Anti-depressants - is there a stigma?

LegacyUser

Going unreg for this because it's bit of a sensitive issue. Went to the doctor today as I've been feeling very run down of late and have been having many restless nights. There have also been some issues which I've been trying to work through. Issues becoming more prevalent recently which may be cause of restless nights! Anyway the doctor prescribed me with anti-depressants as she put it down to anxiety. Basically what I want to know is is there a stigma attached to being on anti-depressants?

Wurly

Yes, unfortunately there is.

Having been on them myself, people tend to run a mile when you tell them. So I would keep it under your hat.

The sad thing is, it is only ignorant fools that buy into the stigma. But it is still so hurtful when people treat you as a weirdo.

There is no shame in taking anti depressants. Certainly not for me - I believe, with counselling, they saved my life.

Your brain is deficient in seratonin. And you are taking a tablet to top up the supply. Just like you would take a vit c tablet if you were deficient.

So OP, keep it as your business. And anyone who judges you is a complete arsehole.

Good luck for the future. I hope things get better.x

LegacyUser

Yes, i think there is a stigma attacked to taking them. I take them and have told very few people. Not even my family know. I'm even going unreg for this.

thebaldsoprano

Aye, there is alright - was on them for six months before.

That's life though, wouldn't go advertising the fact but if any of your mates give you trouble - to hell with 'em.

And btw, some of the most interesting people I know are/have been on stronger stuff than anti depressants...

Oh, and best of luck! I'm sure things'll work out.

Victor

Anxiety wrote: »

Basically what I want to know is is there a stigma attached to being on anti-depressants?

Possibly, but chemo-therapy ain't popular either.

Its about getting better, not about feeling fashionable.

Wurly

Victor wrote: »

Possibly, but chemo-therapy ain't popular either.

Its about getting better, not about feeling fashionable.

Yeah but people don't treat you like some kind of weirdo f*ck up cos you're getting chemo. Some people do when they hear you're on anti depressants.

thebaldsoprano

Tri wrote: »

Yeah but people don't treat you like some kind of weirdo f*ck up cos you're getting chemo. Some people do when they hear you're on anti depressants.

Oh come on, I somewhat like being a weirdo f*ck up

The attitude I took was if anyone I knew had a problem with it that was their problem, not mine. They could stick their opinions where the sun don't shine.

Dunno what OP's doc recommended, but the chances are it's a mild medication, nothing more than that and if people have a problem with that, well, it says a lot more about them than me.

Not meaning to sound insensitive here, but I'd imagine 'coming out' as taking anti depressants is very mild indeed compared to what other people have to come out as being.

And OP, again, best of luck, plenty of other people have had a 'black dog' to deal with, Winston Churchill to name but one.

LegacyUser

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

seahorse

Tri wrote: »

Yeah but people don't treat you like some kind of weirdo f*ck up cos you're getting chemo. Some people do when they hear you're on anti depressants.

I've been on Prozac more than once in my life and I couldn’t give a shyte who knows it. Lucky for 'some people' if they've had the sort of lives which leave them free to cast aspersions on others over needing anti-depressants; 'some people' can fcuk off as far as I'm concerned.

pookie82

Drury1512 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

That's a bit dramatic isn't it??? Like saying I'd never dream of entering a relationship with anyone who's ever taken antibiotics for a chest infection - 'tis a sign of weakness!!!!

it's your choice obviously but personally speaking I've been in the best relationship of my life in the last year and a half and my boyfriend has been on anti-depressents for the majority of that time. It doesn't make someone inhuman or mean that they're weak or inferior. In fact in most cases being on anti-depressents lets the real person come through the fog of depression and is a benefit to everyone involved.

i just think you're possibly missing out by ruling that out, but that's up to you.

OP - yes, a few narrow minded people will have a problem with it, but I say tell who you want and it's their problem how they deal with it. You hold your head high and look after yourself.

Nevyn

Yes there is, it's the stigma about appearing to have something wrong with your brain ( I know people who have epilepsy and won't tell people ) and that you are crap and not coping in your life.

Most people who have an issue with them don't understand them.
Been on them myself for post natal depression.

Depression seems to run in the family we can all think ourselves into a right funk,
hopefully I won't have to go on them again but if I felt I wasn't coping or making progress and it was impacting on my children I would.

Going on Anti-Ds means you are taking steps to control yourself, your life and make thing better or to get to a place where you can start talking and making the changes be they to yourself and to your life.

thebaldsoprano

Drury1512 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

Is this flame or what? And why are you hiding in the shadows? Doesn't seem like much of a way to live to me...

Oh of course, people who have ever taken anti depressants don't live their lives, that's it!

Would climbing / mountain running / marathons / travel /soon to be starting a second degree part time / played in band / acting / martial arts, not strike you as 'living your life'.

Just some of the things I've done/am doing anyway and there are plenty of others around who'd make that look mild.

The chances are if we met you'd come across as something of a boring sod and I wouldn't want to be in a relationship with you either... You've probably never hit any hard times cos you played it safe, and no doubt you'll meet someone similar.

kittensoft1984

Unfortunately there is.

I have been on them for 3 months now.

I have to admit I was very against taking them at the start....and if Im honest it was because of the stigma attached to them.

However you need to do what is right for you regardless of what everyone else thinks.

I for one feel better equipped to deal with the underlying issues I have while taking them.

Best of luck OP

starn

Hi Ive been on Anti D since May. I had no problem going on them and was open with trllin people about my depression. I didnt feel stimatised until I read this tread. There are a awful lot of people treated for this condition. My only concern was I thought that people might feel sorry for me and pity me. Which hasnt happened. If you look at my other posts today youll see that just like everyone else. You will have good days and bad days on Anti D. Today Im having a very bad day But its a lot bettre then the alternative. If nyone starts to treat you differenly/ Fvck them thy were never your friend to start with. But I dont think tjeu will

Best of luck

Stephen

kittensoft1984

starn wrote: »

Hi Ive been on Anti D since May. I had no problem going on them and was open with trllin people about my depression. I didnt feel stimatised until I read this tread. There are a awful lot of people treated for this condition. My only concern was I thought that people might feel sorry for me and pity me. Which hasnt happened. If you look at my other posts today youll see that just like everyone else. You will have good days and bad days on Anti D. Today Im having a very bad day But its a lot bettre then the alternative. If nyone starts to treat you differenly/ Fvck them thy were never your friend to start with. But I dont think tjeu will

Best of luck

Stephen

+1

AARRRGH

I agree there is quite a bit of stigma.

I know a girl who had to try a few different anti-depressants as they were making her seriously dopey. Basically she looked and acted drugged up. She nearly lost her job because of this.

So my advice to you is, if possible, start your treatment during holidays or sick days so you can see how you react to the drugs. At least this way you can be sure your transition to being on anti-depressants is smooth enough...

Best of luck.

leeroybrown

There is a bit of a stigma but I'd suggest that it's not what it used to be particularly given how frequently they are prescribed now. I know loads of people who were prescribed them at one stage or another and I'd guess that pretty much everyone in their 30's or younger knows someone who needed to take them for a while to successfully get over a problem.

On another note, having seen plenty of people on them I'd say that while they often work I wouldn't be the biggest fan. A lot of them have side effects with people ending up hopping from one to the next trying to find one that works for them. As 'AARRRGH' (or his usual username if it changes back) says above be sure that your doctor has covered any potential side effects, particularly during the lead-in or wean-off periods for your prescription. I'd suggest that while taking them can be a great help you're best off trying to address the issues properly too. Also, something simple like an improved diet or regular exercise could even make a serious difference.

MMW

Hi, I suffered from post natal depression, the first 7-8 months of my sons life was a blur because i didn't want to take anti depressants because of the stigma attached- I missed out on a lot. I was on them for three years and given the choice today I wouldn't hesistate to take them again. The difference in me was amazing, my husband even said it was like his wife returning from the dead, I was the first of my group of friends to have a baby so they took a lot of my advice when their turn came and one thing I stressed was that if they needed to take something to talk to their doc and not to be ashamed like I was. One of my closest friends husband thanked me for the advice as my friend was doing much better after going to the doc, to this day she still hasn't said anything to me about being on them.

Some people are just really afraid that you will look at them in a different light, i personally don't care who knew or knows now, but if you are afraid of what peoples reaction will be then don't say anything, nobody will know till you tell them. Its definately nothing to be ashamed of.

Wurly

People like Drury1512 make me so angry.

Perhaps it may be worth educating yourself on the condition.

1 in 4 people get a mental ilness. Someday it may be you.

I certainly didn't choose it when it happened to me. If I hadn't have been on anti depressants, I would be almost certainly dead today.

How dare you judge others like that.

Remember it could be you needing anti depressants someday. And it won't mean you're 'weak' or 'mental'. It just happens.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Drury1512 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

I felt exactly like this beore I learned more about them & how they work, I think most people have this opinion so I wouldn't blame Drury for a second for this attitude.

Now I no longer feel this way but I still think the OP should exhaust every other avenue including joining a gym, cutting out all processed sugar(this will really help with sleep) & in general improve diet. Mainly because anti-ds can be addictive, both chemically & psychologically and clinical trials show they usually don't work much better than placebos

How about talking to a counceller? Perhaps even set up a seperate thread with your problem & posters here might offer some advice/shared experiences.

Karen_*

OP who cares what anyone thinks? So you've been down and need a bit of help. Everyone does from time to time. Unfortunately yes, some people are very afraid of issues surrounding mental health and so will judge and make assumptions. Those are the people who are missing the empathy part of the brain that most of us were born with.

Well done on going to the docs and getting yourself sorted. And remember those that matter don't mind and those that mind don't matter.

seahorse

Karen_* wrote: »

Unfortunately yes, some people are very afraid of issues surrounding mental health and so will judge and make assumptions. Those are the people who are missing the empathy part of the brain that most of us were born with...

remember those that matter don't mind and those that mind don't matter.

+ 1

Handsome Bob

Drury1512 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

The very fact that you have gone unreg for this shows how well aware you are of your own ignorance.

The fact that people on anti-depressants can admit that there is something wrong should be respected. They are not being a hindrance, they are not being a drama queen. This is a testament to their mental strength and you should be ashamed.

Where am I?

Yeah, i think there is a bit of a stigma alright. I spent 6 months on antidep and even now, nearly 2 years later I still haven't told any members of my family. Just told two friends initially, one cos I thought she could do with some help also and wanted her to know it was ok to do something about it (which she did later, anti deps and counseling which is expensive but working for her), and another cos she was studying pharmacy and I thought it might be of interest to her. Have told another couple of people since.

I think my main concern was feeling that people would see me as weak or unable to cope, I was worried that my family wouldn't trust me with nieces/nephews cos they would think I couldn't cope. Nobody I've told seems too bothered but then I consider it private and have only told certain people.

It's all about what you have to do to get better....it's up to you if you want to tell people or not.

best of luck x

Karen_*

Drury1512 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

It is a rather narrowminded view but I do respect your opinion. Perhaps it might be worth thinking about the fact that some people might need them to get through a bereavement. Death of a child, sibling or parent perhaps. And life can really knock you for six sometimes. There's no way of knowing if will ever happen to us or if we ourselves will need that extra bit of help.

There but for the grace of God go I!

Handsome Bob

Where am I? wrote: »

Yeah, i think there is a bit of a stigma alright. I spent 6 months on antidep and even now, nearly 2 years later I still haven't told any members of my family. Just told two friends initially, one cos I thought she could do with some help also and wanted her to know it was ok to do something about it (which she did later), and another cos she was studying pharmacy and I thought it might be of interest to her. Have told another couple of people since.

I think my main concern was feeling that people would see me as weak or unable to cope, I was worried that my family wouldn't trust me with nieces/nephews cos they would think I couldn't cope. Nobody I've told seems too bothered but then I consider it private and have only told certain people.

It's all about what you have to do to get better....it's up to you if you want to tell people or not.

best of luck x

After seeing someone recently commit suicide, I commend you. Whatever it takes just once you are happy that's all that matters.

AARRRGH

LZ5by5 wrote: »

The fact that people on anti-depressants can admit that there is something wrong should be respected. They are not being a hindrance, they are not being a drama queen. This is a testament to their mental strength and you should be ashamed.

I agree with you that it is difficult to admit you need help (especially mental health) and people who are mentally ill should be treated with respect and kindness, but I do think it is acceptable for people to have their own list of things they want and don't want in a partner.

For example, I run a sex website. It would bug me if a girl didn't want to be with me because of that, but it's her decision and I would respect it. I wouldn't think she should feel ashamed of herself.

A lot of people see their partner as an investment; they are going to invest time and emotions and money into her. As a result they want to be with someone who is mentally healthy/physically healthy. This is not the way I think and I have no problem with mental or physical problems (i.e. I can see the bigger picture), but I think people are entitled to not want to be with a partner who is depressed.

Handsome Bob

AARRRGH wrote: »

I agree with you that it is difficult to admit you need help (especially mental health) and people who are mentally ill should be treated with respect and kindness, but I do think it is acceptable for people to have their own list of things they want and don't want in a partner.

For example, I run a sex website. It would bug me if a girl didn't want to be with me because of that, but it's her decision and I would respect it. I wouldn't think she should feel ashamed of herself.

A lot of people see their partner as an investment; they are going to invest time and emotions and money into her. As a result they want to be with someone who is mentally healthy/physically healthy. This is not the way I think and I have no problem with mental or physical problems (i.e. I can see the bigger picture), but I think people are entitled to not want to be with a partner who is depressed.

My brother just lost his best friend to suicide. My brother is your regular joe, a hard working guy and someone who knows how to enjoy himself. But his best friend's death has affected him deeply and I would not judge him if he decided to take anti-depressants to help him through the pain.

Now, would you think this otherwise normal guy is undateable just because he needed to take anti-depressants to get himself through a hard time?

AARRRGH

LZ5by5 wrote: »

My brother just lost his best friend to suicide. My brother is your regular joe, a hard working guy and someone who knows how to enjoy himself. But his best friend's death has affected him deeply and I would not judge him if he decided to take anti-depressants to help him through the pain.

Now, would you think this otherwise normal guy is undateable just because he needed to take anti-depressants to get himself through a hard time?

No, of course not. I'm not at all suggesting people who are depressed should remain single. (Is that how you read my post?)

I'm saying if a few people here and there don't want to date a depressed person, that's their business, and I think they should be entitled to live their life whatever way they want to. We may not agree with it, but they are absolutely entitled to choose who they do and don't date (whatever the reasons) and we should respect that.

Tragedy

Is there a stigma? Yes.

Should it affect you going on them? No.

Handsome Bob

AARRRGH wrote: »

No, of course not. I'm not at all suggesting people who are depressed should remain single. (Is that how you read my post?)

I'm saying if a few people here and there don't want to date a depressed person, that's their business, and I think they should be entitled to live their life whatever way they want to. We may not agree with it, but they are absolutely entitled to choose who they do and don't date (whatever the reasons) and we should respect that.

The unreg poster said, and I quote, that he/she wouldn't dream of being with someone who "has been on anti-depressants". It is an ridiculous and highly sheltered statement. Check my bio, i'm a Social Policy student and it's my duty to be objective, but I refuse to stand by and accept a highly malicious statement.

AARRRGH

LZ5by5 wrote: »

The unreg poster said, and I quote, that he/she wouldn't dream of being with someone who "has been on anti-depressants". It is an ridiculous and highly sheltered statement. Check my bio, i'm a Social Policy student and it's my duty to be objective, but I refuse to stand by and accept a highly malicious statement.

I don't think it's malicious.

Some people don't want to be with short people, some people don't want to be with ugly people, some people don't want to be with depressed people... everyone has a list of things they don't want in a partner.

I think people are entitled to this.

I don't agree with Drury1512, but I respect his opinion and preference.

I hope things work out for your brother.

MMW

If people don't wanto date someone because of anti-depressants, what would they do if a few years after being married their significant other now needs to start taking them? life throws a lot at people and sometimes we need a little help, for instance how would my hubby know that I wouldn't cope so well after having a baby?

Karen_*

And if they met a really great guy or girl and were nuts and knew this person was the one, but six months down the line their oh told them they were on antidepressants at one stage in their life well then would they break it off?

The point being that people have an idea in their head of what it means to be on anti-depressants. Obviously they think its something awful if it would put them off dating someone who'd taken them at some stage. But it really just means that someone was low and couldn't seem to snap out of it so they went to their doctor, got help and life went on. Like they'd do if they had a chest infection they couldn't shake off.

Wurly

AARRRGH wrote: »

I don't think it's malicious.

Some people don't want to be with short people, some people don't want to be with ugly people, some people don't want to be with depressed people... everyone has a list of things they don't want in a partner.

I think people are entitled to this.

I don't agree with Drury1512, but I respect his opinion and preference.

I hope things work out for your brother.

No - sorry. Drury1512 said he/she wouldn't date anyone who 'is or has been on anti depressants'.

So I would fit that category. I am the happiest and most sorted i've been in my whole life. I am fit and healthy.

I am not depressed at this moment in time. And I really do not see it returning. I have learned so many techniques to combat anxiety etc in case i'm faced with it again. But as i've used anti depressants in the past - well Drury wouldn't date someone like me.

Madness. Utter ingnorant madness.

It's hard enough having depression. Even harder when you're treated like some sort of a leper for something you didn't choose. It's almost like people punish you for trying to help yourself.

Grrr.

I'll shut up now. Probably wise.;)

StandnDeliver

im surprised your doctor is giving you anti depressants for anxiety,generally they advise xanex,valium,meditation,diet change to food that help create the serotonin you lack for example red meat,bananas, and many more. Some of these doctors are far too willing to hand out these SSRA's whether they cant be arsed helping you i.e they're lazy or they're get to much push from drug companies.


a lot of people have suffered from anxiety and i dont think there should be a stigma associated with having that or depression.People are always far to willing to judge in this life.These people generally aren't worth it,dont judge yourself to much.

Handsome Bob

AARRRGH wrote: »

I don't think it's malicious.

Some people don't want to be with short people, some people don't want to be with ugly people, some people don't want to be with depressed people... everyone has a list of things they don't want in a partner.

I think people are entitled to this.

I don't agree with Drury1512, but I respect his opinion and preference.

I hope things work out for your brother.

Check the 2 above posts, they pretty much sum up how I feel.

Yes people are entitled to their opinion, regardless of how misinformed and sheltered that opinion is.

My brother has plenty of support:)

Where am I?

Absolutely, nobody knows how their life could turn out in the future, but I guess that person is entitled to their opinion anyway.

I agree though, there is a real chance that this person or their other half could end up in the situation where they need antideps at some point so they should try to keep an open mind. From what I can see a lot more prescriptions are been given out for these meds lately....(not always justified in my opinion) and people are often blindsided by events that can lead to depression

LegacyUser

I'm unreg for this also.

I've been on anti-depressants for over 20 years and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. I have an anxiety disorder that hasn't responded to cognitive therapy. I am successful in life and should be happy and relaxed, but I'm not.

When I went on anti-depressants, the psych to me to be very selective who I confided in. By no means should I share my situation in work as it would most likely damage my career.

Only my immediate family and close friends know and that's the way I intend to keep it.

LegacyUser

StandnDeliver wrote: »

im surprised your doctor is giving you anti depressants for anxiety,generally they advise xanex,valium,meditation,diet change to food that help create the serotonin you lack for example red meat,bananas, and many more. Some of these doctors are far too willing to hand out these SSRA's whether they cant be arsed helping you i.e they're lazy or they're get to much push from drug companies.

Please be very careful about contradicting a medial professional. SSRI's are in a specific class of drug commonly used to treat (among other things) depression and anxiety. They affect Serotonin in more complex ways than increasing your serotonin levels via intake as you're suggesting with diet.

Overheal

theres a stigma attached to ADs alright but Ive seen what some people are capable without them. unfortunately cognititve behavior therapy and other methods can only take you so far and sometimes it just needs to be augmented through ADs. I wont pretend to ever fully understand it but I've seen some people with and without them, and they are a lot more stable now than they were without them.

Madame Razz

Hi OP,

As somebody involved in pharmaceuticals, i would have to say that there is an over-reliance and over prescription of /anti0depressants in this country.

Alot of GPs prescribe them as a precautionary measure, a sort of just in case.

There are alot of people on anti-depressants who need to be on them, but there are others who perhaps could have looked at other options apart from these drugs.

They are a serious form of medication which must be taken properly, not just on days off etc, they DO NOT work like this. In most cases there is a threat of many side-effects, even the newer classes of anti-depressants, some serious, some not.

what I am saying is, before you take these drugs, evaluate how you live your life. For example, your diet, do you eat healthily, adequate fruit and veg etc? If no, try to eat more healthily, you would be amazed the difference that this alone can make. Secondly, Do you exercise? regularly? If no, try to do some regular exercise. Couple this with a good diet and you would be surprised at the improvement this could make to your sleeping pattern etc.

IF this doesn't work, then consider the AD route.

They are an extremely useful drug, that help a lot of people, but certainly not something you should consider taking lightly.


Good luck OP

The Sweeper

I don't think the stigma is about anti-depressants. The stigma is about depression itself.

trio

Yes there is a stigma.

I was on Prozamel (i.e. Prozac) for 4 years starting in my early 20's. At the time I had a nervous breakdown and was self-harming, and it was apparent to all my friends that I was drowning in own head. So when I went on anti-Ds of course I told them, to reassure them that I was taking action.

I went on Lustral first, and they didn't work - in 3 weeks I was worse than ever. I almost gave up then. But my friend had a GP as a Dad and so knew that I had to go back to my own GP and ask for another type. I didn't realise I could do that. But I did, and she gave me Prozamel and within 3 days (I kid you not) I felt myself returning to me. It was extraordinary. I'd almost completley forgotten what my personality was like.

One thing that's important though, is that once you're on them, you can't just come off them because "you're feeling grand again". That's the thing - once you find one that suits you, you can feel OK. And you think you're "cured". But your seratonin doesn't think that, and you go off the pills and your levels go all wonky again.

Relapses are common, and twice I went crawling back to my GP with my tail between my legs admitting that I'd come off them too soon. But this time I recognised the signs much quicker, and was back to my GP the first day after having what I'd call "a black day". I was now wise to it.

So that's why people on anti-Ds tend to be on them for a few years, as opposed to a few months. But that's irrelevant, because if they're working then you're glad of them. After 4 years we knew my life had changed so much that I was ready to see if I could do without them. And I did, and I've been grand ever since - about 5 years now. But I wouldn't hesitate to go back on them again if I felt it coming back. When I have a baby I'll be watching myself like a hawk for post-natal depression.

So anyway, most of my friends - though relieved I was sorting myself out - were funny about the anti-Ds. But they were copped on enough to respect my decision. I noticed that none of them ever mentioned it again though - I think they felt uncomfortable about it, and never asked me any questions about it. But that was OK. I didn't want to talk about it much either.


I did not tell my family. I hadn't been living with them so they hadn't seen me at my worst, and they're old-school and would be practically calling the Blackrock Clinic for a second opinion if I'd told them I'd put myself on anti-ds. My mother would have never given me a moments peace asking me how I was, and watching me like a hawk, and saying rosaries and lighting candles for me. I couldn't hack that.

They still don't know. Though years later, when I saw another family member was exhibiting the same symptoms, I told her, and persuaded her to get some too. They helped her a lot.

So basically, don't be afraid of anti-ds. They probably saved my life. I don't think I could have gotten out of that void without them. But judge carefully who you tell - as you don't need anyone judging you at this rough time in your life.

doctor evil

OP are you doing Cognitive Behavioural therapy as well as the AD. Together they work very well.

I have been on 20mg of Lexapro for over two years. It is important to have someone monitor your dosage. Which reminds me that I should get back to my cold fish doctor.

sunnyside

Drury1512 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

You might not know that the person was on anti-depressants. I've taken them too but also kept it to myself, only person who knew was my mother. I can understand why someone wouldn't choose a partner who suffers from depression, sometimes it can be a nightmare to be dealing with depressed people. Just trying to point out to Drury that depression can be hidden in a way that other conditions can't so you can't be certain someone you meet isn't suffering from it. It would be difficult to hide it from people you live with though as it's impossible to keep up the pretence all the time.

Karen_* wrote: »

some people might need them to get through a bereavement. Death of a child, sibling or parent perhaps. And life can really knock you for six sometimes.

Surely nobody would think it was strange for someone in this position to be taking anti-depressants.

I think a lot of the stigma about depression as a mental illness is that sometimes there's no obvious cause for it. At the time I took AD's I was very unhappy with my circumstances in life. I took the medication but because medication can't fix practical problems they didn't help very much. All they did was numb my emotions a bit. When my circumstances changed I didn't need them any more.

To anyone reading this who's depressed please try taking AD's, they might help you a lot or they might not be for you but it's worth trying. It's just a tablet you take every day so you can easily keep it a secret if you're more comfortable with that. They should never be making you dopey as someone else posted, if they are you need to change to a different tablet.

AARRRGH

sunnyside wrote: »

To anyone reading this who's depressed please try taking AD's, they might help you a lot or they might not be for you but it's worth trying.

Would you recommend they immediately take AD's, or should they try altering their circumstances to see if that'll help matters, e.g. leave the job which makes them unhappy, leave the partner who makes them unhappy, improve their diet, start exercising, get counselling, etc.

LegacyUser

Thanks everyone for all your messages of encouragement.

Just wanna say my diet in general is very good and I get more than enough exercise in work as it is a very physical job. I have had a lot of issues over the years some of which were recently pointed out by my friends and while I had decided before then that I needed to get help for my worries their discussion with me really opened my eyes to the fact that my life needed changing!! In general I am a happy person but there are aspects of my personality that I am just not happy about, in fact I hate the way I act. I hat confrontation and always shy away from debates as I see them as a form of confrontation and I always see it as a personal attack when it really isn't but I get really uncomfortable and upset in them and my friend describes my reaction as shutting down!! I've always gotten upset about the stupidest of things. Anxiety is the main concern recently and I have mild agaraphobia in that I get really anxious when stuck in a big crowd. I think I know the root cause of my anxiety and why I get upset easily and feel uncomfortable with confrontation. It is for this reason that I feel I need counselling too as I ave bottled things up for too long and I need to talk about it with someone. I have the number and I am gonna take steps to sort my problems.

Once again thanks for your help

ntlbell

Drury1512 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't even dream of entering into a relationship with someone who is or has been on anti-depressants. I know it's controversial to some but that's the way I want to live my life. I have friends who have been and it doesn't hinder our friendship but when it comes to a relationship I draw the line there.

so what if a long term parter or your husband/wife starts to suffer from deprression years into the relationship? you divorce them?

ntlbell

AARRRGH wrote: »

Would you recommend they immediately take AD's, or should they try altering their circumstances to see if that'll help matters, e.g. leave the job which makes them unhappy, leave the partner who makes them unhappy, improve their diet, start exercising, get counselling, etc.

AD's should be a very last resort IMO every other avenue should be completley exhausted before it and shouldn't be obtained from a GP you should ask to be referred to a specialist and have them decide not a GP

token56

[QUOTE=sunnyside;56770021
To anyone reading this who's depressed please try taking AD's, they might help you a lot or they might not be for you but it's worth trying. It's just a tablet you take every day so you can easily keep it a secret if you're more comfortable with that. They should never be making you dopey as someone else posted, if they are you need to change to a different tablet.[/QUOTE]

I am sorry but I would have to disagree with you on this. AD's are not just a pill and can have side effects. About 2 years ago I had been having problems for quiet some time however I was very closed off and didn't show these problems. But to make a long story short after some incidents my GP put me on AD's and also sent me to mental health clinic. Now in my opinion the only effect the AD's had on me was to make me tired, lathargic and severe migranes which I never suffered from before. Things got worse and I explained how I felt that the tablets were not helping, so I was told the dosage was not strong enough and the raised it. Again with no positive effect in my opinion. Eventually I had to go to a private counsellor to try help me with my problems. I was the same as the OP and suffered with very bad anxiety, however I developed the skills to better cope with pressure and felt a much stronger person. This was because of neither the AD's or the mental health clinic which was terrible by the way, literally five minutes appointments. Anyway I came off the AD's and which made me feel physically better also, however I still believe they have left me with some undesirable side effects like migranes and a lack of sharpness in my mind which is hard is to describe.

Anyway my point is not that AD's are useless, I realise they are very important and help alot of people and I respect that, however I do not feel they are not for everyone and I certainely feel they should not be given out as easily by doctors as they are done in some cases and doctors often see it as a quick fix. In my opinion I fell this is happening with the OP and that things like CBT which has already been mentioned would be much more worth while, sure if you are under alot of anxiety and need something to calm down then go on the AD's, however it is not your only option. In my opinion the mental health service in Ireland can be very poor at times expecially with regards young people, however that is another discussion for another day.

OP whatever you decide to do I hope it works for you and you feel better soon.