Scared to take anti depressants

[Anon1997]

Im not 100% sure about them. I don’t know much about them. I’m worried about taking them due to stigma in my family about them. I had a sister take them, we saw her at her worse with them (idk the name) but she was also abusing alcohol and drugs (not 100% sure). I am also worried it won’t be good for me. I have a little son to care for, I need to be 100% with him all the time but I fear my mental health is really starting to take a toll. I don’t want to end up like my sister. She’s better now, I’m not sure if she’s still taking her meds now but she’s a lot better. I don’t smoke or drink or do drugs, so it’s not that I’m worried about. I fear I may become reliant on them like an addiction or the side effects that they may cause as I currently have another personal health concern the doctors can’t diagnose as of yet. I’m just unsure but if they help my mental health I’m kind of becoming open to the idea. Any advice? I haven’t had an appointment with my soon to be therapist yet but I think I may discuss them in the future, I would really like to try without the meds first. The dr said I’m more than welcome to come back and get a prescription for some but he wasn’t specific or anything as I said I didn’t want them. Sorry for the long post..

[M99]

Hi Anon1997,

Thanks for telling us your current situation. I can imagine how this is a new and scary territory for you, especially since you have had prior experience with witnessing your sister and her responses to anti-depressants. I believe anti-depressants do not work for everyone, but do work for some, in short although it aims to do the same thing on the brain, how each individual responds and reacts to the medication is different and varies.

Have you spoken to a therapist, counsellor or psychologist yet? I think listening to some professional recommendation is important given they provide the proper examination of your current state. I think it is important to listen to medical advice, however, it is also important that you only do what you are comfortable with and what you believe is best for your health.

I think before taking anti-depressants, perhaps forms of counselling may work better for you. That of course, depends on your current state.

We are always here to help and listen to you.

Best of luck,

M99.

[TheBigBlue]

Hi Anon,

You can absolutely try other options before deciding if you want to try medication & it’s great to hear you are considering all options.

Unfortunately we don’t all have the same reactions to certain medications. What may work for person A may not work for person B. But definitely speak to your prescribing doctor with any concerns/questions you might have.

i was deadset against trying them as I was worried about addiction too (odd as I’ve never had an addiction to anything). On top of this I have a serious medical condition that requires round the clock management so I needed something that wouldn’t knock me out in case I needed to wake & medicate in the night.

Ive tried a few different medications, some helped me sleep but made me over eat, some made me feel wide awake all night etc. So this is something that you & the doctor need to work together to find what works best. When you do start on anything, just make note of any changes in mood, appetite etc & be sure to update your doctor after a week or two so they can check how you are going.

The only advise I can really give is if after a while you decide the meds aren’t working or aren’t right for you, please follow the doctors advice as some medication requires you to wean off slowly & gradually reduce your intake.

I hope you can find what option works best for you & can work through your mental health issues.

[Gambit87]

Hi Anon1997,

I too am very nervous at the idea of taking anti-depressants. I've been recommended them a couple of times, but I just cant bring myself around to try them.

I totally understand its different for everyone, but I keep coming back to the possible side effects. I believe they have their place, but I don't think they're for me.

For me, I feel like I can keep ontop of my depression and anxiety by keeping regular appointments with my psychologist, using the tools I have learnt to get through low times, being open and talk about whats bothering me, practice self care and being kind to myself.

[daffodilia]

Hello Anon, hope you are doing ok since you posted this!

For what it’s worth, medication has been a huge help for me. Counselling wasn’t of any use for me until medication helped me make the first change.

The first antidepressant I tried worked great but had sexual side effects that weren’t ideal, but the one I am now on has no side effects I’ve noticed. While it’s not always perfect, I am in a much, much better headspace than I would be without it!

Don’t be afraid to talk to a doctor about your concerns, and I hope things work out ❤️