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jeepgrl015 · Feb 18, 2009, 10:45 AM

Can someone tell me what are some good medications to consult my doctor about. Im diagnosing myself before he does. I know Im depressed but I don't know if its serious enough for the doctor to prescribe antidepressants. Im 25 and recently lost my father,grandfather and boyfriend of 5.5yrs all w/in a month. I don't want to get up in the morning and the only thing getting me up is my dogs. If I don't take care of them, they will never get out to go to the bathroom,eat or drink. I have no passion for ANYTHING anymore, Im not sure what I want to do in life anymore, the schooling Im going for is probably not what I want to do, and Im in jeopardy of getting laid off from my job due to organization cut backs.

J_9 · Feb 18, 2009, 11:02 AM

What you have explained here is enough for your doctor to prescribe antidepressants, even if only temporary.

You need to go to your doctor and explain all of this. There are many antidepressants out there, and for us to suggest one without knowing your complete medical history could be dangerous to your health.

Please make an appointment with your doctor. You have been through so much in such a short time you could use a little help.

kp2171 · Feb 18, 2009, 11:14 AM

Do as J_9 said...

I've been through an ugly about of depression myself (years ago) and know how it feels to have the best part of your day be when you are sleeping.

Talk to your doctor. Please. Its worth the work.

jeepgrl015 · Feb 18, 2009, 12:00 PM

I just don't want these antidepressents to become reliant and I also do not want a lot of harsh side effects.

kp2171 · Feb 18, 2009, 12:06 PM

My daughter used antidepressants, as a senior in HS and frosh in college. Her father figure, her grandfather, had died and left her in the wash. The meds helped her center, find some balance. She no longer takes them.

Filling that prescription, as a parent, was awful... I feared for so many things. But the result was that she was able to find some solid ground and find her center again.

J_9 · Feb 18, 2009, 12:14 PM

There are many that don't have harsh side effects. It all depends on you and how your body handles the meds.

danielfarrell · Feb 19, 2009, 07:39 PM

I personally feel that anti depressants should only be used as a last resort and the root of the problem should be dealt with before the syptoms are masked with powerful anti depressants. It may be worth finding a Naturopath / Homoeopath who can discuss natural alternatives, I have heard that St JohnsWort it an affective alternative to an anti depressant.

Please ask yourself the following questions:

Are you eating properly?
Are you exercising?
Are you really looking after your body to the best you can?

Making small changes in your day to day living can have a major impact on how you are feeling, a good diet and daily exercise has the ability to change a lot!

I understand you are going through a time right now but I would like to assure you that you are not alone.

If you are looking for natural alternatives then check this website for info on all natural health services, (it is Australian but you can learn about the different services)

Natural Therapy and Natural Health Modality Descriptions - Learn Now! - NaturalTherapyPages.com.au

I wish you all the best on you journey of healing and hope that the clouds lift soon. X

Jake2008 · Feb 20, 2009, 08:52 AM

There is nothing wrong with seeking medical advice about antidepressants. They do work.

Clinical depression can rarely be solved without medical intervention.

Having the 'blues', or feeling down, or temporary feelings of sadness after a breakup for example, is not the same thing.

I have been on antidepressants myself over the years, for various things. You know yourself when it has gone beyond 'normal' feelings of just being down. You cannot function, every aspect of your life is affected, including your job, your relationships, etc. Quality of life is compromised.

And it doesn't have to be.

Not all medications work the same for all people. You may find that you need to try more than a few to notice any significant change. Your doctor will probably monitor you closely for the first little while. One person's side effects is not necessarily the same for the next. I personally had no side effects, except positive ones.

Only your doctor and you will be able to determine what is right for you.

Best of luck, and I hope you are feeling better soon.

kp2171 · Feb 20, 2009, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by danielfarrell

Please ask yourself the following questions:

Are you eating properly?
Are you exercising?
Are you really looking after your body to the best you can?

Making small changes in your day to day living can have a major impact on how you are feeling, a good diet and daily exercise has the ability to change alot!

While I've seen a loved one benefit greatly from the use of antidepressants, I'm certainly not one to yell "medicate!" easily. As I mentioned, just killed me when our daughter started taking meds... but it absolutely helped, and was off them within a year... maybe 18 months.

That said, I absolutely agree with the above quoted post... I regularly mention looking at diet/exercise/sleep for those experiencing depression and issues with libido and ED in the adult sexuality forum, and I failed to mention that here.

Good catch.

twinkiedooter · Feb 22, 2009, 03:52 PM

If you don't want them, don't take them. Pills are not the end all to everything. Glad you are at least exploring other options versus pop another pill to solve your problems. If more people stopped and thought about things like taking a pill to solve their problems, we'd have a better nation in the long run.

I don't take pills and am not an advocate of pills either.