A
female
age
36-40,
*acharissa
writes:I believe myself to be a strong person and can deal with alot but i think it is this very mentality that has proved to be my downfall! The last few years i have coped with a lot from my grandmother's death to a miscarrige i told nobody about and i think along with too many things to list they have caught up with me.I am now at university which is an added strain being away from my family and friends but am also in a new relationship. Recently i have felt stressed anxious and depressed crying constantly and feeling no end of despair, it is ruining my relationship, my studies and my carrer.I have tried counselling but recently i have felt at an all time low! My mum who has suffered severe depression thinks i should attempt to see my doctor again to discuss anti depressants but others have voiced their concerns over this as they believe i will become addicted to them and they are a dangerous mind trickery.... Please help?
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female
reader, beehive  +, writes (21 July 2009):
I took antidepressants when I was 20 years-old. Prior to taking them, I had a lot of anxiety over a break up and I talked it over with my parents and they thought I should check it out. My doctor referred me to a psychiatrist, who prescribed an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. It seemed that the medication was making me more and more depressed and anxious. When I was on the anxiety medication, I was a zombie and when I was off of it I was seriously emotional. I totalled a car during this time, and I was really not myself. It culminated in me overdosing on the anxiety medication. After this happened, I started seeing a psychologist as well as the psychiatrist. While the psychiatrist thought the answer was to prescribe more meds (at dangerously high dosages), the psychologist was repulsed that I had been placed on such high dosages at such a young age, and when I only had complaints of feeling a little bit down to begin with. Needless to say, I stopped taking the meds all together. Since this occurred, the brand of antidepressant I was taking has been linked to suicidal behaviour in people that never had such behaviour prior to taking the medication. This risk is magnified by taking these meds in young adulthood.The moral to this long story is that I think you should obviously consult with your doctors, but if you can bring yourself out of your depression on your own, I'd recommend that. The medications I took severely affected me, and I am convinced that because of my age and the heavy doses that I was prescribed, I had a severe non-intended reaction. Since that time, I have been fine. Just graduated from law school (which is completely stressful, and depressing in its own right), and have never been overwhelmingly emotional or depressed since. Be very careful and get all the facts. Best of luck to you and I hope my story helps somewhat.
A
female
reader, Sweet-thing +, writes (21 July 2009):
 If you have reservations, listen to them. I have mixed feelings about the whole anti-depressant thing. On the one hand, if you're contemplating things like suicide, or harming another person you should probably be on them. On the other hand I think someday it will be revealed that (some) anti-depressants are linked to unexpected deaths in people to take them. It is a little known fact that they do not mix with other things, such as alcohol (even in moderation) or other types of medications (even over the counter meds). People see them as "safe" and forget they are taking them until something goes horribly wrong. I have known of a number of unexplained deaths in relative young, healthy people who were all taking some form of anti-depession (think Keith Leger). I think there could be a slightly higher risk of accidental deaths in people who take them (something the drug companies do not want us figuring out) So if you really want help, try talking with a licensed therapist, pastor or trust friend. If you are honest with yourself you may be able to pinpoint the real reason you feel this way. Perhaps you've experienced some tragedy; a loss, or the disppointment that your life is not turning out the way you want it to. You might try meditation or prayer. Anything that helps you feel in control, and centered might be helpful. Especially exercise!! It releases hormones that make you feel happy. When I'm feeling blue I re-vamp my diet, cut out the junk food and the sweets that can cause you to feel depleated during the day. I find time to pray, exercise and spend time doing things I enjoy. I hope that helps you out. xoxox
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (20 July 2009):
 I'm no fan of drugs and to an extend medicine. But... I think in your case they can give you an edge to move forward.
I strongly suggest that you at least go see a doctor and hear her/him out. The loss of a child, the miscarriage can quite literally traumatize a women ( whether she wanted the child or not) Think of all the hormones your body produces for the body to sustain a pregnancy. What I would suggest is that you make sure you tell your doctor Everything - it could be something as simple as a hormonal imbalance, that an easily be corrected.
Grief can play havoc on ones mind. Some people are able to "snap" out of it themselves others just sink in deeper. You are in the deep end now. Seek help.
I have been on anti depressants and they worked for me. However I only used them for 3 months, after that I started working on the issues behind my depression. It got me a lot further a lot faster to use the anti depressants.
Just make sure you know what signs to look for if the anti depressants aren't for you. They can work though. And taking them doesn't make you weak in any form or shape.
You need to focus, not only on school, but on yourself.
Good luck,
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A
female
reader, lotus mama808 +, writes (20 July 2009):
 My dad always told me that if I wasnt happy with my life, I should change it. However, depression can disable you from getting to a point in your life where you are truley happy. I know plenty of people who take anti depressants, who need them and they are doing pretty well with it. I also know some that take them, have bad reactions to them and need to be prescribed a different kind. If you choose to take them, pay close attention to youself. If you find that you feel out of wack with a particular brand, go back to the docter and tell them so they can prescribe something else. You may only need an anti anxiety medication. The best thing would be to talk it over with a docter. As for what everyone else is saying, just remember, it is not their minds and lives at risk, it is yours, and you know what is best for you. For someone who dosnt suffer from depression, it is easy to so say "anti depressants are bad". Spend some time focusing on yourself, try to remember what used to make you happy and engage in that more. Surround yourself with good, friends and talk to family on the phone often. Sometimes distraction helps. Good luck, life is good, remember?
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A
female
reader, cemoi +, writes (20 July 2009):
Uni is a difficult time anyway without the added life complications that you've mentioned. I think a lot of people have a burn out phase while at uni - certainly everyone in my group of friends did (5 of us). Its up to you how you cope with it though.
I chose not to. Because I have always been told that the best way to cope with feelings is to feel them, understand them and learn something about yourself in the process.
If its grieving you need to do - watch sad films and cry! when you need a laugh, call a friend watch a silly film, babysit for family. If you need alone time, be alone.
You need to make sure you talk to those close to you. Explain to your new bf that you are going through a rough patch and if you need him, tell him, if you need alone time, tell him. and ask your friends for support.
You'll get through it eventually. I think you should stay away from the anti depressants. but if you know you need them then don't deny yourself a coping mechanism. Whatever you do, think it through with yourself in mind.
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