Some basic questions about anti depressants

[Youngatheart00]

I’ve been suffering with persistent low mood and just a general malaise and fog for months now. I can’t shake it. Unless I’m asleep, I’m not happy. I feel almost LITERALLY depressed…as if someone is pressing down on my head / eyelids and zapping my strength. I am getting to the point where I seriously think I may need to speak with a doctor, but I have some concerns about anti-Ds if that’s what they suggest

1. do all of them make you put on weight? I’ve already gained a lot over the past couple of years. It’s a big source of my unhappiness but while my mood and energy is what it is I can’t bring myself to do much exercise. I just can’t gain more so it would be a huge no no if it was a likely side effect

2. once on them, how do you come off??? Will I be stuck on them forever??

Thank you

Your post makes me very uneasy, as it sounds as if you've never even considered solutions that don't involve medication.

And that's on top of the fact that these days people have been depressed for a long time, given what's been going in the world. Have you considered tinkering with your diet? Have you considered exercise? Have you considered therapy?

Youngatheart00
Not all ADs cause weight gain . One or two do . They are not addictive but it’s always recommended to discontinue them slowly in order to avoid unpleasant side effects .
Make an appt with your GP to discuss how you’re feeling . Hope you feel better soon

often before pills, the GPs will offer you talking therapies and coping strategies. saying that if medication is the route for you then you will be monitored and the drugs these days are not addictive like the days of Valium etc. The drugs like any have some side effects and please remember they are not a quick fix often take a month or so to really kick in.
A few can cause weight gain but this you can discuss with the GP always changing if wanted to but often you don't realise with depression etc a lot of people comfort eat and don't eat 'properly'. i am totally guilty of snacking and not eating proper meals.
Anything else you want to know please PM me. oh yes I am on pills probably for life but with the conditions I have it would be very difficult not to have some regular mood help and live life but for a lot of people they are a short term help until circumstances change or perhaps talking therapies get peoples minds clear

I was just about to post a similar thread. I've been under the care of the perinatal mental health team for a few months and my therapist recommended speaking to the GP about antidepressants. I'm a bit unsure about going on them, for both the reasons mentioned by the OP. I'd prefer to manage life without medication but I'm wondering if perhaps I just need that 'leg up' to help me a bit.

I can't actually muster the courage/effort to phone the GP in the first place but my next appointment with my therapist is the end of next week and she'll ask if I've phoned...