I’m thriving rather than trying to survive

I had a picture-perfect pregnancy and delivery. I was ready for the future, believing naively that my life would stay pretty much the same. I am embarrassed to say this now, but I had always rolled my eyes at women who talked about their postpartum depression. But, when my baby was four months old, I was hit hard.

I felt withdrawn, detached, and sad. I believed I knew what was happening – it was postpartum depression. I had always suspected that I had struggled with some mental health issues like anxiety – I have always worked a high stress, demanding job – but pushed it to the back of my mind whenever it surfaced.

I called my OB who prescribed an antidepressant. I had a horrible reaction to the medication – debilitating panic attacks – and my anxiety and depression got significantly worse. And I became physically ill as well. I first stopped taking the medication. My doctor then lowered the dose before I started again, only to have the same bad results.

My doctor recommended I switch to a different medication. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I had what felt like out-of-body experiences: I would fall asleep then wake up in utter panic, spending hours trying to come back from the edge. I even ended up in the emergency room as I could not eat, and the medications were still impacting my body.

I did not recognize what was normal or not normal. I could no longer look in the mirror because I had no idea who I was looking at.

A friend recommends the GeneSight^® test

A friend recommended GeneSight and told me about a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP) who could order the test. The PNP placed the order and I received the kit at my home 48 hours later. I took the test at home and shipped my sample in the pre-paid envelope and waited for my results.

When the PNP reviewed my results with me, it was clear that SSRIs – both meds that had been previously prescribed – may not be a good fit for me. The PNP worked with me to try a few medications in the “Use as Directed” category and I started to feel better, but still not as good as I wanted to. The third medication, which I started about five months ago, made an enormous difference, and once the PNP adjusted the dosage I have felt like myself again.

I’m thriving rather than trying to survive

Before I took the GeneSight test, I was overwhelmed, defeated and in anguish. I felt defeated because these medications worked for others; why didn’t they work for me? Now I know that’s not how this works!

Since being on a medication that is working for me, I am motivated, optimistic, and thriving – rather than trying to survive.

I am so grateful to my friend for telling me about GeneSight. I am a HUGE advocate and now want to tell others about my experience. You do not have to play Russian Roulette with medications. I got through this. And you can, too!