"antidepressants DON'T WORK for mild depression"...WTF?!

[MathsMadMummy]

so just got back from the Dr, asked to go on ADs for PND (finally - DS is 9 months!) - had been trying to get better without it but enough's enough.

It's very mild, I don't feel sad or angry, nothing to cry about, just blaaaaaaah IYSWIM. Got plenty of friends so not isolated, just seems to be a physical/hormonal thing.

Anyway.

Got the smallest dose of sertraline (BFing) but the Dr is not convinced they'll work. He said ADs are only shown to be effective in severe cases. Is this true?

Just wondering what your thoughts/experiences are with this. TBH if ADs don't work I'm not sure what will!

[MathsMadMummy]

anyone?!?

[orangeflutie]

How frustrating for you and it seems very strange that your GP is convinced ADs won't work for you. I have been diagnosed with mild depression and was prescribed ADs for it. I think they work if you get the right ones. Maybe see another GP?

[belgo]

Has the GP diagnosed you with depression?

Very mild depression can sometimes be helped other ways more effectively then by antidepressants.

ADs don't help everyone, and can cause side effects, so I understand your GP's hesistance to prescribe them.

[PacificDogwood]

I think the evidence is that AD do not work any better than other measures in mild depression ie counselling, sleep (if insomnia is a problem), exercise, healthy diet etc. Regular exercise in particular has been shown to work very well in mild depression (if you can fit it in with a 9 month old...).

I have never taken ADs, but have prescribed them. Peoples responses vary hugely and IMO you just have to give it a few weeks to see how they affect you - positively and/or negatively.

Hope you feel better soon.

[MathsMadMummy]

yes, diagnosed mild PND I think. I'm not too bothered that he thinks they won't work - he's let me give them a try, after all, and I'm going back in a few weeks to review it.

I'm just surprised is all!

[belgo]

I hope they do help with you soon, whatever your GP says .

[MathsMadMummy]

oh I see Pacific that makes sense. talked about exercise with Dr I saw a while ago (at that point I was reluctant to take ADs) - and I enjoy it, it's just that it's hard to find the inclination to do anything IYSWIM - a hard cycle to break, which is what I hope the ADs will help with. Also going to increase iron as I'm very very very slightly anaemic (nothing new there)

[Reallytired]

MathsMadMummy, have you contacted your health visitor? She may well be able to arrange support. Or ask your GP to refer you for CBT.

Anti depressants are useful for moderate to severe depression, but you need more than just medication.

With sertaline you are better starting off on a low dose. The side affects can be pretty hideous and your body needs to get used to it. If your GP had given you a higher dose then it would be a nightmare.

For mild depression, your GP is right that anti depressants are not helpful. However what you are describing sounds more than mild depression.

You are lucky in having a GP who knows what he is doing. Many GPs hand out anti depressants like smarties.

[MathsMadMummy]

thanks reallytired.

I should get back in touch with HV, she's lovely.

I'm going on 50mg a day - I had it in my teens and got really bad heartburn (does anyone know if you can take Rennies or similar while BFing?) so I'm a bit wary of it. Dad's visiting today so I'll have company in case of any bad effects Dr said if I notice any improvement then we can think about increasing it.

I've had CBT (and was hospitalised) - helped me get over very severe depression, self-harm etc due to some abuse that happened when I was young. CBT is fantastic, all those issues were worked through.

What makes you think it's more than mild depression though? I don't feel it is. As mentioned above I've been through bad depression and, thank goodness, this is nothing like that!

[Reallytired]

" it's just that it's hard to find the inclination to do anything IYSWIM - a hard cycle to break, which is what I hope the ADs will help with"

From what you written I get the feeling that your daily functioning is quite impaired and your baby is nine months old. Many women come out postnatal depression within six months without any kind of medication.

"I don't feel it is. As mentioned above I've been through bad depression and, thank goodness, this is nothing like that! "

What is mild/ moderate / severe depression is all quite relative. You also don't need a reason to be depressed.

The important thing is that you don't deteriotate. Winter time is very hard if you are prone to depression. If your health visitor has the time you could ask her to come and visit you every three months to assess your mood.

[MathsMadMummy]

that's a good idea re: HV visits.

yeah, I find winter immensely difficult every year. I got a SADlight last year but I need to be better at using it regularly!

anyway, started the meds yesterday so hopefully they will help a bit