Antideppresants Question

[Earthdog]

Hoping someone on here might have an idea or two... Need thoughts on what best to do if antideppressants are required, but the person concerned is unwilling to request a prescription through the usual GP channel due to fears of repercussions (eg sensitive career etc) Is there a way round this by going privately, eg online pharmacies? The person has tried St Johns wart and exercise to no avail; this is a long term problem. Suggestions welcome- thanks x

[cocolepew]

It will be confidental, people will only know if they are told.

[BooBooGlass]

I really can't think of any career that would be in jeapordy by you being on anti depressants. Do not go the buying online route. If you need them, you need them. No different than taking an aspirin for a headache imo. There really is no stigma, all the secrecy you suggest is just ludicrous.

[Earthdog]

Thanks for your thoughts. There are some careers/lifestyles where this could be relevant(eg farming/fieldsports (because of firearms)police/legal) I spoke to Mind once about it, they said of course it should not be prejudicial but the world isn't always like that.

[DanceInTheDark]

YOu would need a proper diagnosis rather than just assuming that ADs are needed.GPs take into consideration other medical problems and they can offer alternatives to ADs too.

[BooBooGlass]

If it's a long term problem then tbh repercussions be damned. Is there honestly a reason they can't just go to a GP, or are we just talking shame here? It's nothng to be ashamed of. If there is a real, career focussed reason (which, frankly, I highly doubt) then I really think that self medicating would be even more inappropriate and frowned upon.

[Earthdog]

Thanks. I agree the career should really be of lesser importance to health, but it is the genuine reason for their concern. This person did bravely go to their GP some time ago and the GP diagnosed mild to moderate depression and recommended exercise, which hasn't worked (quite extreme exercise too); so as far as I can see it would be on their files already.

[ilovemyfestivehens]

Try 5htp instead of St Johns Wort. Rhodiola Rosea is also very good - don't take this if you have high blood pressure.

These worked for me when I had moderate depression.

L-Tyrosine is also good.

[Earthdog]

Thanks ilovemyfestivehens I will suggest this x

[alypaly]

if it causes a problem with a career then it must be quite bad depression, unless they are a pilot where they would have to declare that they were on anti-depressants for public safety reasons. i guess they could make a private appt with a pysch and get a private prescription but i would think they would still have to inform gp.