Don't want antidepressants

[Footygirl6]

Not entirely sure what I'm hoping for by posting this except to vent and possibly find someone who can relate.

So my HV thinks I have postnatal depression. I'm not entirely sure she's right as I feel it's more just anxiety with a bit of self loathing thrown in. She has referred me for counselling which I'm just waiting for and I'm really pleased about but she also thinks I should go on antidepressants too which I refused (for my own personal reasons). On top of this she has also referred me to a perinatal mental health team who contacted me today and basically said they cant do anything for me if I dont want tablets. I have nothing against people being on them I just dont want to be on them. Is there anyone else out there who doesnt want to be on tablets - are you finding the same frustrating response?

Thanks if you read.

Depressive illness is a PHYSICAL illness. Your limbic system has temporarily stopped working and it needs some help to heal. The tablets can help it to heal, and make you well enough to benefit from counselling. Your baby needs you, so isn't it worth accepting some help so that you can be the best Mum you can be for your baby? I mean this with kindness.

By the way, I didn't want to accept ADs when they were first suggested, but it was understanding what I've written above (from an amazing book by Dr Tim Cantopher) that helped me accept it.

@chocolateisavegetable thank you for your response. I completely understand where you are coming from and I know that tablets help - I was on them when I was younger. I have my own personal reasons for not wanting to be on them, I actually dont take tablets of any kind if I can help it.

Although as an update I was rail-roaded into going to the gp to get tablets yesterday and wasnt given a choice so really the point to the post is now null and void.

@Footygirl6 I did get help without accepting antidepressants but I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere so I started tablets a few days ago.