I have been on and off anti depressants since I was 16 and am 42 now. I have had a TS/SCI clearance for about 11 years now. No problems there.

Anonymous wrote:I have never taken anti-dependants, but I did do a serious 4 month stint of cognitive behavioral therapy with a respected practitioner. It is unlike any other form of therapy, and was so, so helpful at changing negative patterns. If you are only facing a nagging mild depression, I would try that first. It is really empowering because it teaches you so much about yourself and how you are in the world

+1

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 don't think this is true. OP, I'd check this out myself because I've never heard this was the case.

I could have written this too. I'm about to start Effexor. Fingers crossed.

Anonymous wrote:Those of you who find Wellbutrin helpful, what dose do you take? Does it help you with PMS too?

started with 150 once a day. then when i tried to take 300 all at once- i freaked out. i went back to 150, then started taking the two 150s 12 hours apart until bringing them closer together. i'm at 300 and doing well now. gives the old libido a good kick too.

I began having anxiety and depression after one of my parents died, while dealing with the illness of the other parent. My dr. prescribed Paxil, which absolutely brought me out of the cycle of negative thinking and worry that was consuming me and intefering with taking care of my young children. I am so thankful that it worked and got me back to my old self again. I didn't need to take it for long, but I was and still am so thankful that it was available and worked so well for me.

There is no reason to suffer, OP, and there is no shame in taking anti-depressants when you need them.

BTW, I know several people who have taken anti-depressants and have still been able to get life insurance.

Agreed that some of these people have no idea what they are talking about re: security clearance. I am also a fed with a TS clearance (and higher), and I'm on zoloft and klonopin for PPD. I have been for about 6 months.

It was a life saver for me. And, the zoloft made me drop 10 lbs, so I'm back to my high school weight!

My husband easily angered and was not a very nice person or was down a lot of the time before he started taking Lexapro. It literally saved our marriage. My husband was talking divorce because he was so miserable with life. He would tell you now how disastrous that would have been had he pursued that avenue. That was over 7 years ago.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

You sound a lot like me. I thought it was perimenopause because it seemed like I was PMSing all the time. I'd been going through a very rough period and had been going to CBT/therapy for the past year and didn't think I was depressed. I spoke to my OB/gyn about it (and she did test my hormone/thyroid) but also prescribed Celexa for me. It's helped a lot and I wish I'd taken it sooner. I didn't notice any side effects and it really helps me feel like my old self. I'm not on the emotional rollercoaster anymore, I'm not short tempered and I just feel better - like my old self.

I've also had NO problem with life insurance or security clearances. I'm a fed with a top secret clearance which was renewed just 6 months ago. I hope no one who is contemplating medication lets themselves be dissuaded from them because of these concerns. That thinking is archaic and counterproductive.

Whoever posted this. Thank you.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

This same PP makes this claim in every thread like this.

OP, I've been on both Paxil and Celexa. They've saved both my job and my marriage. Mine are for an anxiety disorder, though, which has affected nearly every member of my immediate family.

Anonymous wrote: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.

You sound a lot like me. I thought it was perimenopause because it seemed like I was PMSing all the time. I'd been going through a very rough period and had been going to CBT/therapy for the past year and didn't think I was depressed. I spoke to my OB/gyn about it (and she did test my hormone/thyroid) but also prescribed Celexa for me. It's helped a lot and I wish I'd taken it sooner. I didn't notice any side effects and it really helps me feel like my old self. I'm not on the emotional rollercoaster anymore, I'm not short tempered and I just feel better - like my old self.

I've also had NO problem with life insurance or security clearances. I'm a fed with a top secret clearance which was renewed just 6 months ago. I hope no one who is contemplating medication lets themselves be dissuaded from them because of these concerns. That thinking is archaic and counterproductive.

Those of you who find Wellbutrin helpful, what dose do you take? Does it help you with PMS too?

Anonymous wrote:

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.

THIS is why I waited for years to get help. For what it's worth, the security clearance process takes into account any mental health treatment. This makes me pretty angry.

OP, what you are describing -- like a tape loop of negative thoughts and outlook? -- is often best addressed through therapy, to help give you the tools to have a different outlook on life. Are you getting therapy right now, or have you considered it?

ADs can be difficult. They are very powerful and it often takes awhile to figure out the best drug, dosage, and/or combination of drugs to suit your indivdual needs. If I were you, I'd go to a therapist/psychiatrist to get evaluated and then figure out if drugs are necessary. Don't rely on a primary care physician (if that's what you are doing). They often prescribe the latest greatest thing, and that may work for you. But it may not.

The overall experience for me:

1) Took several weeks for an AD to "kick in."
2) I got all the side effects listed. But I seem to for any drug, not just ADs.
3) I didn't feel like I got much help out of the drugs; certainly not worth the side effects I experienced
4) You can't quit most of them cold turkey -- you will have to be weened.

I went AD free when I decided I wanted to get pregnant. And focused on natural diet changes and supplements instead. I'll list what I do, in case you want to try it. I'm not saying that you shouldn't consider ADs -- they have been lifesavers for millions of people. I'm only saying that finding what's right for you can be a complex and time consuming undertaking. I think it's best to start with a therapist/psychiatrist first, who has better specialized knowledge about what you may need.

In any event, here's what I do

1) No caffeine/alcohol
2) omega 3 fish oil pills
3) 1,000 IU vitamin D
4) 1,200 mg calcium
5) limit sugar as much as possible.

Best wishes on finding a solution. It might take a little elbow grease, but I'm sure you can do it.

I have never taken anti-dependants, but I did do a serious 4 month stint of cognitive behavioral therapy with a respected practitioner. It is unlike any other form of therapy, and was so, so helpful at changing negative patterns. If you are only facing a nagging mild depression, I would try that first. It is really empowering because it teaches you so much about yourself and how you are in the world