1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Depression

To medicate, or not to medicate, that is the question....

Posted , 5 users are following.

carol2015
carol2015

Hi, I generally suffer with depression at this time of year anyway, but this year is worse.

I have lost 3 people I was close to, and also lost 3 pets in the last 12 months. Yesterday, my GP told me she was sending me for gallstone/gallbladder tests. I've also moved offices and my new office faces Northwest with a tiny window, so there's very little natural light.

Last year when I was ill, my GP signed me off for a month.

I'm not sure whether to medicate with SSRIs, or to go down the herbal route with 5-HTP-1, D3 and multivitamins.

Can anyone share their experience before I go to GP tomorrow?

Thanks

*sorry for rambling*

2 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • michael98615
    michael98615 carol2015

    Posted

    i would definatly mention both to ur doctor, maybe take ur herbal n multivitamins, on top of what ur doctor prescribes. u may have to let new medication settle after a period of time,

    i been taking sertraline for a couple of months, an i feel only lately have i been feeling the effects,

    i can relate, to you moving office's having an impact, if your body is used to so much natural light, when its being deprived it will effect you mentally, be sure to also mention this to ur doctor,

    • carol2015
      carol2015 michael98615

      Posted

      I'll take everything with me, and see what she says. I've also ordered a light box, to see if that helps.
  • ssk1
    ssk1 carol2015

    Posted

    Hi, I totally relate to you not wanting medication. I declined medicine for 2 months from the doctor but finally caved in mid October as I was on a downward spiral. I have to say I am still very anti taking the medication but have had my sertraline dosage increased last week. At the moment I am feeling worse but have been told this is normal and hoepfully it should start to take effect in the next weeks. I am still thinking of stopping the meds as somebody else suggested to me the 5-HTP-1 and I was going to bring this up with my doctor at my next appointment in a couple of weeks - he has also given me the out with the tablets and written me instructions on how to reduce the dose if I feel like I want to stop them to change to something else. I am also signed off work at the moment. 

    Have you tried any counselling or CBT? I am currently having CBT but not sure it is having an effect. 

    Is there a particular reason why you don't want medication? I am trying to get pregnant at the moment - I have suffered several miscarriages which has contributed to my depression and was concerned about the effects any medication would have my chances of conceiving or pregnancy. I shared this with my GP who seemed to understand and discussed all the options with me. He also has laid out a plan for if I did become pregnant. 

    My advice would definatley be to discuss all possibilities with the doctor and share any concerns - you need to feel confident that any treatment you receive is right for you and that you are happy with the action taken. 

    • carol2015
      carol2015 ssk1

      Posted

      I tried sertraline several years ago, but "felt better", so stopped taking them. I've not tried anything else yet, I'm not confident in social situations, so I'm not sure whether CBT or counselling would work.

      I'll talk it through tomorrow, and see what the GP says.

  • hypercat
    hypercat carol2015

    Posted

    Hi if you start taking meds then you need to be feeling better for a least 6 months before you come off them.  Many people come off too soon and then slip back.

    I can't really add to what everyone else has said but as far as work goes make sure you get out of the office every chance you can at lunch and breaks etc. and go for a short walk.   x

  • esamerica
    esamerica carol2015

    Posted

    Have you tried a SAD lamp (should be called happy lamps) i know several people who swear by them, amazed that such a little thing could have such a drastic positve effect. You can get ones that you have on your desk. I havnt any experience of the herbal treatment, im afraid. But bear in mind that meds tend to worsen symptoms before they get better. cracks me up (in a sick n twisted way) that one of the side effects is 'suicidal ideation' and i can say that i never had thoughts along that route until i was medicated. Best advice i was ever given, 'your mind is not your friend' well maybe not the best but it stuck with me as a reminder to not buy into every thought i had. If u decide on meds, once on them you must take them regularly. I used to really fight the fact that i had to take meds, and would stop them suddenly 'cause i felt fine now' bad idea. stay on them till your doc reduces you gradually, theyre designed to take the edge off while you put into practice long term solutions like CBT, DBT or ACT all of which are hard work taking a determination and commitment that i would have found hard to muster if i hadnt been on meds . From the sounds of it you have had a pretty awful time of it, so be kind to yourself, do what feels right for you x good luck tomorrow x
  • carol2015
    carol2015

    Posted

    GP was really good. We've agreed not to medicate at the moment.

    I've ordered a SAD light, and will use multivitamins and 5HTP for 2 months. If there's no improvement, or I get worse, I've agreed to discuss medication in more detail. She also suggested finding a new job, as that seems to be the main issue, but that's easier said than done....

    I am to return in 2 months for a review.

    Thanks, and I hope that everyone else has an understanding GP too.

    • ssk1
      ssk1 carol2015

      Posted

      Great to hear she was so understanding. I hope it all goes well for you x

       

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.