Anti-Depressants

[smudge]

I know everyone is different, but if you are suffering from depression, for whatever reason/s, do you think it's best to try to soldier on without taking anti-depressants, or trying to persevere with what the GP has recently prescribed? (Prescribed: Sertraline - Lustral 50mg).

The reason I ask it that anti-dep only mask the problem, it might make you feel happier in time, but it doesn't cure the problems. 

A bereavement councellor once recommended not taking anti-depressants, but instead, to face the feelings of losing someone. This made me wonder if that's best in general. What do you think?

[smudge]

In A Pickle & everyone - Thank you all so much for your kindness & support. I shall look into The Befrienders. I'm not feeling too good at the moment, but will keep in touch. Thank you again. -x-.

[Marvin84]

smudge, I am sorry for your loss....

I, too have been doing the AD thing - although not for depression (they also treat chronic pain), and they do help with mood.... the low days are not so low.... the high days are the same. It takes about 3-4 weeks to get into the rhythm and see the best benefit and you may have some really weird reactions (don't worry, nothing scary - just feeling a little giddy!!:-) For me that's weird) But overall, the pros outweigh the cons.

Also - reach out... talk to someone, this works in concert with the AD's. Usually, your Dr will only put you on them for a certain amount of time, and when your chemistry sorts itself out - you GRADUALLY come off them... don't run out like me 2 days ago - it's not fun....

In Australia, we have a pretty good depression support system; ONLY WHEN YOU FEEL UP TO IT, learn a little more about what your brain is doing and why.... this may help you to support yourself and aid you to feel better.....

here is a place to start your journey.... and for goodness sake ASK QUESTIONS of your dr..... mine had a nasty habit of not volunteering info... the info helped me - I hope that it helps you too.....

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx

We're all here for you too - keep us posted!! :-)

[smudge]

Hi Marvin - Thank you so much for thinking of me. I shall take a look at that website & will get back to you later. Many thanks & I wish you well too. -x-

[sasserina]

HI I believe strongly that if you need a temporary crutch like anti depressants to get you through then go for it...they are great..I had 7 years of really bad anxiety and panic attacks that came from no where all of a sudden one day...I took nothing for them and struggled for 6 yrs...last year got sooo bad i started the medication,,I ttok myself off them at xmas and feel fantastic...im  a new person because of the medication ...and i dont need it anymore...and no anxiety or panic...good luck

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Smudge, really sorry to hear that you're not feeling to good at the moment.

As with all the other posters I am thinking of you and wishing you well.

Take care and just shout if you need us...

Hugs and TLC.

[smudge]

Hi sasserina & Lindy Loo - thank you both for your kind words too - I still feel a bit shaky & not really 'with it' yet, but I shall get there. -x-

[indian]

Hey smudge, i know how u feel ive suffered from depression from around the age of 12yrs. I carried on until last year, aged 21years and just had had enough. I was scared to go on ADs but took then anyway. First 2 weeks i wanted to kill myself and then i felt a bit better. Like Marvin sed, the bad days aren't so bad. Whatever works for you and helps you to get through the day do it. Just think of a time when things were good- there's no reason those times won't come back. Thinking of u x

[smudge]

Thank you so much indian & sorry to hear you've suffered with this too. I've been taking A/D for 10 days now & I can't say I feel that much different from day one. I didn't take one last night just to see how I'd feel today - silly I know, but I'm the sort of person who tries to get through things without medication.

I think the crux of my problem, is that I worked at the same company for 26 years & led a very busy life, that is until my boss sold the business. I enjoyed the first year or two at home, but just lately, it has really hit me & I've been dreaming that I'm back at work, sitting in my office & feeling needed again. I know this will never be, but it's been very hard for me to come to terms with. I know I need to get out there & back into a working environment, albeit part-time, but I'm not sure in which capacity yet. When I'm feeling a bit better, I will contact an agency to see what's going.

I'm very lucky to have a loving & understanding family & as you & they say - things will feel good again soon. So thank you. -x-