I’ve taken zoloft as well as other ssri’s and an snri which I am on now (Effexor.) You have to decide whether or not the relief you gain is worth the side effects, they say that many of the side effects subside. Zoloft worked for me, it was the side effects I didn’t like Effexor has less side effects, but is supposedly more difficult to get off of. You only took zoloft for a week and then stopped so I am not sure you went through the full range of withdrawal symptoms, I would say the worst is what people call brain zaps. They feel just like that a zap and then seem to travel through the nerves of the body, it is difficult to describe though. They seem to coincide with quick eye movements. Research has shown that exercising can help relieve anxiety and depression. Meditation is also a good tool. Taking a medication is a pretty big decision, I think, because once you have been on it for a little while you can’t or shouldn’t just quit, and the withdrawal symptoms along with the brain zaps aren’t fun; Irritability, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, change in appetites, nausea, and I’m sure a lot more depending on the person.

Antidepressants should be used as a last resort once you have made positive life improvements.
Here are some that worked for me and surely work for others:

-cut down on or cut out completely unhealthy habits or behaviours
-take care of your body; enough sleep, proper eating habits, exercise!!!
-take up a healthy hobby whatever that may be
-take a new course; painting, yoga, meditation, spinning!, learn how to garden..join a community garden, get chickens! lol (if money is an issue you can usually find subsidized or free classes if you reach out)
-connect with friends and family
-keep a journal
-get out of your head and into the moment!
-and again EXERCISE! is your best friend! Run even if you hated it before or never tried it. I used to hate it and now I love it, its the most amazing outlet..not to mention your body feelings naturally high afterwards.

If anxiety is your issue instead of turning to medications that will only band-aid the situation, look at your life and really assess what is and is not working for you and what of those things you have the power to change…even little by little.

A little bit of back-up on my opinions…..I was on zoloft for almost 2 years from the age of 16 after being deeply depressed since 14…family issues, death, unhealthy lifestyle, inability to deal were all contributing to my depression.

While the zoloft did help me come out of a dark period I can now see that with a more holistic approach and more guidance I could have improved my life without it. I was put on 75 mgs after ending up in the hospital and shortly there after I remember always feeling elated and not caring about consequences of my actions which led to careless behaviour…my dosage was most likely too high.

A year and a half later when I decided I shouldn’t be taking the medication any longer I did go through a period of feeling odd physically during the initial weening but it was a necessary step and it didn’t last long.

I’ve now been steadily content and alright with a bit of the regular ups and downs that every person experiences…like I said it takes self awareness and living a happy and healthy life isn’t always easy but it is ALWAYS worth it~!

Hope this helped.