Instant antidepressants

[Ladyof2022]

I'm 65 and yesterday I met the nurse-practitioner at my doctors; practice for the first time, to have a sort of "MOT" in which I was invited to bring up every health issue, big and small, and have my heart, bloods and cholesterol etc checked.

She asked me how my mental health was, and I said that my recently (5 yrs ago) permanent disability sometimes gets me down, as it's distressing, frustrating and depressing that, having all my life been an active sportswoman, to now be unable to do any sport and in fact to be struggling even to walk with a stick.

Her instant response to my speaking for about 45 seconds on this subject was to immediately turn to face the computer and start tapping the keyboard whilst saying that she would give me a prescription for antidepressants.

(I've never been diagnosed with AD's or any kind of mental-health medication before.)

I was rather shocked as I thought those kinds of medications were the last resort, to be used only when all other avenues have been tried and the depression is severe, constant and life-affecting. I said no thank you and she then addressed the next physical niggle on my list.

Am I being unreasonable in being concerned at how quickly and casually she suggested putting me on this kind of medication?

(I've never been diagnosed with AD's or any kind of mental-health medication before.)

Sorry, that got mangled and there is no "edit" button!

I mean I've never been diagnosed with depression or been offered AD's or any kind of mental-health medication before.

No you’re not unreasonable op, doled out like fucking sweeties for absolutely every bleeding rational thought, numb yourself, lets dope everyone up, push it all down because it’s too inconvenient for them/society to deal with. I get sick of seeing the responses on her every time someone posts about their struggles, it’s go see the doctor, get some pills, ffs sometimes people just need to talk.

Your not wrong! Antidepressants are a serious medication that require a proper discussion with your GP to see if they are right for you. They can be very helpful for depression but do come with side effects, often take at least several weeks to take effect, with the possibility of worse side effects while you adjust, and often need to be taken long-term. That's not to say that is necessarily a bad thing but you're right that it should not be seen as an easy fix. Also if depression is caused by specific life events it is better to receive help to deal with the root of the issue which medication alone won't be able to resolve.
They are also a lot cheaper than talking therapies and do not have a waiting list which is why some GPs are quick to prescribe them without discussing other options. In my opinion I am quite upset on your behalf that she didn't take more time to get more issues about your mental health and to discuss all options with you properly.

They aren't always last resort, some time they are taken for a shorter period of time to help a user through a difficult period as a bit off a boost but from what you said I think other options should have been discussed.

If you did want help with your mental health there are other options.
Most areas have a local mental health services or IAPT you can self-refer to. Often you can do this without needing to go through the GP. They might be able to offer talking therepies to help you work through the totally understandable emotions you are feeling about your disability and help you with coping strategies. They may also be able to signpost support groups for people struggling adjusting with a new disability and discuss medication with you as an option if it's suitable.

The waiting list for talking therapy via IAPT can be very long.

There is very little time to get everything done, so I’m not surprised that she offered them. You yourself said the word ‘depressing’.

@LarryBlackmonsCodpiece
You've put into words what I felt when I left the surgery but did not dare to articulate as I don't like to always be moaning about the NHS.

@rosierains
Thank you also for your post.

As my disability is going to be lifelong, giving me antidepressants would be for the rest of my life, and that (ironically) makes me feel even more sad. Surely every person in the country who has gone blind or deaf, lost a limb or otherwise been dealt severe mobility issues, isn't on lifelong antidepressants? Or are they?
When I lost my mobility it was simply a case of being told "this is what you have got, and it is incurable" then just left to cope myself, including the psychological impact of going from sportswoman to disabled person.

@KangarooKenny "You yourself said the word ‘depressing’." Yes, well of course it feels depressing to lose one's mobility for life. One is hardly going to be grinning and laughing with sheer joy at never being able to even go for a walk ever again.
But should everyone who feels depressed about a life change be put onto lifelong medication?

Yanbu op and this is also my experience. I was lucky enough to access talking therapies and didn't take the medication. It helped me no end. But I realise this will not be an option for everyone.