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Original poster

I feel like accepting antidepressants is admitting I can’t cope.

31 replies

LondonLady1980 · 05/03/2026 12:41

Life has been tough over the last 6 years….. especially over the last three….. and the last year has been really difficult.

I am floundering.

My life has changed so much, my health is deteriorating, my mood is so low (I cry a lot) and I feel lost.

My Neurologist (I have epilepsy) has suggested I go on antidepressants and I feel so upset at the thought of it.

It feels like there is already so much going on in my life, and my health is already so crap, that I just can’t cope with something else.

I’m already overwhelmed and exhausted and I can’t cope with having to deal with this too.

Part of me knows I’m struggling though and that things aren’t getting better. Im so scared of having side effects too. I just don’t know what to do ☹️

OP posts:
RoniaCheetah · 05/03/2026 12:56

It's absolutely not a failure to accept antidepressants. What they're brilliant for is helping to lift you out of a pit, so that you can hopefully be in a clearer and healthier mental state to see what else you can do change things. Right now you can't. They're genuinely life saving for many people. Honestly accept help. I'm sorry you're finding things so hard right now.

Rainraingoawaydontcomeback · 05/03/2026 12:55

In very simplistic terms Antidepressants help to restabilise brain chemicals. If another part of your body had the incorrect balance of chemical and it was negatively impacting on your health you would take medication to help rebalance the chemicals. Having a chemical imbalance is not a judgement on your character or ability to cope with life. If I have a headache, I would take paracetmol so I could get on with my life and when my GP said I was low in B12 I started taking a supplement - would you do the same? Life is difficult enough without trying to tough things out.

OhWhatABeautifulDay · 05/03/2026 12:55

Agree with the Ps.

Also, judging by your user name, you are 46, or will be this year? Maybe you are perimenopausal as well, HRT might be able to help you.

Duckyfondant · 05/03/2026 12:54

Starting anti depressants is one of the bravest things. You are facing the challenge head on and using the tools available to help you cope.

faerylights · 05/03/2026 12:52

Go on medication - mine has quite literally saved my life. You wouldn’t refuse painkillers for a broken leg or insulin for diabetes. This isn’t any different.

ay30916 · 05/03/2026 12:51

Hello, sorry you are struggling. I felt the same a few years ago when I was advised to go on Sertraline. My dad had a history of mental health problems and I felt i was failing if I accepted them as I always prided myself on being mentally strong. However, it was life changing for me and what I needed at the time. I came off them after about 2 years. Ive been fine without however, I have just today wondering if maybe I should ask the Doc for a low dose as I am finding everything hard atm. I didnt have any side effects. Just start on a low dose and go from there. There is no shame in accepting help