Please share your experience with antidepressants.

[blksunshyn]

I’m losing hope in this fight to treat my depression. I have never seen a medical doctor for treatment, so I do not have a clinical diagnosis but I have been seeing a counselor on-and-off for the last two years. I have been dealing with (what I believe to be) depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety for almost 10 years now.

I have always been apprehensive about taking medication. I’m not a fan of doctors and take medicine as little as possible. But it may be my only option at this point.

I’m terrified and the information available on antidepressants can be overwhelming. I was hoping that some of you would be open to sharing your experiences on antidepressants — the good, the bad, and the ugly!

I want to live and not just be alive. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Jason_16]

I was diagnosed with depression a year ago and I understand the numbness, the pain, wanting everything to just go away. Then a friend gave me hope for life. She told me that so many good things can and will happen if I just tried to look for them and she, along with other close friends and family, helped me through this time. I would lean on those who truely care about you and try and stay positive. With anti-depressants what I learned is they can be helpful after being on them for a long period of time, usually 2-3 months, but they are addictive, especially for younger people. However, good doctors will ease you off them once you are in a good place in your life and the natural happiness you feel will make it much easier to get off them. Hopefully this helps, and remember than you are not alone in your struggles, I will be here for you whenever you need me.

[Irishinthebay]

You poor thing - it’s sounds like you’ve been struggling pretty much on your own with this for a long time, I’m so sorry.

I have to be honest with you, I’m treatment resistant which has been really difficult. But, medication does help a lot of people and I know a lot of people who go on to have normal lives while on meds and you don’t have to necessarily take them forever. Meditation and exercise has helped me somewhat too and therapy at least once a week but I have very very severe depression so what works for me, may or may not work for you and vice versa.

I do feel like there’s a lot of negative stuff out there about antidepressants but the way I see it is - would you rather have 10 good years of freedom from depression or would you rather of 20 of living hell? I would take the 10 years any day because having depression has literally destroyed my life and I’ve suffered for 30 years.

Maybe make an appointment with a psychiatrist and have a chat with them. You could also see a naturopathic doctor, I know people who swear by them. I have a brother and that route really helped anxiety for him.

Whatever you decide, just know this - no matter what, you deserve health and happiness. Please be kind yourself and take things slow.

Also, please post how you are doing and I’m always here to chat too, anytime.

Michelle

[JOYInThisMoment]

Do NOT BE AFRAID. I have been on medication for many many years & Although it has its risks; it beats the “surviving life” mode I was in. If you are wise & find a good psychiatrist & implement helpful skills- you will be ok.

I have recently found Ketamine infusions to be very effective. I am 61 years old & have had to work much harder at enjoying life than most people. We have a strong genetic history (predisposition) in my family for anxiety & depression. Take a step to better your life. It’s OK.