To feel guilty about antidepressants

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I take antidepressants for anxiety.

I told a friend and she was very disapproving. She said she doesn't believe in things like that, and that she has never taken anything like that despite her mother dying when she was a teenager, and her brother dying a few years ago.

It's stuck in my mind and made me feel I am a drama queen, attention seeker, overdramatic etc. As if my problems are not big problems compared to others.

YABU for feeling guilty. Taking medicine for your brain is no different to taking it for any other part of your body. It saddens me that attitudes such as your friend’s still exist,

Tell her not to be so silly whether or not she believes in them they definitely exist.

Then ignore her batshit opinion and follow your Drs opinion.

I've been in situations where some people's MH would have suffered as a result and would have needed antidepressants but I didn't. In turn, I was in a situation a lot of people have found a breeze (two children under 2) and I really struggled and was on and off Prozac for 3 years.

I hate this type of MH oneupmanship - 'I managed under far worse circumstances, why are you so weak?' is the implication. Your friend is ridiculous and I would be reconsidering the friendship if I was you.

I take them but only close family know (and now MN!) People are judgey about depression, stress and medication, so why invite their judgements by telling them? Do what’s right for you and ignore someone who has no medical or psychiatric experience to comment anyway.

I so understand. I have not told my mother as she would say similar things.
But a Dr, who knows a lot more about it than your friend thinks you will benefit from them. Trust the professionals. A friend of mine said the same thing when we had babies close together and I had an emergency c section and she only had gas and air. I’m sure people just don’t think before they speak. I hope the meds are helping

Events affect everyone differently and some people need medication to help.

If you were diagnosed with high blood pressure and were prescribed medication would you feel guilty? If you were diagnosed with an infection and were prescribed medication would you feel guilty? You have been diagnosed with anxiety and been prescribed medication, why should you feel guilty?

You need supportive friends, she is being horrible.

Your friend is clearly woefully unaware of the complex issues around MH

You have a health problem and are taking measures to address it . Please don’t get into a spiral . MH and Our brains are very
Complex

But maybe don’t discuss with her . Ever

Please ignore her she obviously has no experience of anxiety. I take meds for anxiety and felt like I should stop taking them which I did for a year - i had a big relapse and am back on them so I'm glad of them. I can't understand why anyone would think it was ok to tell you they "don't believe in taking anti depressants"