Trying to decide if medication the right action

[Avarael]

Firstly I'm not expecting medical advice, just looking from insight from people who have been down this road before.

I had a crisis a few months back that was related to schooling and career. I was referred to go to a GP and after describing my long term issues and recent exacerbation of symptoms she referred me to a psychotherapist and prescribed me anti depressants. I had mentioned that I felt birth control had helped me to manage my emotions and she wanted to see if I could improve on this. I felt I had been put on antidepressants too quickly (after one consult) and was very frightened of the side effects in a time where I couldn't risk being any worse than I was. I took advice from a couple friends and my mum and never got the script filled.

I visited a psychotherapist twice who I didn't really find that helpful. She didn't really have appointments when I needed them and focused on one issue without exploring other stuff which I just couldn't bring up. The "Adjustment disorder" was resolved though living through the situation and she continued to focus on anxiety with techniques like de escalating myself when my anxiety didn't feel like the issue anymore. She also wanted me to fill out my time with activities and while I've tried to do that and it has helped, I'm still struggling.

I'm now a few months past that and my longer term issues with depression have become a problem again with loneliness, focusing, and getting things done at the forefront. I've also had a breakdown in my support network so I have no one to confide in beyond small talk. Im booking into the psychotherapist again but what I've really been considering is starting medication after all. I can't stop thinking about that script I have. If I went to the GP and described my symptoms I know she'd start me on it. It's not a cure all but I don't need to be at my peak right now which gives me time to get over initial issues. I'm just worried about using it when there might be other actions I can take to combat the depression. I've been trying mindfulness and volunteering but I don't think I'm doing enough. I often rely on alcohol to unwind, my diet is poor, I've felt distant from friendships and family despite trying, and I don't manage my time well in regards to getting school work done etc which leaves me more stressed.

Does anyone have any advice on how they made the decision to start antidepressants? Did they try other methods first? Any insight would be so appreciated, thank you.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Avarael,

Thanks for your post.

This is a really common thread that comes up is knowing what to do and when to start medication.

I'm really sorry though that you haven't had a good experience with your doctor and your psychotherapist. I personally hope this hasn't put you off seeing another and I promise you they are not all the same. Sometimes it can be hard to see another, but just like Doctors they are all quite different.

For me personally, I got the script of antidepressants straight away and wasn't interested. The doctor told me to expect to gain weight (a woman's nightmare!) and not sleep and then shoo me away with the pill and a bill. Sadly this is a lot of peoples' experiences. I ended up leaving things for a long time, then seeing a therapist for a while and then deciding to take medication at the same time. Currently I'm not seeing a therapist (financial issues) but I am on medication.

You mentioned that you're worried about taking it because there might be other actions you can take to combat the depression. Medication doesn't have to be an either-or. It certainly can be, but it doesn't have to be. It also doesn't have to be long-term. So if you decide to take medication please don't think that it rules out other methods of helping to manage your depression.

You have mentioned a few other things that you've been trying to get ahold of like your support network, feeling lonely, mindfulness, volunteering, alcohol and diet, time management.. These are all things that you're relatively in control of. Ideally, if you're open to it it would be great to find a therapist who can really take you on board holistically. Therapy is for you and whatever you'd like to bring to the table. The ideal therapist is someone who can help you prioritise what is the biggest concern for you right now and help you with it. You also have the right to say "hold up- I want to focus on this". Therapy is your time.

Hopefully this can give you something to think about! Ultimately the decision is yours and it's great for you to think about it and really consider if this is something you'd like to do.

[Guest_128]

Hi Avarael,

I am very blunt so please understand I am concerned and trying to help you.

You are on this forum, that says it all.

If you are not coping,what is the harm in trying meds? Could it be worse than not helping yourself?

Dory

[Avarael]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response and insight into your own experience! It's really great advice and it's reassuring that others have felt similarly. (even though it sucks we have to!)

I visited a uni counsellor today and it helped me put a little in perspective. She identified some issues she thinks CBT could help me with, so when I return next year she wants to start me on some sessions then. She also said antidepressants could be good for giving me the right mindset while I set up other healthy behaviours maybe.

I'm still on the fence about medication but I'm planning to visit my doctor again and get her opinion and discuss it more and so I can schedule a follow up. I think most people I know who are on antidepressants have been on them a long time so I didn't even think of it that way. Makes it less scary if it's temporary.

Thank you again for responding ❤️

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Avareal,

It's been a few weeks now since your last post and I just thought I'd check in and see how you were going?

I'm really glad that my post was helpful to you; I know a lot of members didn't reply but rest assured you are certainly not alone in your own experiences!

It sounds like the uni counsellor you've been seeing has been helping and I'm really glad to hear that. I like that she's going to start with some therapy before the medication; personally I think that's always a good way to go. I think in a sense it can be good because then you're getting that 'foundation' of therapy and using medication as a 'top up' rather than trying to use medication first. This is just my personal opinion of course but ultimately it does come down to you and what you decide!