Depression/Anxiety Meds

[meesteves]

I have pretty strong depression and anxiety. I have been able to manage it mostly on my own. I have never been formally diagnosed but I have been to several therapists off and on starting in my mid 20's. I think I never have been diagnosed because it is hard for me to tell the therapists what is going on. One of them put me on a mild anti depressant, but I stopped taking them because I felt they were taking my personality.

Fast forward to now, and it is getting exhausting to manage this stuff. Plus I feel like it is holding/held me back. I already responsibly use marijuana for this reason, but getting high is not conducive to everyday life. I want to know if meds would take away the burden. Who likes taking their meds and why?

[Misty41]

I don't think anyone likes their meds but sometimes they are a good way to help you get out of a rutt. I was taking antidepressants before during a very trying time in my life. I felt as if there was no hope and like I hit rock bottom. I had a good support system but it wasn't enough to get me motivated to make long term changes. I started a medium dose antidepressant and it helped me to realize it could be a lot worse. So for about 3 years I took them and then asked my doctor if I had to stay on them. I felt better emotionally but I was still a little more tired than normal and gained weight. After I started a new career and things were looking up, I was able to wean myself off of them and I was ok. With that said a few years back I wanted to go back on them bc my boyfriend has bad depression and is in denial. He has a way of making me feel terrible about some things and then I feel like I'm in a depressed state for a few days. I thought meds would help me but he was so against it and some how I allowed him to be a part of that decision. Looking back I wish I had started them again bc I do believe the right drug makes things more tolerable and less upsetting so you can make positive changes.

[meesteves in reply to Misty41]

My mistake. Who has found their meds to be helpful would be a better wording.

Do you feel you need them? Like after a long time on them using them can you function without them?

[Misty41 in reply to meesteves]

Yes I can. But it seems like when big things happen in my life I need them again because I just have trouble dealing. Maybe that means I should stay on them lol

[Windy101]

I like my meds! They allow me to function better than I could otherwise. The side effects are nothng compared to what I'd be facing without them. I wouldn't dream of going off them.

I have a real illness and my meds are part of being treated for it. My last bout of depression was all I needed to take this very, very seriously.

[Windy101]

By the way, there are meds that won't make you gain weight.