HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE

‘I decided to come off the medication completely’

hen is it good to take W antidepressants? Until recently, I would have answered hardly ever, preferring to believe that medication, except in the case of severe depression, bipolar or schizophrenia, was merely a way of sidestepping legitimate sadnesses that were better faced and worked through via therapy.

I see now how puritanical – not to mention ill-informed – this sounds, but in my defence, I had my reasons. Ten years ago, at 26, I had a breakdown triggered by confusion over my sexuality and my decision to leave a steady job and go out into the wilderness as a freelance writer. Gradually, I realised I was in trouble: daily panic attacks, hopelessness and hours of tears meant earning a living became almost impossible.

I went to see a psychiatrist, who put me on antidepressant medication (Citalopram) and suggested I start therapy. The idea was that the medication would help to lift my head and heart to a place where I was better able to engage with the therapy