To take depression medication.

[UnsureAndNameChanged]

I have a doctors appointment on Friday and I know the GP will give me tablets for anxiety and depression.

I really don't know what to do, I am getting worse and so is my panic attacks and I do want to be able to control my moods without tablets.

I just feel there is so much stigma on being on tablets to help me function.

My house is a tip, I am tired all the time but can't sleep and I can not remember the last time I was happy. Some days I feel so low that I can not even be bothered to get washed and dressed. The only time I go out is when I have to because I feel like everyone is staring and laughing at me.

So to the MN jury should I go back on the tablets or not.

If you're not depressed they won't help. If you could 'snap out of it' yourself you would have done - no-one chooses to feel depressed.

there is NO stigma. You are ill and need medication. End of!

depression is as real an illness as any other. You can't 'snap out of it' any more than you can snap out of a broken bone, a virus or any other condition.

please take the tablets for as long as you need - modern medicine is wonderful. Wishing you improved health and good results from the medicine.

Yes definitely take them. They do help. I take them. I strongly believe in being open about taking them, it's the best way to get rid of the stigma. I will openly discuss it. I hope you soon feel better.

Depression is a common medical condition, just like high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma. It's an abnormal mood associated with specific and reversible chemical changes in the brain. Depression is not a sign of weakness, nor is it a state you can just snap out of.

Whoops got cut off! dont think of ads as anything other than that they're helping nerve cells recover and resume their usual role in regulating your mood!

Take them - you wouldnt feel stigmatised about taking insulin if you were diabetic. I am on ADs, i think i will probably be on them for the rest of my life - i call them my happy pills. They don't make me happy, but they stop me from being in such an anxious state that i can't function. They have saved my life.

Counselling may well help you recognise what is causing your problems, also there are different types of counselling tht can change the way you think - you should give it a go xx

There is no stigma, really there isn't. If you could snap out of it you would but you can't so you need help. It might be a good idea to write down your OP and show that to your Doctor.

Just be aware that there are different medications and it may take a bit of juggling to find the type/dose that is right for you. Different types of counselling too.

You are not alone and you WILL feel better. Be kind to yourself

it's like using a crutch if you break your leg.
in theory you don't need it, because you can hop along fine without it, and it doesn't affect your healing.
but it's a heck of a lot easier to get about and face steps with the crutch!

if you're worried about stigma, don't tell anyone you're taking them
of course that might add to the stress either way but I think it's essential for you to take them.
they just balance your chemicals so that you can eork through solutions to the problems. otherwise you're putting more stress into the problems.

you're doing great :)

thanks so much for the support, It has taken me a long time to admit to myself I have a problem and i am relieved that you are all not laughing at me.

I feel such a failure, but i know there is no way of changing this unless i do something.

As others have said, depression is more often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain which is solved simply by taking medication. It's amazing how much better you can feel after just a couple of days on antid's.

Your GP should go through a checklist with you that will assess depression with you when you go to see them.

Good luck with your appointment and take care xxx

PS just seen your last post. It's great to realise you have a problem too. I tend to realise the signs when I am getting depressed now although this last time I did struggle and didn't see it at all. It's really hard to admit sometimes so well done for that. That is a big step xxx

no, a failure would refuse to acknowledge a problem and refuse to ask for help.

I likee the list idea. it's very easy to minimize problems to other people and a list ensures that you won't

You are not useless - you have made the courageous decision to seek help, that takes alot of guts.

Honey, depression is no laughing matter - no one would think its funny or trivial. Its an illness.

Oh OP sweetie we would not be laughing at you. I've been on ADs and / or mood stabilisers for the best part of 10 years. They keep me STABLE and mostly "normal". Life's normal ups and downs.

P

Stigma is such a dangerous thing and if people judge you because you take medication for an illness then they are dickheads.

You know, no one needs know if you feel you can't be bothered with their pathetic attitudes.

Good luck.

Oops. People who understand will know you are doing the right thing, no stigma. Fuck everyone else.

As others have said, if you were a diabetic, you'd take insulin.

Go back on them. They've done wonders for me, my mum, my sisters, my step dad, my best friend. More people than you realise take ADs.

I am off to bed now and will update on friday. Goodnight all and thanks once again.

"as I haven't got nothing to be depressed about. I really don't know where it stems from."

It is a medical condition. Rich, beautiful, clever people get depression too you know.

there is no longer the stigma attached to ad's there once was and who needs to know

keep a diary on how you feel, it is important that you are aware of how you feel while your are taking them. you will still have some down days that is normal but being deprerssed is awful it is not normal feel the way you do all the time

And try to get to the root of the problem as it can still manifest in other ways and could be attached to why you feel anxious about taking ad's (though it may not be at all)

YANBU. The medications are there to help, so do give them a chance if that's what the GP recommends.

Why worry about stigma, its no business of anyone's but your own. Modern life is stressful in its own way, I bet lots of people you know are on or have taken ADs in the past, they just don't broadcast it. And you needn't worry about the GP, stress/anxiety/depression are probably one of most common complaints they deal with, they won't bat an eyelid. Just make sure you describe your symptoms accurately as they may suggest different meds depending on whether its more anxiety related or depression, and let them know if you've tried something in the past and it hasn't work so they can prescribe an alternative.

i am sorry to let you all down but i couldnt see the gp. I dont know why.

i am such a fucking faliure, i cant even see m own GO

Make another appointment and go.

I think I must be oblivious to any stigma. I have depression and anxiety - I think pretty much everyone knows, when it's bad it's a bit difficult to hide. But I'm on ADs and I'm now a fully functioning adult human. It really is worth it so please go to the GP.

I've never had anyone say anything unpleasant being on ADs and when I told someone the other week his reply was just "well bloody good for you!"

And we're still friends.

Do you have anyone you could confide in and take with you? I'm sure there'd be someone on here who'd come and hold your hand if you needed it - and you'd have nothing to worry about, you'd never have to see them again or even know their real name if you didn't want to!

It really is worth it. You deserve to be enjoying this life more than you are doing currently.

OP, don't be hard on yourself for not making it to the GP yet, it's obviously something you're worried about. But chilin is right, they deal with this all the time and won't bat an eyelid. They will be able to help you. Please do make another appointment. Maybe even drop into the surgery to make the appointment so you've "practised" getting yourself there.