Hello, My Name is Zen Mama and I Take Zoloft

Get your gasps of horror, disappointment, disgust, and pity for my ignorance out of the way now.

Ok, you good?

Now, take a deep breath, open your mind, and read on.

I am a (mostly) natural parent, I breastfeed my nearly three year old son and will continue to do so until which time he decides he's finished, and I medicate with Zoloft.

Perhaps you read about my foray into anxiety/PPD/PTSD (click here to refresh your memory). As a result, I sought help from a therapist. I also sought medicinal help. The two-fold approach is what has worked for me. It made me feel 'myself' again - something I hadn't felt since I started IVF long before I had my son. (You think pregnancy hormones are bad? Try IVF hormones!)

I know, I know - what about chiropractic, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and herbs? I tried some. At various times in my life, I tried them all (except the acupuncture, which I tried to try, but I was turned away because of some complications with my pregnancy). Therapy and Zoloft is what worked (and continues to work) for me and I am not only unashamed, but quite pleased with and proud of myself for taking care of me so that I may continue to take care of my family.

I wasn't always "out" about my choice. I used to be embarrassed. I used to feel a failure. I used to feel like I would be shunned by my own community (you know, based on the stream of negativity seen on any thread about the issue). So I stayed closeted. I even attempted to wean myself off the meds. That's one way to spell disaster.

Luckily, I came to my senses. I take Zoloft. I take Zoloft and I'm OK. And you know, you are, too - whether you take meds or not.