Starting medication

[Whitenoise14]

I am a senior in high school and after having depression for around a year my therapist has suggested trying medication since therapy alone is not helping enough. I also have anxiety and am feeling pretty nervous about starting this especially since once I go to college it will all fall on me to be taking care of myself. If anyone would life to offer their own experiences on maybe having to start medication or just what it’s like that would be great. Thank you.

[Eowyn7]

You should do what feels right to you. Your therapist can give advice, and you can share your fears and concerns with them, but ultimately it is your decision. If therapy alone isn't helping you should find some other methods. That could be meds, or maybe something else like exercise or meditation. But you deserve to be happy so you should work at it, whatever you decide.

[Calm_mama]

Hi Whitenoise, it's so normal to be nervous about college and all that independence that comes with it! Will you talk regularly with your folks/friends/support network? And can you get a therapist lined up for you in advance of going?

My daughter (now 16) takes an SSRI and is independent with it. We of course participate in her treatment plan but ultimately this is her journey. She titrated off of it last year but found herself getting anxious again, and went back up to the previous dosage. I am a bit of a skeptic in general when it comes to the SSRI's but I actually do think it helps her. Therapy has been paramount. I think the 2 together have been the ticket. There are a lot of posts here on medications and you can read through and get some great information and opinions. As Eowyn points out, there are other supportive things to do as well.

[tamka38 in reply to Calm_mama]

Where the posts on medication

[Calm_mama in reply to tamka38]

Hi tamka,

How are you?

If you go to the upper right of the screen, there is a search box- says "Search HealthUnlocked". Type the med you are interested in seeing posts on (for example, "Lexapro" or "Wellbutrin") and posts on that particular med will come up. If you have specific questions about meds you can always ask your doc or your pharmacist, too

[tamka38 in reply to Calm_mama]

Thank you