Does medication work

[Nightowl1976]

I’m reluctant to go on anti depressant but I have realised I can’t carry on like this. I feel low and tearful all the time. I don’t seem to get any joy out of life and find myself crying a lot.
I have a consultation with GP this week and they will suggest medication. Has anyone find medication to help. I have a lot going on in life and the moment so struggling to see how medication will help whilst I have issues going on.

When they work, they increase my baseline mood so I can cope with things better. They can also lessen intrusive thoughts

I think the most that can be said is that they work sometimes.

If you think that your low mood might be the result of life events, it would be wise to feel a little sceptical about them.

And if you do notice an improvement on the meds, it might be rather slight, so that you are never quite sure whether they are actually helping (this is my situation).

However, you may well feel it is worth trying. For some people they do have a very clear benefit, and for the vast majority of people the side effects aren't bad enough to make the experiment unwise.

I’ve been on anti depressants for almost a year now after having a lot going on with struggles with a family member, and me finding it hard to cope. Like @Goinggonegone said, they definitely increase my baseline mood to help me cope with things better, which in turn then helps with family life if that makes sense?!

They have really helped me and I’m so glad I went to the GP to speak to them. I was actually having a good few days so almost cancelled my appointment but when I got to the GP, I immediately burst into tears so realised that I did need some help.

When I first started taking the meds, they did make me feel a bit lower for a few days, but the doctor warned me about that so I knew it wouldn’t last and things would get better, and they have.

Hope you can get some help, if needed op x

Yes anti-depressants have been around for a long time and many people find they help. You will need talking therapy as well. That also works, although if you don’t click with the therapist, you may need to try someone else. The way my GP explained was that the medication is the short term emergency fix and the talking therapy is the long term solution.

Ask your GP how long the medication takes to kick
in. It’s not instantaneous.

Obviiousky bear in mind too that some medications don’t suit some people.

THIS -
They help you see the wood for the trees and allow you to adopt some other helpful strategies eg engage with counselling, motivation to exercise . Can help with sleep too.
Deffo trial and error - what suits one, won't another
Good luck x

Antidepressants saved me! Ive been on them for 26 years. It's trial and error regarding which ones are best for you, but once you find the right ones, they're great!

I never quite understand why people are so reluctant to try them. There doesn't seem to be this kind of hestitation with other medication.

I'vefound that they reduce the symptoms of depression which puts you in a stronger position to deal with the root causes.