Are antidepressants worth it?

Question

I've had really bad anxiety and depression since I was 13. I'm turning 19 next month and doctors always bring them up. But I don't really trust them so are they worth it? What are the pros and cons?

Answer

I've dealt with anxiety and depression now for over five years. I've had horrible panic attacks. I'd shut everyone out. Lost friends. Caused problems in my relationship. Never have I gone to meds. I do all natural things. Such as therapy, yoga, ACUPUNCTURE, essential oils, writing, music, go for a nice car ride and baths. I don't believe in medication and everyone's opinions are different. I believe that I was not always this way and can reach recovery without a medication. I see medication as a small fix. Picture it as a fire. You put a lid on it when u take the med but the fire is still going. Read the books At Last A Life by Paul David and his second book At Last A Life And Beyond. They really help so much. Like I said everyone has a different opinion on meds but it's really just a temporary fix. I've been so contemplated of taking them trust me I've been prescribed everything under the sun. I'll fill the script and then look at it and not do it. Anxiety is curable without meds. But do what you think is right. You know you best :)

Answer

I think the biggest misconception is that they cure everything. Meds will only work if you consistantly take them, and continue to work outside of the meds (such as therapy). I took antidepressants for about a year. I went in with the idea that they are to help me get back on my feet. Not to depend on. If you go in with that mindset, i think they work better. My sister has been on them for years and does no outside work, such as counseling (which i did and still currently do), and she will probably never get off of them. Shes inconsistant with taking them and uses it as a crutch. They can be a great thing but only for a short time. This regarding things like depression and anxiety. Other more severe psycological disorders require lifelong meds. I set a goal for myself, which was to go into college with a clear head. So i worked on it and got off the medication before i started college. Everyone has their own experiences, this was mine. And everyone is different and it takes time to find the right dosage and medication. Just dont rely on it. Good luck!

Answer

For me personally, they are worth it. They have absolutely saved my life.

For other people they arent worth it though. They don't like the side effects.

It's like this with any medication - not just antidepressants. If the level of relief you get is greater than the side effects then you'll find them worth it. But if a medication gives you too many/too annoying side effects or just doesn't help you enough then they won't be worth it.

The only way to find out if they are worth it for you is to give them a try. Meds work differently for everyone. If you don't want to try them though, you don't have to. :)

Answer

Anti depressants can be great and work wonders for you. Just keep in mind what medications you are taking, the antidepressants I was put on made me gain A LOT of weight (100+ lbs) so just be very aware of that.  Everyones body reacts differently, just do your research 😊 good luck!

Answer

For me personally, they are worth it. Mental illness gallops in my family and many members have been medicated for a decade or so.

My doctor and I tried taking me off of them, but it made my symptoms return. Now, 6 years later, and many changes in dosage, I'm on a very small dose just to stabilize me.

If you would use medication if you had high blood pressure, taking medication to work with your brain illness is similar.

If you need to talk to someone about it, I'll happily share my experience and listen.

Answer

Honestly, I would look into side effects and speak to a doctor about it in depth to determine if it's right for you. Why don't you trust them?

Personally, medication for my depression and anxiety has definitely helped me. I've suffered with severe depression and anxiety my whole life - suicide attempts, self harming, anti-social behavior... The whole nine yards. Once I decided to give antidepressants an honest go, it didn't rid me of my depression, but made it more manageable so that I could begin working through it. I think a huge pro to medication is just that - it can be a crutch to help you work through it. Over time, I eventually felt more confident and happy with myself, so I eased off of the medication.
It's been a few years and I'm actually back on my antidepressants and a new medication for my anxiety, just because I ended up having another episode of it for the first time. That said, medications always have side effects and one brand may effect you differently than another, so it's just all about being honest with the doctor and not being afraid to ask about trying something else or increasing a dosage, should you decide to get on something.

Answer

I take Passion flower herbal supplements. They work as a sedative for the mind, helps with anxiety and makes you sleep better if you have problems with that as well. Mine cost around $16 at a natural herbal shop.

Are antidepressants worth it?

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