the sweet spot for Sertraline. RI isn't a magic wand, just a crutch to help ease things as you settle/stablise. Also the benefits can take some time to truly show. As with everyone in WD, symptoms fluctuate, so don't be worried this is normal. Very positive news here.

15 minutes ago, Chippy said:

This is great news, I personally would suggest staying put on this dose. You felt activation from 4mg, I also think that Receptor Occupancy wise you may well be at the sweet spot for Sertraline. RI isn't a magic wand, just a crutch to help ease things as you settle/stablise. Also the benefits can take some time to truly show. As with everyone in WD, symptoms fluctuate, so don't be worried this is normal. Very positive news here.

I know it’s good news but being with a low mood and recognizing myself scares me that this is me now. Does people also heal from depression after the Ri or only with physical symptoms? I don’t want to think so much but my brain doesn’t let me have hope. Every succes I book it’s seems like it’s nothing and that I will still stay the depressed person ..