How do you know if you need medication?

[Monikkas]

I’ve been feeling really off recently, I did speak to my GP a few weeks ago and they suggested not going on any meds just trying to muddle along.

How did you know you needed to try medication? I don’t feel awful but I don’t feel great either.

Have you had a blood test? Do you monitor your periods? Do you get any enjoyment from life?

I realized recently that I get extremely depressed on the day I ovulate. It's quite extreme but as I know it, I can prepare for it now. I think it's peri menopause though my periods are clockwork as I've never been that bad before.

I do take anti depressants. I started when I realised that I was really depressed when on a lovely holiday. I just didn't enjoy it at all (my son was about 18 months). I now know that I need them because my emotions feel out of control. I get very very angry and intrusive negative thoughts. On my ovulation days I get suicidal but at least I know what this is now.

Except for in severe depression the first line treatment should be some kind of talking therapy. The scientific evidence shows that it works better, especially for milder depression. Then try medication if that isn’t helping, or maybe straight to meds if you’ve had it before and needed tablets.

Have you looked at what your local IAPT service offers?

Would ask for referral to talking therapies but in the mean time rule out any physical ailments, anaemia etc, may be meds best for you in the end but sounds too soon to know

Had blood test done and check iron levels etc all fine.

Ive had so much therapy over the last few years and my most recent stopped 6-8weeks ago so I can’t refer back for another 6-4 weeks as there has to be a 12 week gap.

I nearly burst into tears today at a kids party, just feeling a bit numb. Can’t really explain it

I’m super scared of going on meds, I don’t want to admit I need them, I’m scared

Armchair psychologist here. Well if you don't feel consistently depressed all day every day for several weeks no matter what, it is probably best to learn to cope without ADs.
It takes 4-6 weeks for them to begin working and it is very hard to go off them when you are finally able- after a year at least; and that is once you have found the one that works for you.

Only you know how you feel. ADs treat only the symptoms and not the cause.
Try figuring out why you are feeling down . Learn to take good care of yourself. I think depression is linked to a lack of self love or anger that has been internalized. Therapy can help some people with that.
But do go back to your gp and insist if it gets worse.

Do you trust your GP?
Did they suggest things other than "muddle along"?
A good GP should explore routes before prescribing meds.

I take meds OP. I have no side effects and they work. I still have to manage my moods and ensure that I bring as much joy into my life as possible so I don't just rely on increasing the dose.

I know when to take note with specific things. I can start crying in the car and dont know why. That's when I go...it's getting bad I need to manage this. Any suicidal ideation I know it's time to do something or spk to GP. They don't send you to an asylum I promise you that. For one they don't have the money. They will likely prescribe meds and then you need to monitor your mood and when you start to feel better start doing more things to make you feel better. Depression is awful and a lot of people have it.

I tried to muddle along for about two years, had lots of therapy, did sensible things. Like you I hated the thought of meds. DH persuaded me to have a GP appointment, as did a few friends, about two months back. Went on 50mg sertraline. The first couple of weeks were sicky, dizzy, but my mood lifted within days. Now feel loads better. Go for it. If they don't work or don't suit yo, you can stop, it's not the end of the world.
Wish I'd taken them ages ago. All the best

@Muddlingthroughthissocalledlife
I think I might have asked you this on another thread - promise I'm not stalking you but a few things you have written ring true for me.
Do you mind sharing what medication you have found helpful?

@hoochycrone I'm currently on a different AD but may need to switch and sertraline is a possibility. Did you start on the 50mg straight away or did you work up to that. And with the initial dizzy/nausea were you still able to do things or was it debilitating. (Just trying to get more info so that can plan around it.)

Sorry, @Monikkas , @kizziee didn't mean to come across as negative about ADs . They are a life saver and worth the drawbacks. Yes I personally was able to function pretty normally without dizziness. Just have to be patient before they begin working- about 2 weeks in you should start feeling a change. After 6 months if you don't notice a difference go see your doctor and ask for a higher dose. ADs do cause dry mouth and maybe a big of weight gain or loss. They are helpful for many many people, don't be afraid.
Hope you're feeling better soon.

Citalopram. I've found it very good.

Also went on Duluxotine, i liked that one as well, but think it may be more expensive so I got pushed back onto Citalopram.

Thank you @Muddlingthroughthissocalledlife really useful.

@Whataretalkingabout that's good to know about the dizziness

OP I hope you find some relief soon

@kizziee
Ah, 50mg straight away. It actually helped to distract myself and do stuff, took my mind off the dizzy/nausea.

Thank you @hoochycrone

I've started medication again today as I could feel myself slipping and nothing was working to make me feel better.

Having been through these cycles more than once, I know when I need help.

I think of it as going for a walk. Without the AD I'm walking on sand. It's hard work, I'm slipping and getting tired too quickly. The ADs give me a flat surface to walk on. I still need to do the actual walking, but I no longer have that battle. It's a foundation to rebuild my mental health.

Medication has been positive for me, it's worth a try if other options aren't getting the results you need.