Happy pills

[Spinkle]

Not being flippant or judgemental here in any shape or form. Just interested. How many here take anti depressants? I ask as my GP hinted to me she thought I might be depressed.
I pointed out that I didn't have time to be depressed. But now find myself wondering...

Tried them for a few weeks, but didn't really give them a chance. I thought that I wasn't depressed just coping with a very difficult set of circumstances. Circumstances improved a bit and I felt better. I have toyed with the idea of pills from time to time, but have thus far resisted as I know that what really makes me feel better is getting out of the house, seeing a friend or getting some exercise. Main issue is actually getting a carer so I can actually do these things regularly. Shame that's not available on the NHS. Having said all that I am sure they can be helpful to people and I would never rule it out (especially at this time of year, which I always find particularly hellish)

I don't, but can understand how the stresses and strains can push someone to be depressed and need something to help. I think it depends on how many stresses you have going at a time. Threads through the year have had statement/diagnosis worries, financial worries, partner worries, health worries - we still all have our DCs to look after so whatever gets you through short term is fine. I would just worry for anyone on long term anti depressants. They should be getting more help to work through the stresses causing depression.

I find exercise the key also. Finding the time and the cover for it is tricky though. I have also torn my cartilage which means swimming only.
I hadn't considered SJW tbh.
The DLA form is extraordinarily depressing in itself, isn't it?

Not sure about the link between stress and depression. AFAIK stress can cause you to have depression like symptoms. But stress is not the same as depression. i.e. when the stress goes your depression like symptoms go.

Whereas deperession is not 'caused' by anything (except a chemical imbalance in the brain?) and does not necessarily get better / worse by what's happening in your life.

I have never had anti-depressants - mainly because when I'm most depressed I'm not able to get to the doctors.

Obviosly diet and exercise are the first things to try if you're feeling depressed. But if they're not working.....

(I could be all wrong. This is just my understanding of stress / depression)

Have you ruled everything else out GP thought I was depressed I have put it down to home life for years she ran some blood tests turned out I'm going through an early menopause and I'm now on HRT and felt in the best health for about 4 years.

think i agree with indigo on the stress vs depression thing.
i have used anti d's in the past but never really felt "happy" on them as such, they just seemed to numb everything and i didnt feel anything much...a sensation which i didnt really like to be honest.

i think my feeling were more stress than depression to be honest and i stopped taking the tablets years ago as i didnt see the point as it wasnt like my situation or ds's was going to change and i think these tablets are best used to get you through a rough period rather than using them constantly? i dunno, for me it was more about acceptance of my situation and since then i have been mostly happy i reckon!

dont know how true it is but an ex (who was a doctor) told me that the reason anti d's never worked for me and never made me feel happier, just numb, was because i was never depressed in the first place?
he said (in his opinion) some GP's just dish out anti d's the minute someone comes in complaining of feeling down.
he reckoned CBT was a good therapy?

its probably cheaper than a course of CBT too, hence the easy option

funnily enough citalopram was what i was given on the last two occasions

interesting thread. im wanting to see gp as need something to lighten my mood, help lift the black fog that surrounds me. i did an online depression test last week and score was 84 with anything over 50 something being severe depression. i just cant go on like this and am hoping they help.

anyone know which are the best antidepressants?

already gained weight so that puts a couple out.
have nobody to help at home- wish i did it would be fantastic. i should start using exercise bike again, got in to habit of slumping on sofa etc once ds in bed.

think different ones work for different people. theres a list of the different types here its an american site but a lot of the names are the same altho im not sure if they are all available here

i used to work with a guy who got quite scary electric shock type feelings in his head when withdrawing from Prozac

thanks, will see gp soon. can't go on much longer without something to help.

tired - definately go to your gp. Hope you quickly find something that works for you.

thanks the last few months have been so hard and christmas was the final straw. i am drowning and need help.