To think I need to go on anti depressants

[Spending]

I have constant negative thoughts and am perpetually feeling ‘flat’ since the start of 2020. I used to have some spells of depression but this inertia and lack of feeling happiness has lasted 2 years now.

Going to see the Doctor next week. Feel a bit reticent to go on anti depressants but also I probably need to don’t I?

It doesn’t have to be a permanent thing but, if it helps to get the old ‘you’ back it’s worth taking them for a bit.

I hope things improve for you soon

I used to feel anti depressants meant I'd failed but now I know sometimes I need chemical realignment to kick start things..if I suffered with thyroid problems I wouldn't hesitate to see my Dr to get the right medication for it. I hope you have a supportive doctor who'll help you through. Take care of yourself - there's only one of you.

I took them for post natal depression and they really helped me.

If your gp recommends you try them give them a go. They could really help.

Hope you feel better soon

They're not allowed to put you straight into medication now, you have to be offered therapy first. Came in about a month ago.

Sorry I've just realised it's only draft guidance at the moment, so ignore me

Thank you everyone. I’ve also booked myself in for counselling (gone private as the NHS waiting list is so long) so hopefully the combination will help

Good luck

CBT and meds can make a huge difference to your life. Hope it goes well for you

OP, how old are you?

Hoping life is soon sunny again for you

Good luck. I started sertraline last year and it's changed mine and my family's lives for the better. I wish I'd started decades ago. (Also was in conjunction with therapy)

Make sure it's not menopausal first as HRT will do a better job. Anyone 40+ should think about whether they're perimenopausal if suffering from depressive symptoms.

Also be careful if you have any periods of anxiety or happy moods, as it's more likely to be bipolar and antidepressants won't help. They'll just make you more agitated. Clinical depression is a fixed state, it doesn't switch on and off.