I have kind of mild chronic depression and haven't really been able to find an antidepressant that works for me. I know many, many people though who took antidepressanta and it made them able to function during a rough time and others who need them long term to function, mostly due to their genetics.

I had lots of problems with side effects and I read that they only work for about 60% of people - but for those 60%, it is well worth it.

It never hurts to try one and see if it helps. Don't let your GP randomly choose one, a speciliast is helpful in finding the right one for you.

Anonymous wrote:OP--do you exercise? Endorphins can be a powerful anti-depressant. I am certain that I would need an antidepressant if running wasn't a regular part of my life. Much fewer side effects and the results are much more immediate. You may still need an anti-depressant but I wouldn't resort to them without trying the regular exercise route first. Best of luck to you---hope things get better soon.

Yikes. I used to be a trainer, and I needed antidepressants during a very difficult period in my life. Yes, exercise has many benefits, but the OP should consult her doctor and therapist about her total health plan.

OP--do you exercise? Endorphins can be a powerful anti-depressant. I am certain that I would need an antidepressant if running wasn't a regular part of my life. Much fewer side effects and the results are much more immediate. You may still need an anti-depressant but I wouldn't resort to them without trying the regular exercise route first. Best of luck to you---hope things get better soon.

Anonymous wrote:Remember you will be denied life insurance or quoted very HIGH rates for going on anti depressents even temporarily. I wouldn't do it unless you were suicidal and after unsucessfull attempt of marriage counselling. (make sure it's marriage and not psycho therapy).

I've had two different insurance providers, since taking anti-depressants, and never had this happen.

They can be very beneficial, but sometimes, the first medication prescribed to you may not have the desired effect, requiring a different prescription or dosage. For example, I had a bout of depression several years ago and was prescribed Paxil. I was like a zombie and had nightmares. It also killed my sex drive (as if it wasn't bad enough, before the medication). My doctor changed the prescription to Lexapro and Wellbutrin, and the combination worked wonderfully. I was able to stop taking them after one year or so and return to my normal self.

Sorry to hear you're going through a rough time in your life. I hope you feel better soon.

Anonymous wrote:11:00 - STFU. Do you have ANY idea how many people need them and do not take them? And how they not only have a lesser life, but impede on others? It is a real societal issue. It is a real quality of life issue not only for the depressed, but also for those around them. That said, OP, when you get them I need to give some to my neighbor who is off her rocker. Here's her address:

I am giving examples of why it may not be the best idea to immediately go on them without exhausting every other possibility. FYI you sound mad, did you stop taking your meds? zing ....

Anonymous wrote:Remember you will be denied life insurance or quoted very HIGH rates for going on anti depressents even temporarily. I wouldn't do it unless you were suicidal and after unsucessfull attempt of marriage counselling. (make sure it's marriage and not psycho therapy).

To add, if you don't really need them don't do it because it will cause difficulties when obtaining even the lowest security clearances.

11:00 - STFU. Do you have ANY idea how many people need them and do not take them? And how they not only have a lesser life, but impede on others? It is a real societal issue. It is a real quality of life issue not only for the depressed, but also for those around them. That said, OP, when you get them I need to give some to my neighbor who is off her rocker. Here's her address:

Remember you will be denied life insurance or quoted very HIGH rates for going on anti depressents even temporarily. I wouldn't do it unless you were suicidal and after unsucessfull attempt of marriage counselling. (make sure it's marriage and not psycho therapy).

Wellbutrin is a life saver for me.

I went on one for a few months when going through PPD. It did help the cloud lift and I helped me return to myself faster.

A couple years ago, after the passing of a few family members and additional pressures from my family, pressure from being a new mom and working full time, I started zoloft. I worked with a counselor to get through some very pressing issues before I started the meds and therapy did help but each day I found it very hard to get out of bed. It also helped with anger because I found I was tired and my fuse was very short. The meds helped me not be on edge all the time, not dwell on the negative. It helped with the negative sensationalizing that was going on in my head.

Also, stop watching the news. Don't make cnn.com your home page. 99% of news is bad or annoying in some way. As it reality tv. All the "wives" shows and everyone fighting all the time, ugh! My head was totally in the sand over the whole Casey Anthony thing. I need to reserve my emotional energy for my family, not for getting wound up over something I can't control. This is just an example.

OP, are you reading my mind? I'm 41 and I dont know if it's perimenopause or what but all of a sudden I'm so sad/angry/depressed most of the time and I cant shake it. I have an appt to see my OB/GYN next week to see if my hormones are out of wack. But I'm going to see if she can recommend an anti-depressant. I'd also like to hear from posters who take anti-depressants and how they've help you.

A long time ago I went on Prozac when a parent was very ill, I had the job from hell and I had gone through a bad breakup. I was on it for a year. I could not have made it to work everyday, etc without it. I never cried the whole time I was on it which was odd, but I also didn't feel as much joy as I am able to. I did feel hopeful. The side effects were a bit tough to get through and there were many. I also saw a therapist, but truth be told it was the proxac that got me through. I already have read about cognitive behavior therapy and everything else. I find that all useful with day to day stresses, but I learned it all through books already.

Recently after facing some big life stressors I found myself becoming more and more negative and not wanting to get out of bed. I don't have the luxury of time or money for therapy and I didn't want a pill with a big punch. I went on wellbutrin which I find mild. I can feel my emotions. I can cry. I just don't sink down as far as I would off it. I always want to get out of bed now. I am a nicer person. I can be a better mother and a more pleasant wife and not fall apart over all the stresses in my life right now. I am hoping to get off it gradually when life settles down if that ever happens, but I am grateful I got on it when I did, because more major stressors kept coming my way and I cannot imagine functioning without it. I am not a big meds advocate by the way, but crap keeps falling you can't fall apart and I won't while I am taking this.

For those of you who have gone on anti depressants what is it like? I am having mild to moderate depression, mostly this affects me because I can only really seem to focus on the negative. Would an anti depressant help me to become more positive? Thats my main concern. My negativity is hurting my children and marriage.