Considering the thought of taking anti-depressants to manage Depression and Anxiety

[LuveniA]

Hi there!
I'm 17 and I was recently diagnosed with having Depression and Anxiety. I'm currently seeing a psychologist and we're trying something called the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). So it's basically a way to change the way we think during a low mood and trying to find positive things to focus on within our low and creating alternate situations with a positive outcome than ones with a negative outcome which is what I usually think of first. I've been trying to use CBT when I am in a low mood but I find that it seems to get pushed out my mind very quickly and I end up delving deeper into darker thoughts. I've been thinking about using anti-depressants to reduce my moods going drastically low and stabilising my emotions and the way I feel. I think that if I use the anti-depressants in conjunction with CBT, I'll be able to use CBT more effectively. I plan on using the anti-depressants for approximately a year (my final year of high school). Do you guys think that is a bad idea? Are there other alternatives that I can do instead of going on anti-depressants?
I just get so fatigued from coming back from my low moods, I often feel numb and tired afterwards. And then I go back into a low mood. I rarely feel 'normal' or have a day where I don't just burst out crying because I feel so sad and tired.
What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Ro

[Zeal]

Hey Ro,

Thanks for your post!

It's great that you're currently seeing a psychologist for the depression and anxiety, and have begun a CBT program. The right antidepressant medication used with CBT can enhance the effectiveness of this behavioural intervention. Discussing this with your psychologist and talking to your GP about medication options is the best way forward.

I have been on antidepressants since I was 19, and I'm almost 24 now. I may wean off them with my doctor's help at some stage this year. The most important thing to remember with medication is that you should never abruptly stop taking your dose, or change your dose without first consulting your doctor.

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal