Antidepressant saved my life, get help and give antidepressants a go.

David_JL · ‎23-03-2018

I wanted to get involved in this community to pass on my experience with depression and medication.

I had probably been dealing with depression for about 10 months. A combination of job security, job stress, health worries, expectant first time parent and some other things all took their toll on me. I think what really tipped me over the edge was taking herbal medications. After everything I read, it should be taken with the same seriousness as an older MAO Inhibitor Antidepressant. My brain crashed and before I knew it everything felt overwhelming to me, I always wanted to sleep and I felt there was basically nothing for me to live for. I knew this wasn't me, it didn't feel right but my brain just kept spiraling into deadly negative thinking. My baby and my wife were the only things just keeping me going.

I'd been told to 'toughen or man up' and stop being a sook I'm fine which probably delayed me seeking help. I finally did and saw a great and caring GP who prescribed antidepressants and some Psychologist sessions.

I was hesitant taking the meds having read about the side effects and worrying I'd turn into a sort of Zombie or something and go through hell finding the right dose and meds. The first 2 weeks were ok, I felt groggy for about 3 hours after taking meds in the morning, lots of yawning and I'd feel a bit 'flat'. But, after 12 weeks, I'm back to my normal self. I've been on them now for 6 months and I don't have any long term side effects, maybe I just forget words every now and then.

It's honestly saved my life and I would not have gotten through this without them. Therapy helped me to understand myself and what makes me tick and accept that I was ok, that it was my brain, not me. The meds just helped my brain reset and think normally. Now I'm back to my happy, bright, joking self, full of confidence and loving every moment with my beautiful first born baby boy. I don't have awful, negative thoughts anymore and can now just enjoy the moment. I can't thank my GP and Therapist for saving my life and I just urge anyone who's feeling abnormally down, depressed and suicidal, seek help and try an appropriate medication with help from a good GP and Psychiatrist. They really do help and you don't have to go on living with these irrational, hateful thoughts about yourself and life.

Croix · ‎24-03-2018

Dear David~

Thank you for coming here, it is great to hear from someone who is a success story. This lets many know that there can be light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark things seem and gives encouragement and something to aim for.

It also serves as a reminder that for very many therapy and/or medication does work. While that is not true for all, and a number have, like myself, had to undergo a degree of trial and error, it should stand as the reason to see one's doctor and give a regime a fair trial and not be over anxious about the results. For most people things will work well.

Taking meds and undergoing therapy is not a defeat, it is simply necessary for some - the same as insulin and diet for a diabetic - and just another fact of life. In my case it does not adversely affect me and I'm not really aware of any effects - unless I stop.

As you (and I) have found, with the correct treatment life can be so much better.

Croix