Taking the antidepressant plunge

[Skeeble]

I have been suffering with anxiety since September last year and it has all formed from depression and stress. I have managed the panic attacks with counselling and beta blockers..but now the depression which has gone unattended is affecting me greatly. Everyone I know is telling me to go on antidepressants including my doctor but I'm terrified it will make my anxiety worse or make me feel lower and suicidal. My biggest worry is having a breakdown. Anyone got any comforting advice or personal experiences about starting on antidepressants they would be greatly appreciated. X

[Hidden]

Mine help me greatly, I'm on celexa! Don't be afraid to try them out, sometimes you may have to try a couple before it works or it just may be the first one will work!! All the best for you!!! Love & Hugs!!! XXX

[Skeeble in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. Going to go to the doctors tomorrow. Did you experience any bad side effects? X

[Hidden in reply to Skeeble]

None at all! I'm on 49mg. Best of luck to you! Peace & Love!!!! XXX

[everyrose]

Don't think I am exaggerating when I say I am not sure I would be here without antidepressants. Finding one that works for you can help you feel better so that you get to a place where you are able to do everything you need to recover fully. It's not a quick fix and you might have to try a few before you find one that works for you, but don't be scared. They can help so so much. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Skeeble in reply to everyrose]

Thank you so much. Feel like I've tried for years to deal with things myself as I worry about the side effects of them. Did you experience any? X

[everyrose in reply to Skeeble]

Yes, have been through a few side effects, though I think everyone's response is different so please don't take these as typical. What I would say is finding an antidepressant that works feels like such an amazing relief from the misery, it's worth the risk as most side effects are relatively minor. Just keep alert for worrying ones like increase in suicidal feelings and talk to your doctor asap if this happens.

I really struggled on SSRIs (which most people find best) - I got night terrors (very vivid nightmares) and cold sweats, so came off those v quickly.

At the moment I take mirtazipine and the only side effect I have experienced from that is weight gain, which I can control if careful.

I have also been on a few others with no side effects, e.g. amipltriptaline.

Your doctor should see you regularly when you first start taking antidepressants, so make sure you talk to him or her if you are experiencing anything unusual and go to the Dr straight away if suicidal thoughts increase. They will be able to support you to stop taking or switch medication if necessary.

Hope this is helpful and happy to answer more questions 🙂

[Skeeble in reply to everyrose]

Thanks so much. That's what I'm most worried about becoming suicidal or being worse.. because once that pill is in your system it will take days to come out. I keep panicking about having a break down or needing to be bloody sectioned or something if I become suicidal x

[everyrose in reply to Skeeble]

Most antidepressants are out of your system within a few days. Take a look at the comparison of half life table on this site: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Also has some other useful info to try and compare your options of antidepressants.

Another thing to do if you are worried about the suicidal thoughts taking over is to develop a safety plan. There's a good explanation here: verywellmind.com/suicide-sa...

My main strategy when I am really suicidal is to make myself wait somehow - normally by calling someone or tiring myself out and then sleeping. By the time I wake up, I rarely feel as awful. Sounds stupid and it may be something completely different that works for you.

Hope tomorrow goes well, whatever you decide.

[Hidden]

They take time to build up in your body before the full affects are felt. Beware when starting one you may experience an increase of suicidal thoughts and a worsening of depression. They affect everyone differently.