Do I really need antidepressants?! GP appointment tomorrow!

[Ploddingonby]

Just looking for some advice as I’m hugely questioning myself.
I have a GP appointment tomorrow and the idea was to discuss the possibility of antidepressants but I’m now not sure if I even need them or not?!
Has anyone else ever been in a similar situation?
And if it turns out I don’t need them after all but I’ve tried them could it be damaging?

What made you book the appointment to see the GP to discuss AD's?

Not being able to control the way I was feeling and spiralling downwards. I have been for about a year now but I think it mostly comes down to relationship circumstances between myself and my partner and although I do have my own issues to deal with I’m unsure as to whether I need the anti depressants.
I’ve already done quite a lengthy course of CBT and have re-referred myself to the same service again.
I’m just very confused. Maybe I have depression and anxiety? (I was told last year I had/have GAD) or maybe there’s something more serious?
Or maybe it’s all just circumstantial?
I don’t know what to do!

Hi OP,

Have you tried talking therapy? I found it very helpful and delved into the root issues.

I did in the end also use ADs, I'm glad I did but it took me a long time to decide to take them.

I think go along to see the GP anyway and talk it all through and ask all the questions you have about AD's and counselling / therapy that's available. I have had dreadful anxiety and depression for the last 6 months and spent a lot of time agonising over whether to take AD's or not so I know how you feel. In the end I knew I had to do something as it wasn't improving by itself so I made the appointment, been taking hem for 13 days now and I definitely feel better. It's not 100% and can still be up and down but from what I understand it can take weeks to properly be in your system and work effectively. I still panic a bit about how long I'll have to take them and continuing side effects but for now I'm glad I did something about it. Good luck

I thoroughly recommend reading "Depressive illness, the curse of the strong" by Dr Tim Cantopher. You've probably broken your limbic system and the ADs will help it to recover.

They are medicine, so why not take them? If you were told you were diabetic you wouldn't question taking insulin. They saved my life. I recommend them to you.

agree with @chocolateworshipper I read this book and it made a lot of sense

Do you think your mood is directly related to environmental issues? ADs have their place undoubtedly but if you can manage without them by learning coping techniques and instigating change in your personal circumstances you may end up treating the problem rather than the symptom. This ofcourse is not relevant for everyone. The key issue is to identify what the core problem is. Then you can find the most appropriate solution be that therapy, meditation, mindfulness, exercise, instigating change or medication. Good luck