When do you know you need meds for depression

[abused9]

I'm thinking I might need meds for my depression, but don't know for sure. I don't know much about that. Do any of you have great results from taking meds. I have heard that finding the ones that work for you is kind of trial and error. Perhaps I'm not realistic about trying to fix that part of me. I have started counseling with a T yesterday. I forgot to talk about meds. Guess I'll talk about that next week with him. Just wondering if some of you here might have an opinion. I know the meds won't "fix" me, just hope they might help a lot.

 

[kylew]

Meds can help your ability to function if you feel consistently overwhelmed to the point it inhibits your ability to take care of yourself or your responsibilities. I don't take them because while I'm anxious or distracted a lot I still get the things done I need to.

I've been told that meds can slow down healing because you don't feel things as deeply. I'm a rip the band aid off kind of guy who would rather hurt than feel numb. At least I feel alive.

Good for you starting therapy. I'm in the waiting area anxiously awaiting my second therapy session at this moment. It's scary but I know I'm right where I need to be.

All of us here wish you the best and if your therapist thinks meds will help you there is no shame in that either.

Kyle

 

[abused9]

Thanks Kyle, that helped.
Hope your T session goes well.

 

[dark empathy]

I agree with kylew at least as far as coping on medication goes.
I tried one when I found the apathy and depression was so great it literally made me have trouble getting up in the morning, then I changed because the one I was on (citalopram), basically made me perminantly tired but unable to sleep.

Medication is more however an aid to things not going quite as extreme, as a way of coping. I'm not sure about medication with therapy, that would depend upon the type of therapy but see your T and ask for an opinion.

Don't rule it out, but don't rely on it either, it's another aid not a cure.

 

[SmartShadow]

Natures Way brand 5 htp
Supliment helped me. Worth a try

Not unlike the pharmaceutical route it may take a while to git right.

Natures way brand adds the B12 and B6 vitimins to help the body use it.

I found taking it befor bed worked best for me.
If you can't find this brand i use to get it off amazon.

Worked better then pharmaceuticals for me.

Let me know if you want more information on how to dial it in.

 

[abused9]

Thanks

 

[Bowierocks]

Although I am all for ripping the band off and letting it bleed , I view PTSD as ultimately a brain injury where the brain was exposed to a high level of trauma via cortisol and likely other hormones and neuropetides ( substance P ) that with chronic exposure can cause neurotoxicity , I have read that unfortunately we are at risk for early Alzheimer's with child hood trauma . How one could stratify depression from PTSD , from those who have experienced CSA but don't seem as effected by it vs someone who is normal and do a good controlled study beats me , but my own study of myself , I do find that life without meds was too tough than life with it . I mean ultimately we have to survive, and life is tough enough, so why not take every opportunity that one can find. However, what med is best , is completely empiric, as they effect everyone differently , and there is no ideal med . But from a strictly neurologic perspective , I think most antidepressants work if they actually help one perceive reality more clearly than being caught in he fog of past trauma . On a biochemical level , one unifying mechanism of many antidepressants is an up regulation or increase of neurotrophins or chemicals that help support new neuronal pathways which is pretty critical to rebuilding brain tracts and perceptions .. I am pretty excited by the research with MDMA, ketamine , and PTSD m as well as the active ingredient in ' magic mushrooms ' . I think many of us end up self medicating to some degree so why not at least be quite deliberate and standardized in what we pursue to beat this thing by any means necessary as long as we are not harming anyone ..some will criticize and say better living through chemistry , I say I am looking for better living . The only psychotropic I do think is harmful are chronic benzodiazepines as one could effectively suppress memories or feelings by simply being highly sedated and chronically these tend to depress people , not to mention addiction.

 

[abused9]

Thanks for the information. Another post to think about.