Anti depressants query

[Rainbowahs]

Hi I find this very difficult to talk about. But I think I am suffering with depression, it’s hard to admit because I always put a brave face on throughout my whole life and I’ve realised this is something out with my control. Lockdown has been a huge factor and it was the anniversary of my boyfriends death so I think that has had a part in playing that I haven’t dealt with it properly. Has anyone been on anti depressants? I am terrified of them for some reason and would rather not take them and try counselling instead but heard the wait list is too long.

I don’t mean to ramble but I would appreciate any advice

Thanks

[Joeb17]

I suffer from depression at first I denied it till eventually I saw my gp and was told yes I was suffering from depression.have been on meds for a long time now sometimes I think they are working and other time no.but I’m just not fighting depression I have anxiety problems tinnitus and other problems.but go to see your gp don’t try to fight this on your own talk about it i now it’s hard.i know there are service’s that are doing counselling over the phone look on line there is help to be found there don’t put it of seek help now.mind is one place you can find help once I am free today I will look up services that will help you I will get back to you when I can.good luck.

[Rainbowahs in reply to Joeb17]

Thanks so much for your response. You are definitely right. I appreciate your advice

[Hidden]

Have you talked to your Doctor yet, that is the first destination you need to visit.

Make a list of your concerns and mood changes etc and your Doctor will set you along the correct pathway. Most on this site have been on or are taking AD medications.

Most sufferers will only need to take these medications over a short period of time, eventually they do get better. Others do suffer over an extended period, they will recover eventually. The last group that I am in will take them for life, while some sufferers will have problems at various times of their life

Sorry you lost your Boy Friend, Grief can be treated, and eventually you will come to terms with the loss, although in some ways we never really get over a loss especially if so tragic

Talk to your Doctor, you need to get your life back and be able to move on and find someone new.

BOB

[Rainbowahs in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Bob for your reply. Really appreciated.

Think I definitely need to just take that first step and make an appointment even though it’s hard to admit.

Thank you, I definitely think the grief is something I haven’t came to terms with but definitely need to.

[Hidden in reply to Rainbowahs]

Good luck when you have your appointment, let us know how you get on

BOB

[Rainbowahs in reply to Hidden]

I will do Bob. Thank you

[Hidden]

Been on anti depressants for over a decade . Prozac (fluoxetine) then duloxetine and imipramine. It is thought antidepressants are addictive but this is incorrect . Painkillers are highly addictive tho . Your doc could well refer you to see a therapist usually along with antidepressants . Antidepressants take between 10 to 21 days to have an effect so try to be patient .

[Rainbowahs in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I do think there is a stigma around taking them but they do help

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I have reduced both pain medications and AD drugs it has taken about five weeks to know I can control reduced doses so I am now on 40% of my original doses. As we get older generally it is advisable to reduce medication doses as it can be a problem if we need to take further medication for conditions associated with age. I am now able to control my conditions by increasing or reducing the basic dose I take.

I have taken pain and AD medications now since 1980

BOB

[timbits123]

Hi: I was in a similar situation two years ago. Yes, it's hard to talk about it, but you just did it! If you have close friend, family - confide in them too. Agree with BOB - see your Dr. He/she will likely recommend a combo of CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and anti-depressants. I started on a low dose of Citalopram, but eventually moved to Sertaline. I went to a private counselor for 10 sessions first, but recently finished 10 sessions organised through the NHS, immensely helpful. Yes, it took some time to get the sessions organised (4 weeks). Don't fear the anti-depressants - for me, at a low dose they have taken away the troughs in my mood, and allowed me to focus on the therapy. I can see a day when I won't need them. Best of luck.

[Rainbowahs in reply to timbits123]

Thank you for your response really helpful

[Jessicawarriner]

Hi I am the same I am suffering anxiety and I didn’t want to take anti depressants for it but this is what I had to do and I was yes worried about the side effects but all in all it’s worked wonders it will take time for ur body to adapt to them I am on day 1 of this medication but have also been on other medication for it don’t be afraid I mean I have been so worried but it will be fine just try and stay positive it won’t be long term it could only be for a few months just have a go

[Rainbowahs in reply to Jessicawarriner]

Thanks so much Jessica

[Cb1963]

If you have never grieved properly, you will still have unturned stones to look at,and it's so,so difficult doing this on your own, especially if an anniversary is coming up,certain things will remind you on a daily basis, which can either make you smile, or make you feel weepy, and they'll be other things that you won't expect, these are the ones that can perhaps keep you on a low ebb,we can never forget our loved ones, and its difficult if you are young and have still a life ahead of you, lockdown has probably given you more time to think,and unfortunately the news has shown many people who have sadly passed away from this virus, this has played subconsciously in your mind, and trigged your senses to which you are more aware than more people perhaps, some counselling is a source of relief,and there are several types of anti depressants which can help, and you may not even need to be on these for a long period of time, explain how you feel to your doctor, and maybe a low dose of medication can be prescribed,they do help,anti depressants work in many ways,and its just trying to find one that the doctor thinks that maybe suitable for your needs,hopefully you can get some help,and you aren't rambling on,I know how difficult life can be, good luck.

[Rainbowahs in reply to Cb1963]

I really appreciate your response. You are so right about the grief and the process. Thank you so much