Antidepressants

[GoldenNCurly]

Posting for traffic as first post didnt recieve any responses and I really need some advice:
I have battled with poor mental health for a long time typically having long periods of feelong happy followed by periods of sheer despair, however this last year or two I've felt incredibly numb and emotionless with rare period of happiness. I cant go on feeling this way and know I need to do something but I dont knlw how to make this better. If I book an appointment with my GP will they help? Or just refer me? I'm mid-twenties, have no problems working full time and if you met me in the street you would assume I was happy and had no issues.

An appointment to see your GP is definitely the best place to begin. They can talk to you about how you feel and commence antidepressants if they are needed. They may want to refer you to another service after this such as Talking Therapy. Many people work full time and appear happy but that doesn’t mean that we don’t feel sad or down, it must be horrible to feel the despair you describe OP. I wish you the best of luck

Thank you for the response

The “numb and emotionless” sounds very characteristic of depression, OP - it’s called blunting of affect. (“Affect” meaning mood and presentation)
Your GP is best placed to assess you, although this may need to be via video consultation during the pandemic.
You will most likely be started on antidepressants. A couple of things to bear in mind:

1. ADs take up to six weeks to be effective. Don’t give up on them when you don’t feel instantly better.
2. All ADs have side effects. These are most pronounced in the first few weeks, and often get less as you adapt to the drug. Try to persevere with them.
3. As the AD begins to work, it will increase your energy and motivation before it actually lifts your depression. You may notice that you change from numb and blunted into angry and irritable. That’s ok - it will pass, and is a good sign that you are on your way up.
4. Because of 3), there is a risk that you will temporarily be at increased risk of suicidal impulses - you gain the motivation and energy to plan an attempt, before your depression eases enough to stop you wanting to. Be aware of this, and be honest with your GP and seek help if you find you are feeling suicidal. Again, it’s temporary (if you get it at all), and it will pass.
5. Once the AD is fully effective, don’t decide you’re “cured” and stop taking the tablets! You will need at least 6 months before any reassessment, and if you relapse on stopping treatment you may need them long term.
6. If the first AD your GP tries is not effective, don’t despair- there are many different ones, and a change of medication will find one that suits you. Sorry to ramble on, OP, but I just wanted to give you some relevant info! I urge you to contact your GP, and send my best wishes for recovery and future happiness.

Thank you so so much for your response, this has been incredibly helpful. I've spoken with my GP and awaiting a phone call from a doctor. I am already feeling positive and so glad I've finally taken the steps to seek help

So pleased to see you've got the ball rolling, OP. Do pop back if you feel like a chat about it all at any point. Our Mental Health boards also have lots of posters who've been through this and might be able to offer advice and support. Hope you get what you need from the GP anyway.

What a brilliant post @Babdoc

It's heartwarming that you took the time to "ramble on" and wonderful to hear the OP is on the right path, quite possibly as a result of your support.

Bloody well done Mumsnet! I wish we saw more of this lovely support and less of the meanness.