Antidepressants

[shona11]

I have been referred for counselling 6 months ago but heard nothing so attended GP again to which was informed could be anything up to 12 months so was prescribed antidepressants. Worried about taking them as don't want to be on them for years.

[chloe40]

Hi there Shona11 and welcome to our friendly Forum here on Action on Depression. Please do read our Community Guidelines, which you'll find on the right hand side of this page.

I have heard there is an awful long wait for Counselling but if you've been waiting six months already, I do hope you are not too far off now. Please don't be afraid of taking the anti depressants, it doesn't mean you will be on them for 'years'. You may only need a short course or until you have the Counselling.

I'm sure other members will be able to offer you further reassurance.

Chloe

[Gazzathomas]

I take mirtzapine recently gone to a higher dose and help. Side affects are the things you need to be aware off. Read your leaflet that comes with yours. For me they have helped I think without them i would be in a bad way..

Personally I would take your medication and see how it goes and if you feel there is anything not right get back to the doctors and tell them. I have actually found my doctors practice to be very supportive talking through my concerns about anti depressants...

[DOGS-GIZMO-FRODO]

I don't blame you with the medication. I had taken Effexor xl 75mg for over 10 years until 5 months ago when I just quit them completely as I found they were no longer helping I was starting to feel a lot of anxiety and panic all over again. I did not want to up the dose I wanted to go the counseling route instead but there are long long lists so I am still waiting and don't know how long it will take. I find that every 15 years or so during my life I seem to hit a panic/anxiety stage and eventually it just lifts after counseling. I think it is the reassurance that you are going to be ok from a good therapist that makes the big difference in your life and lets you know that you are not alone. This was the first time I had taken any long term medication. I was great being off it the first 3 months but the past 2 months have been hard so can't wait to get to talk through things eventually with a therapist and get back on track again. I wish you well. Good luck. Together with help we will all make it through the rough patches of life. It seems to come in cycles.

[shona11]

Thankyou for your comment. Its been reassuring.