Sertraline & EMDR?

[high.hopes]

I really don't know where this belongs and I've never posted in here before!

Basically, I've been going to Camhs now for just over a year. We've stuck with talking therapy for this time, as I find working with her really difficult and my parents being unaware that I go caused a few problems.
She now feels that I'm not making much progress and need extra support to be able to move on so she suggested medication. I'm yet to to see the doctor there but it's been suggested I start Sertraline in the next few weeks and possibly in the future have EMDR.
Other than these appointments, I'll be handling this completely by myself and the idea of starting meds is petrifying! I find it so hard to speak in my appointments, I haven't been able to ask any questions and she hasn't really told me a lot.

I just wondered is there anything I should know? I literally know nothing's apart from they've been suggested for 'anxiety and fear'. And does anybody have experience with either of these things?

I know this probably seems pathetic, but just the theory of taking them is causing huge anxiety! Thank you!

[sapphire hearts]

hey honey, I've been on Sertraline a couple of times, it's really nothing to worry about. Side effects are minimal, and most stop after the first couple days; it's really good for anxiety. Perhaps if you can get a better handle on your anxiety you'll find it easier to talk to your therapist?
I've never tried EMDR so I'm afraid I can't help you with that.

Hope this helps hun, PM me if you wanna talk :)
Katie xx

[Scumbelina]

I've been on Sertraline about 4 years. It has helped me so much with OCD & anxiety. Within a few weeks I was reading books again for the first time in years (before I couldn't concentrate)
The only side effects I have are with strange & intense dreams, sometimes nightmares but that can also be kinda fun!
I'd imagine you'd be started on a low dose to begin with.

I had to Google EMDR so obviously I've had no experience with it. If you feel uncomfortable asking questions then you could research yourself so you know what to expect (which is what you're doing on this thread so that's good)

Are you sure you can't speak to your parents? It's a lot to go through on your own. I didn't think CAMHS were allowed to see 'minors' without informing parents. Anyway - is there any other family you can talk to? Or friends? Or a teacher at school? Just someone to share the burden.

We are all here too x x

[high.hopes]

Thank you so much for replying! Hearing two stories of how it's helped you both is so reassuring!! I'm also really pleased it has helped you both, that so good to hear... The side effects was/is a major worry as I'm going to have to try and hide them too if I have any, so I'm pleased to hear neither of you have suffered too badly from them.

I've googled both of these things, but if I'm honest it seems to just make me more anxious! I feel so much better speaking to 'real' people about their experiences so thank you. Fortunately, the EMDR won't be for a little while yet so I have some more time to get my head round it.

I'm hoping that taking the medication will help... I'm a bit worried about remembering to take it? But maybe it will make speaking to her a little easier. Sometimes, I can't say anything, and Ive never been able to use eye contact with her...

I've actually been at Camhs for over a year and they've kept everything from my parents. I think it's because I'm over 16 and not considered a danger to either myself or others... I'm not in a position to tell my parents, firstly because I know they wouldn't be very accepting, and secondly, because I didn't tell them about the rape which was the initial reason for going. I'm too frightened to tell anybody else about this really as its a risk of my parents finding out.

Thank you so much for the replies. It really does help, and I'm very grateful!