Should I get anti depressants?

[busylady]

I've been a person who has had major ups and downs in my life and I think I have generalised anxiety disorder (which sometimes leads to depression), and I'm starting to not want to go out or be around lots of people.

Years ago I tried anti depressants and I think they worked for a while, but then I ran out and didn't get more, and my body went through withdrawal and it really freaked me out. I decided I didn't want to take a pill to get better. 

I threw myself into cognitive behavioural therapy (including loads of self help books) and spirituality, and have sought help including regular counselling and retreats. Over the years all of these things have provided good temporary relief as well as excellent long term relief (I have really sorted my life out and I know I'm doing ok), but you have to work them, because it is so easy to slip back.

Throughout the years as I have battled my personal demons cognitively and spiritually, on and off I have had alcohol, pot and cigarettes right there with me. I know I self-medicate with these drugs and that they are bad for me. But they offer me instant relief and escape. However, I also know that at the times in my life when I have stopped taking them, that I have been happier and healthier and a better functioning person. 

I know anxiety and depression are affecting me at the moment. In this life I have created for myself, I have tonnes of responsibilities and obligations to kids, house, work, community, family and friends - and although I am doing my best, I can't keep up with it all and I have been feeling overwhelmed and scattered. Because I have set unhealthy boundaries for myself I have now reached a stage when I've had enough of it all. I feel grumpy, sad, lethargic, anti-social, tired and unproductive. I know I am not very pleasant to be around and feel a little agoraphobic, and guilty at the same time, because I haven't done some things I said I would and not gone to events I should have. 

But I'm not at a total loss right now. I can recognise this low as I've felt it before. I know I can get through it. Using my cognitive therapy techniques I have determined that there are things in my life I can do ease pressure and stress, and am working towards those changes. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel with the current cause of my unhappiness. 

My question is whether anti-depressants will help me now and if so, which ones work best for someone like me with anxiety and depression?

[AGrace]

Hi busylady,

Welcome to Beyondblue,  I hope in addition to all the work you have been doing to support yourself, that here you will feel supported by others. Apologies it's taken a while for you to get a response, sadly it happens sometimes that we miss posts.

Thank you for sharing your story. Im not surprised that you're experiencing some burn out. It sounds like you are doing quite a lot both with day to day life and practicing techniques to help with your thoughts and feelings. 

From all that you have mentioned,  I think going to a GP would be very useful. It's highly possible that you will need some medication to get you back on track. Your experience in the past is common when you stop taking antidepressants suddenly. In terms of which are best, this is very individual. Sometimes what works for one doesnt for another. Your Dr will be able to give you information on the different varieties, and will be able to prescribe the right dose. Unfortunately we can't comment on names of medications on the forums. I will say though if you do end up being prescribed medication,  I would also get a referral to a Psychiatrist.  They have a more thorough knowledge in this area and are better equipped at monitoring the effects.

I hope we will hear back from you. Dont forget to take some time out in the interim.  Life can be pretty hectic at times.

AGrace

[geoff]

dear Busylady, well I can't really add much more than what Amber has said, but one comment I can add to this is that doing cognitive therapy is always good, but it can be be hard work especially when you are tired, so there maybe times when you don't have the strength or desire to do this therapy, so if you were taking antidepressants then this won't matter, and it would really be a good idea. L Geoff. x

[hugomax]

Hi

Your story sounds similar to mine. I had major depression diagnosed in 2007. I finally went on anti-depressant but didnt like the side effects or the sigmar of taking them. After 8 weeks I took myself off of them and chose the alternative route of St Johns Wart, omega3 and exercise. I thought I had cracked it when the dark fog lifted from my mind. I went back to work thinking it was all behind me. But my brain wasnt the same. My memory, cognitive functions and intellect were a shadow of there former selves. After a couple of failed attempts to get my career back on track I have come to the conclusion after taking my doctors advise that I need a sustained period of at least 9 months on a higher dose to get my brain functioning properly again. I dont like the idea of it but for my own sake I am going to do it.

[AGrace]

Hi All,

I just wanted to add that the one thing we seem to forget about mental illness is that there are some biological contributing factors. These can often only be managed by medication. Due to the diverse range of reasons as to why we experience mental illness it's my opinion that it's best tackled by a culmination of treatments. 

AGrace