Hi, I've just been prescribed anti-depressants after being diagnosed with depression. Still sitting looking at the tablets worried.

[Charlie2508]

My GP didn't provide much information or support and just told me to take these tablets. Haven't stopped crying since. Feeling really hopeless and don't want my life to be controlled by a pill. Does anyone understand where I'm coming from?

[Hidden]

Yes, absolutely. I think most people who are on or have been on meds will understand how you are feeling.

I don't know how long you have been depressed for or how you feel when at your worst, but meds can ease the feelings a lot and make it easier to cope with everyday life without becoming so very low. If you find after a few weeks you don't feel any better, give them time, then go back and see your GP, meanwhile if you DO feel better which most people do begin to then you can think about the reasons why you have become depressed and whether you need to talk things through with someone as well. If you do then ask your GP to refer you for counselling or see someone privately if you can afford that.

I hope you begin to feel better soon, do take the tablets as your GP advised, you must have been quite depressed to have made the appointment.

Suex

[Charlie2508 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Sue, I've been suffering for a long time and have been fighting for what seems forever but I've reached a place of total darkness that I didn't have the strength to fight anymore. I know all my healing isn't in a pill but if it helps someway then I guess I have to take the plunge. Thanks once again.

[gardengnome]

for most of us meds can actually help towards us getting some control over our lives again. It can be an "Oh my God" type moment to finally accept that meds might be needed, I guess it might be like someone who has to get strict on their diet when their diabetes gets out of control. My doc originally gave me a review date of three or four months, but if things are still not right after about a month go back earlier. Touch-wood the meds may get your head in a state so that you can explore some more self-help ideas.

[Charlie2508 in reply to gardengnome]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I guess I've been in denial for a long time and playing the strong one when inside I've been in turmoil. The thought of taking a pill is scary but I have to do something. Thank you once again.

[PW1980]

Hi Charlie2508

I too have recently had to admit that there is a problem. The first step of making that admission is the biggest and probably the hardest, you have got over that hurdle and while it may not feel like it, you have made a huge step toward making the changes that will help you get back to you.

I had exactly the same feeling toward the pills that were prescribed by my GP. The leaflet explaining the potential side-effects is enough to make anyone think twice. Remember that they are not the cure, they are a support to the on going process. I decided that I was going to take them after suffering added anxiety that led to an attack which I lost control of. They aren't for everyone and there are days when you wonder if they are doing anything at all.

Maybe talking to a counsellor before you make a decision on the meds might help? What have you been prescribed?

In the short time I have been using this forum I have found that the people here are very supportive, so consider yourself amongst friends. We're all rooting for you.

[Charlie2508 in reply to PW1980]

Thank you PW1980 for your thoughtful response. I've been prescribed 20mg Citalopram. Now that I have made the step to ask for help, it has left me feeling absolutely drained of any emotional energy and I really feel stuck in taking the next move of starting the medication. I know it's not a magical cure...if only! But I struggle to understand how a pill can make me feel better especially when I feel so low. My partner doesn't agree with me taking them which doesn't help but I'm not allowing that to side track me however I just feel numb to the situation I'm in.

[Hidden]

I agree Charlie take the pills. Your life won't be controlled by them but they should lift your mood enough for you to start making any necessary changes in your life. You might not find the right one for you first time but if not get your doctor to change them, that won't be a problem. The trouble with depression is that everything seems hopeless and you need to break that cycle. Good luck with them. x

[mimi70]

Hiya i didn't want to take tablets either, wouldn't even accept i had a problem, i stopped taking mine, please be aware this was a stupid thing to do which could have had serious side effects, but they weren't helping, saying that i don't think i have depression despite it being an element of how i feel sometimes, the people on here said as much and i sulked

[mimi70]

I meant go back to gp

[Charlie2508 in reply to mimi70]

Thanks Mimi, I have an appointment on Tuesday to see a nurse so will try and talk to her somehow. It's all just really difficult.

[mg159753]

Generally GP has very basic knowledge on depression. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and thankfully my GP referred me to a psychiatrist knowing that she wouldn't be of much help. If possible, find a professional who is in depth with mental health.

[Maurice_from_Norfolk]

You don't sat which meds you've been given by the doctor, but, please don't dismiss them. I too had similar feelings, but I have found that the tablets (Fluoxetine) are a real help. I've just been through a long period of severe depression (Feeling suicidal) and the meds have helped a great deal. I say helped, because you are still in control of your life, despite how you may be feeling. The meds will take a few weeks to build up to become fully effective so the sooner you start the better.

Hope you feel better soon and, believe me, there is light at the end of the tunnel!