Blankedonia Databaseblank mind · numb emotions
RecoveredBoth symptoms clearmadinamerica.com

01-tomasz-sertraline-pssd

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Gradually, I lost the ability to feel emotions, both positive and negative. Everything became indifferent, empty... Most of the time, I lay in a state of severe depersonalization and numbness... Cognitive functions were severely impaired... In 2024... cognitive functions improved (starting from a point where I couldn't read), emotional functions and feelings returned.
Cause
sertraline (abrupt then slower discontinuation); protracted withdrawal + PSSD
Duration
on sertraline a few years; ~2 years near-total inability to function after stop; breakthrough year 5; large improvement 2024 (~6 years)
Recovery notes
Time, windows/waves, sleep hygiene, keto/carnivore + psychobiotics, forced gym 4x/week despite anhedonia, abstinence from further psychotropics. Trazodone 1 pill ~18 months off caused crash. Follow-up essay: https://www.madinamerica.com/2024/10/what-helped-and-what-hindered-my-recovery-from-protracted-withdrawal-from-antidepressants-and-pssd/
Source URL
https://www.madinamerica.com/2024/08/escaping-hell-protracted-withdrawal-syndrome/

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