Do ADs actually cure your anxiety/depression?

[CowardlyLyon]

I have lived with an awful lot of stress and insecurity over the last 5 years. Two years ago I started suffering with random anxiety and depression, some weeks much worse than others, but it was always there in the background.

Perhaps stupidly I didn't seek any medical help because I hoped it would go away of its own accord. I also knew that thete was light at the end of the tunnel for most of my stress issues, and they would be cimi g to an end. Well two years later, I have reached the end of the tunnel and life is definitely less stressful, but I am just as anxious and often depressed. I think it has really got its teeth into me, and doesn't want to let go, and I realised I couldn't cope alone any longer. I saw my GP last week and they started me on 15mg of Mirtrazapine.

I understand that by waiting so long to get help my brain has been completely depleted of serotonin abd other 'feel good' hormones, and it will probably take months to recover.

But do ADs actually contain serotonin and that's how they cure you, by building up your levels to normal? Or do they just mask your lack of serotonin, so when you stop taking them you're back at square one?

[cravingcake]

Antidepressants won't cure depression, they help by giving you a chance to cope with day to day things so you can then feel able to deal with the underlying issues, through counselling or changing lifestyle as an example. They correct the chemical imbalance but I don't think it's serotonin (could be completely wrong, I'm no expert).

[ToffeePenny]

No - I found they take me 'offline' in that they numb me so I can practically get on with life. This sounds minor but is actually quite important for recovery as it gives you breathing space.

[ToffeePenny]

The ADs under Ssi like seroxat are the ones that impact serotonin levels, giving you time for your levels to balance.

[ToffeePenny]

SSRI not Ssi, sorry