To medicate or not?

[Slark]

Hi everyone,

I've had moderate depression for about 7 months now, and my doc, psychologist, family and friends are suggesting I go on medication. I've spent a great deal of effort eating healthy, unprocessed foods and exercising, and the last thing I want is to fill my body full of chemicals. I would much rather try natural alternatives (but haven't tried any yet).

My depression is getting better, I'm functioning, but there still feels a 'weight' on my mind, and I find it hard to get excited about things. I find myself still biased to the negative. I know I can and will get better, and I will eventually feel like the joker I used to. I'm just not sure I want to rock the boat with meds and the possible side effects, or if they're just what I need to really get me rolling on the road to full recovery.

Does anyone else experience the same feelings? Can anyone offer their own experiences (good or bad) with meds? Has anyone gone natural? My gut is telling me I should go on them, but I'm dreading any side effects, coming off them, and the chemicals.

Thanks for reading and your thoughts.

Peace and love.
Dan

[pipsy]

Hi Dan. It would be a good place to start seeing a Dr to discuss any fears you have re: AD's. While it's true AD's do contain certain chemicals, these chemicals are usually only in small quantities. Natural meds can be beneficial but without the chemicals ingredients required for stabilizing your condition, natural meds won't be able to do what the prescribed AD's do. As far as side-effects etc, your Dr would explain all side-effects, he would advise what to take, when to take . He would also monitor your body's response to the AD's. If after a certain time (he would be able to tell you how long before you start to benefit from the AD's), if you don't start to respond after about 2 or 3 weeks, the Dr reassesses you and makes whatever changes necessary. You can talk to the Dr about all your fears re: AD's before he prescribes anything. If you're still unsure, you could try talking to one of our counsellors on our 24/7 helpline. The Dr would also discuss with you the chemical ingredient the AD's contain. I understand your fear re: AD's, but talking to the Dr would be the ideal place to start.

Lynda.

[Greyhound123]

Hi Dan,

I was on SSRI's since I was a boy (I am now 33), and I went off them twice this year, my issue is anxiety however and I really needed them. I totally understand where you are coming from as I just went back on mine a few days ago. To be honest most on a small dose i never really noticed too many side effects, a larger dose does tend to make you a bit of a zombie. Don't think of them as something you will have to take forever, chances are if it is depression you will need them for a while to help with the therapy then be off them again. My advice is to do your research, but be carefull there is alot of bad/misleading information out there about the medications, mostly by people trying to sell you their self help books etc. Check the source of your information, and most importantally discuss it with your doctor, including your concerns. Be frank and honest with him. In reality the amount on chemicals in most anti depressants is minute anyway. If you search around here for the forum I started on stopping medication you will see my thoughts, and some good advice from others. If you have any questions about how it effects a young male, feel free to ask and I will answer as best I can.

[Girlbond_007]

Hi there,

i have been in AD meds for 7ish years with having a bad episode late last year I was given a secondary med to help. I have found the more I read about them the more I want to be free of them well at least one anyway. I have recently started acupuncture and seeing a naturopath in order to help recover adrenal issues from chronic anxiety just to name a few. I have found it has really helped to have the medication in recovering and feeling better along with a good psychologist. But I have also found taking a natural approach helps me to not worry about the AD meds I am taking as I know I am trying to resolve things from the root cause holistically and one day I will be back to normal.

Gai hope this was helpful

[Cowboy_Artist]

Hi Dan, yes it's a hard one to decide. I personally over the last 7 years have been on and off a few time as I have anxiety, depression and a very over active mind. When I got to the stage where I was feeling I was about to lose it and just everything was getting to much I would see my GP and we would discuss medication. Twice the medication it didn't agree with me and the other times it was fantastic and I levelled out, coped and then when I felt I had things in control I would stop and yes a few side affects coming off but nothing two bad.

The best thing I have found for my depression and anxiety for me personaly has been making sculptures, it's were everything goes away and I'm just living in that moment. My personal advice is and I'm sure we are all very guilty of not making time for ourself. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks you just need to find your passion and do it. I find music one of the best things to change my moods as well and I also when doing it tough listen to personal development and motivational you tubes. It's tough living with depression and anxiety but it can be managed and it takes time to know your body and mind and your pattern, once you know your signs you will find the tools after time. Sometimes I might go 3 hours or 3 weeks with the symptoms but no matter how bad it gets there is always something in each day that is positive and you will learn it's ok to feel not yourself but also know it's not the real you. My best advice is just find that one passion to you that you can have to yourself and just do it and never worry what others think and say as they are not in your shoes.

Be the champion you know you can be

[Slark]

Hi Cowboy Artist and everyone,

Thanks for your advice, and sorry for my tardy response, I thought I'd get an email notification or something saying someone had replied, but I realise that doesn't happen lol. Yeah I really need to do more research, natural sounds good but you're right, it literally doesn't have the chemicals in it to make my chemicals back in balance, as far as I know.
As far as passion goes that's also a problem, before my depression I had a major mental break down, and I've lost my passion for all I used to do, I was quite a successful composer for film, I might get back into it at another point in my life. I feel like a blank slate, with a lot of baggage, I guess that's exciting because I can be and do whatever I want, and purge some of the baggage on the way.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.