Depression - Situational

[Cantfindmyway]

Hi everyone. Taken me a VERY long time to pluck up the courage to post, let alone start a thread. So pls be kind

I started antidepressants Wednesday this week after having a breakdown Monday night (years of trying to hide my pain / sadness / issues and be strong) and my mind and body suddenly gave in.

My depression however is situational stemming from my relationship - as in its a situation causing it. I'm not ready yet to go into what that is on here (hoping i will be eventually), but the reason for my post is ..... I was wondering if anyone has ever suffered depression before because of a certain reason, and taken antidepressants for it... Did the tablets help? Or does nothing help until you resolve said issue???

F*ck does that even make sense!!! Basically I want to know if the cloud I currently have over me will atleast lift a little even though the problem causing it is not sorted!

It sounds a bit like you're asking if paracetamol helps with toothache. I mean, yes, it makes you a bit less aware of the pain and you might be more able to concentrate at work etc, but your tooth is still rotten. And if you got the toothache dealt with, you wouldn't need the paracetamol, and your swollen face would go down and you could enjoy eating again.

Well yes, I guess that analogy pretty much hit the nail on the head!

Perfect analogy @Tableclothing!
@Cantfindmyway I completely agree. The root issue needs dealing with or you're just masking the problem temporarily.

I’m sorry to hear how difficult things have been and I hope you start to feel better again soon

Sounds a bit likely DH when he suffered depression due to a work situation. The pills numbed him a bit but he couldn’t start to get better until he’d left that job:

Ok can I add something to it - I think pills help you to get out of the anxiety and give you clarity to resolve the situation - say you are in a bad professional situation, if you get into the spiral of depression/anxiety you may take hasty decision, hide in bed for weeks, etc, whereas if you have medications/therapy you may see the situation easier to handle and take better decisions. The tooth will still be rotten but you will be able to find a dentist, ways to finance the intervention and, most importantly, go to the appointment. I hope this helps x

Good point Monna

I had postnatal depression as a result of a whole load of events and issues conspiring together. Some were short term, others longer term, some I could resolve, others I needed to wait out basically. Antidepressants helped me function on a daily basis to get through the things I couldn't change, and gave me the mental strength to resolve the things which needed resolving to improve things. Yes, they mask some of the pain, but if that leaves you more able to function and deal with the issues causing your depression, then in the long run they will contribute to your recovery, and make it quicker and easier.

Thank you tableclothing - your analogy was very good too.

When you’re going through something tough, source all the help and support you can. If medication helps lift you and assists you in coping and making decisions, then why deny yourself? Good luck OP

Thank you everyone, whole heartedly 💛💛💛💛