Anxiety is taking over my life

Q

During lockdown I became very anxious. Initially, it was all linked to worrying about catching coronavirus. I thought I would be better now that I’ve had my jabs, but I still feel anxious most of the time. My GP has given me some medication called sertraline, but having read the patient leaflet, I’m now even more nervous. Do I have to take it?

A

Sertraline is very effective at treating anxiety, but all medicines can have side effects. You don’t have to take anything, but your doctor must have thought your symptoms were bad enough to need treatment. If you don’t want to take the sertraline, you should have another conversation with your GP, who may suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).