Experiences of antidepressants and what else helped with severe depression

[HubertlovesMary]

I have been depressed for years due to a series of very difficult situations. In the last couple of years I have been really really struggling, and would now say I am clinically depressed.
My OH is currently on them and they have massively helped him. I just really really don't want to take them, but nothing else has helped. I have tried counselling, it was hopeless. I have got to the point that I can barely function.

Please tell me what helped you, whether AD's did or something else. I cannot go on like this. Don't tell me to go to the GP because it's impossible to get an appointment, and they will only offer drugs. I will probably have to take drugs, but that's all they have to offer.

Why don’t you want to take them?

My GP has encouraged me to start them. I’m currently on half the starting dose and will increase this week but I’ve already noticed the difference. The only side effect was vivid dreams for the first few days which I could recall. It wasn’t an unpleasant side effect.

I didn’t want to take them as I thought it was situational rather than neurochemical issue but my GP explained if you have high levels of cortisol (stress hormone) for a long period it will surpress your serotonin (happy hormone) production.

Fear of side effects, just hate taking any sort of drug generally . I feel my depression is due to my situation not my body, but that's interesting to read what your GP said.

I would have killed myself if it wasn’t for antidepressants. They are an absolutely vital tool for many people. Yes, I had side effects but at least I’m alive.