A few words from me...

Antidepressants are taken to help your depression. If your doctor diagnosed you with depression or any other mental illness, and he tells you it needs to be treated, why wouldn't you want to help yourself? There are so many disorders and diseases that go with mental illness it may be crucial to take what your doctor recommends. The bottom line is, do you want to feel better or do you want to continue being depressed?

I have been through the trial and error process and no it isn’t fun. But this happens so your doctor can provide you with the best medication to help you feel better and lead a normal life. Addicting? Yes they are in the sense if you stop taking them you may have withdrawal symptoms so always check with your doctor first. But if you need a medication to help balance the chemicals in your brain that aren't functioning right, it is worth it as you'll start feeling better.

I personally take antidepressants and I know I need them and I accept that. THIS DOES NOT MAKE YOU WEAK it simply helps you. I’ve also seen many different therapists throughout my life and I’ll probably see more in the future if I feel the need. I’m an open book when it comes to talking about my depression, but if you feel uncomfortable about yours you do not have to tell anyone outside of your therapist.

The bottom line? Please listen to your doctor and do as he says. Even get a second or third opinion if you’d like, just know that clinical depression and all other disorders require (the majority of the time) medication.

Antidepressants are prescribed in most cases of clinical depression and are essential for the treatment of severe cases of depression. If you take an antidepressant medication, you may start to see some minor improvement in one to two weeks but you probably will not feel the full effects of the drug for four to six weeks.

Patients often wish for medication with absolutely no side effects. No such drugs exist for the treatment of any medical condition and definitely not for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Antidepressants don't work for everyone. For some people with mild depression, antidepressants seem to have little effect. However, for people with more severe depression, antidepressants often make a big difference.

Although antidepressants generally aren't as effective for mild depression, that doesn't mean that they never help. Depression affects each person differently, and each person responds to medications differently. Finding the right medication may take some trial and error.

If an antidepressant seems to ease your symptoms, it may be a good treatment choice for you. If you're taking an antidepressant, don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor.

For many people with mild depression, talk therapy (also called psychotherapy or psychological counseling) appears to be an effective treatment. Some people benefit from a combination of talk therapy and medications. Lifestyle changes — such as stress reduction and regular exercise — also can make a difference.

If you have signs and symptoms of depression, don't ignore them. Even mild depression can take a toll on your enjoyment of life, your performance at work or school, and your relationships with other people. And, left untreated, depression can get worse. Explore your treatment options with your doctor or mental health provider to figure out what's likely to work best to help you feel better again.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.