Do you take medication for depression?

[causeimunderyourspell]

Cross posted but putting in AIBU for traffic -

I've started feeling (accepting) that I may be depressed.

I'm tired all the time, irrational/irritable, my temper is awful, constant feelings of guilt (usually in reflection of an angry outburst like being snappy or telling my kids off), lack of motivation to basically do anything other than things I have to do like work.

I also have suicidal ideation, I'm not remotely tempted to harm myself but ponder suicide, normally as a response to stress.

Does it sound like I may be depressed? Can I ask if you are - how did your symptoms present and if you are on medication, how long have you been on it for. How do you feel now?

Hi @causeimunderyourspell .... so sorry to hear you are feeling this way. You'll get lots of similar responses, but if you are feeling this way you need to seek some professional help. I think @MNHQ have a page of resources that they signpost people to, please have a look, I'm sure someone else will give you the link.
Everyone is different, some meds work for some and the same ones don't work for others. I hope you find some help soon. There are thousands if not millions feeling the way you do, you are not alone, and there IS light at the end of the tunnel. Sending you . Take care.

I felt like you for a couple of years. I often wondered if I was depressed but dismissed the thought as self indulgent nonsense. Then a small incident at work tipped me over the edge, and I had a kind of breakdown. I eventually agreed to take antidepressants. It wasn't until they started to work that I realised how low I actually had been. A year later I'm a different person. I urge you to go to your doctor, it will change your life. Best of luck op

Hi OP, I agree, you need to talk to someone. I am on meds for depression and anxiety and they help me a lot.

Hi. I'm on fluoxetine (depefex) for depression, started as postnatal 8 years ago! It helps a lot. I've been through a few until we've found one which works the best. Some I was on for a while before I started having to keep increasing dose then we knew they weren't right. One I took for 2 days and have never felt so ill in my life! This one I've been on for probably a couple of years now and I'm still on the minimum dose. And I know on the days I haven't taken it. I am snappy, irritable and feel dizzy/sick.

You've acknowledged you don't feel right and need some help so your first step is your gp or nurse practitioner.

They will ask you to fill in an form on how you are feeling now (I can't remember what it's called) and go from there.

Phq 9 is the tool they generally use. I’m depressed mid crisis following attempted OD on meds and under the crisis team who are amazing

I am well now but was signed off work a few years with depression and anxiety, and my anti-depressants in my humble opinion saved me. However - they were not a long term fix for me. When I came off them, I hadn't had counselling or talking therapy or anything to understand and process my mental health and as such had subsequent breakdowns. Going to therapy, privately as well at a blooming cost, has been the key for me - medication will only get you so far.

Go see your GP. Please. And find out if your local borough has a self referral option for IAPT (counselling via NHS) and if so, do it (normally online, or on the phone) or your GP can do it. Don't suffer in silence. Big hugs xxxxx

Also, sorry I know this may seem overkill but if you're feeling suicidal or contemplating it or just feel low - Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116123

I've been on anti depressants for a couple of years this time and was on it for several years many years ago. It's definitely helped me when I needed it. I'm currently weaning off the one I'm on so on a low dose and I definitely notice the difference to when I'm on a higher dose. Definitely speak to a doctor and get prescribed something. There's no reason to suffer unncessarily.

Thank you everyone for your responses, I really appreciate it

For all that are on or have been on antidepressants - did you feel the medication 'reset' you or just gave you a welcome break so that you were better able to cope once you care off?

Came off*