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I’ve been struggling with depression for 4 months but turned down antidepressants because I’m scared

Posted , 6 users are following.

ella23574
ella23574

I've been depressed since October last year, I don't struggle to do everyday things, i'm still managing to work part time but sometimes simple things feel really hard, like socialising for example and I often just don't do them.

The root cause of my problem is quite serious anxiety that was left too long without help which has developed into depression, so I'm currently on daily beta-blockers and taking a group course on depression and anxiety to try and tackle the root of the problem first. Some days i can feel fine but other days I feel quite awful, not to mention everyday I feel completely exhausted, but power on anyway, "putting on a fake smile".

Antidepressants were offered to me but i thought i'd try beta blockers first (3 months ago) but now i'm feeling so fed up and just want to feel better, is it worth me trying antidepressants? I'm so worried about how they'll effect me, or if i'm actually bad enough to be on them at all. Or maybe I should just power on and see if I can get one to one counseling after my course has finished and give it more time? I would love some advice if anyone has been in a similar situation and any experiences of antidepressants. Thanks.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • angelo88861
    angelo88861 ella23574

    Posted

    You be surprise to know how many people are on antidepressant. If its going to help you why not take them. However, you should see some one that knows the symptoms like a psychologist and not your primary.

  • sam18386
    sam18386 ella23574

    Posted

    hi ella, i really wouldn't blame you. you hear such bad press about they antidepressants don't suit everyone, take a while to kick in and can have some really nasty side effects. if you feel you're doing enough then continue, don't be forced to do anything you don't want and make it clear what you need. only you know what you can handle or not! i wish you luck, i am a terrible person to ask about them as my experience with them is awful.

  • diane98246
    diane98246 ella23574

    Posted

    Hi Ella. Everything you're doing sounds great and it's ultimately up to you whether to add antidepressants to the mix. I would advise you to do so, remembering that sometimes there needs to be some experimentation to get the right dose and the right antidepressant.

    I can vouch for Citalopram (Celexa). I've been on it for years and it has served me well.

    But depending on your basic disposition (over-active or under-active mind) there are two different categories of antidepressant. SSRI like Citalopram are for people who have over-active minds and SNRI for people who are under-active. One peps you up and the other calms you down. I take the one that calms me down.

    • ella23574
      ella23574 diane98246

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for your reply, thats really helpful and I've now looked up citalopram for some background.

      I guess I'm just a little worried how the antidepressant would effect me. But I guess you've just got to look at the long term positives rather than the short term negatives.

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