Life is tough right now, will AD's help?

[TheFurryMenace]

I can feel that I am depressed. Have an elderly parent with dementia, financial problems, work stress and Year 6 child (so lots of stress recently with school applications process, tests etc). Most days it's all I can do to stop myself crying, and I feel suicidal sometimes (although I would never do anything as I wouldn't want to distress my DH or DD). I haven't spoken to my GP about it, but would anti depressants help? They won't actually change my situation, so I'd still be having a shit time. Is it worth a try?

I am so sorry you understandably feel overwhelmed balancing many demands and unwell parent too.
Make GP appt and be very candid with your GP about how you're feeling low in mood With suicidal ideation
AD will help yes,you’ll need to have a consultation to commence and titrate dose
Encouraginginly AD overall work and you should hopefully see an improvement
AD Efficacy is affected by alcohol so you’ll need to moderately drink
Eat well,try get some good sleep habits and to use strategies to reduce or manage stress
I wish you well

If it’s hard to tell GP just print your op

Yes they take the edge off and make the tough times more cope able. I also have counselling alongside them so ask your GP about this too. I have to try to eat healthily, sleep well, walk and/or exercise, and do something enjoyable like read or meet a friend for a coffee each day as those things are supposed to help with anxiety and depression too.

They do help, yes

They also help you to ‘get help’ - if that makes sense... combined with other therapies, a bit of self help, and the courage to let those that love you know how difficult you’re finding it at the moment. Anti depressants let you do the other things you need to do to look after yourself

I have found Pilippa Perry’s ’How to Stay Sane’ quite useful.

They really helped me but there are cons to them. When you start them you can feel very sick and feel worse it can last up to 4 weeks. It's tough to come off them also and that can take a few months. I've been on Citalopram for 5 years they work great but if I forget to take one I get ill. As you have said it doesn't fix the issues but for me it calms my mind down and let's me breath a bit.

Also if one doesn’t work then another might. I tried a few but found one that works for me. Don’t be afraid to ask to change

Absolutely your GP will monitor and titrate dosage and see what works
Give it a few weeks to work