Do Antidepressants work?

[SallyLouise75]

I'm struggling to come to terms with my husband of 21 years leaving me and everyone I speak to says I should make an appointment with the doctors to get some antidepressants. Do they actually work or would I be better trying to deal with the situation on my own? Any advice would be helpful. Thank you

Thanks

I've been in Wellbutrin on and off for a couple of years. It really helps me - I have a general tendency to be low and it just corrects that and gives me a bit more emotional resistance. It certainly doesn't make me numb (that's a sign that the AD isn't working for you). Will I be on ADs forever? Possibly, but I tend to think not. For the medium term? I think so.

However, my case is different - I'm not trying to deal with a traumatic event. I'd honesty just speak to a doctor at this stage and see what you think.

You might want to look at amino acid therapy if you want to avoid drugs. I have dipped in an out of it, but need to do some proper research.

Good luck.

Ah, I see a previous poster has already mentioned HTP - that's one of the amino acids, although there are more.

Don't ever get a 'diagnosis' of depression from a GP they don't have much mental health training.

Tatiana, it depends on the gp, and yes, of course they can diagnose depression and of course they can send you to a more specialist doctor or if needs be a clinical psychologist. There are also a few NHS psychotherapists out there.

Hi, I got through initial year post desertion, then all of a sudden it hit me. I was so busy getting my kids through, etc. I realised all the financial promises were disintegrating. I hit rock bottom about a year after he left. I sought help from GP. I took antidepressants for about 4 months, but to be honest it was the counselling I was referred to that really helped. I took the pills for anxiety rather than depression. The anxiety has not gone, but I learnt that actually I was a strong, capable person through counselling. I have learnt coping mechanisms. I look at my kids and know I have done a great job. Focus on what you know to be true. This autumn is the 30th anniversary of getting together with my ex, things turning, for the better. I would strongly recommend counselling, certain meds helps short term, but look as it as a short term measure, good luck Hun. X

How long ago did he leave? Just curious as yes, grief is normal following a breakup, but prolonged acute grief is not.

Im not saying they can't, I'm saying they shouldn't.

The standard med school mental health training for GPs is paltry. A GP appt is rarely more than 20 mins. Some GPs who take a special interest in mental health may develop experience in the area but even so they are not specialists in mental health.

A GP assessment for depression is nowhere near approaching that of a psychiatrist. Often amounting to 'dr I think I might be depressed'. 'How do you feel?' 'Low spirits' 'Ok you're depressed have some antidepressants'.

He left 9 weeks ago. It's the lying that really gets me. He isn't the man I though he was and he was living a lie for the past 6 months and keeping me in the dark. Trying to come to terms with dealing with life on my own as he's just up and left (moved down south 2 hours away) so gets to escape the reality and live a single persons life and not face his to his responsibilities.