Scared

[Desperatelyseeking]

I have been struggling with (what I now know is depression) for over 10 years of my life. Throughout the years it has taken different forms, manifested various self-harm behaviors, and exhausted me beyond what I feel I can handle. I have reached a point in my life where I am (dependent on the day) motivated to finally get it taken care of or just give up. I recently started going to counseling and my counseler recommended I go to a psychiatrist for anti-depressents. I'm scared. I hate to admit it and I know it is probably what i need to do. But I'm terrified of the unknown.. what if they have the opposite effect on me? What if I become addicted? What if they mess with my physical health? I just need to know I am not alone right now.

[erin_c]

Hi there! I can attest that medication was a huge help for me and many others. I know there can be a stigma, but I encourage you to try that path. Your psychiatrist will work with you to find the right one, and dosage. It's not hard to quit or transition meds as long as you do it gradually.

[Desperatelyseeking in reply to erin_c]

Thank you!

[jkl5500]

I suggest you write down all of your questions regarding meds and bring the paper with you to the doc, so you won't forget anything. It's the doctor's job to explain the meds and their side effects. Make it clear that you need reassurance on this subject.

I have taken various meds for almost 40 years. None have ever been addictive. You do have to step down gradually when switching meds, but if you follow the doctor's instructions, there should be no problem.

[Desperatelyseeking in reply to jkl5500]

Thank you!

[newhope]

Going on medication in my state was not a good thing. It was hard to not think about abusing it when my breakdowns got really bad. But that is just me. I personally don’t believe in medicine and I have survived this long without it. I truly believe it is a last case scenario - which is why I am here to hopefully get support and support others and try to change my life with my eyes open 100% and taking it in. When I saw a psychologist a couple years ago, she prescribed me anti-depressants that actually made me feel numb. I wasn’t sad but I wasn’t really happy either. I kind of felt like I was in limbo just lazily living my life. It’s important to do all your research before getting on any medication. I have also heard many success stories about the right medications so maybe it is worth a try! I’m here if you ever need a friend ❤️

[Desperatelyseeking in reply to newhope]

Thank you!

[fauxartist]

most antidepressants I know of are not addictive, xanax and some other benzo's for anxiety relief are addictive. Antidepressants take a while to work, and you really don't feel any big 'Ah Ha!' moment, you just start feeling a bit better, and then your emotional roller coaster does not go to the levels of low and highs...a smoother ride. There is no 'magic pill' that's a cure all. You still have good and bad days, just the bad days don't seem to last as long and you don't go as deep into the darkness. Sometimes it takes a few different antidepressants to find the right one and dosage amount that works for you. I take them, and it has made a huge change in my depression over all.

[Desperatelyseeking in reply to fauxartist]

Thank you!