u/ThrowRA092122

I keep trying to start Zoloft for severe health anxiety/OCD after open heart surgery, but every time I quit around day 3 because the activation/anxiety increase scares me. I get jittery, more anxious, hyperfocused on my body, and convince myself something is wrong. The problem is I also know I really need help because my anxiety is consuming my life at this point. Did anyone else have a rough startup with Zoloft but eventually level out? How did you get through the beginning?

Has anyone else in the CHD community really struggled mentally after surgery? I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety, fear about my heart, hyperfixating on symptoms/palpitations, and honestly depression too since my surgery 2 years ago. It’s been hard to move past everything and some days I feel stuck thinking about my heart all day.

Did anyone end up taking medication for anxiety or depression, and did it help? I’m already in two types of therapy