Antidepressants

[Flurple]

I have to go to the doctor and ask to go on antidepressants. When I was diagnosed I opted not to have them, but I just want to feel normal again.
I'm scared of taking them can anyone tell me of their experiences? I want to know if I will change? Will I get my energy back? Or will I just be robotic and not really know?
I know they can help and it's stupid not to have them but I don't want to take them and change who I am.
Does anyone know of any herbal remedies beside St. John's wort? I've heard bad things about that too.

[Wolfiefan]

You are taking a brave step!
I took them. Citalopram. They were the leg up I needed to face the CBT and do what I needed to do to get well.
I felt very spaced out to start with and struggled a bit until I got the dosage right. But then I felt shit anyway! They were not an instant cure but I do not think I would have recovered without them.
Good luck.
And remember don't suddenly stop them.

[Towelonthedoor]

This can only be a positive step. It takes around two weeks to feel a little bit more your old self. Each week you may feel a tiny bit better. Well done for being open to other ideas to feeling better. Best of luck

[TheoriginalLEM]

Been on ADs for many years, they keep me sane - literally :) Can be a bit shit to start with, side effects of nausea, feeling manic and panicky and generally spaced out - horrible, but it DOES go, and most people find that within a week, sometimes two, it has settled down and they start to feel better. It isn't a sudden "yay i feel better now" its more, just being able to cope. When i was on a really high dose, DP said i was like a zombie, but if im really honest i think that ws because i was so unwell. I can't say i notice any side effects now, apart from some very odd dreams.