Antidepressants right for me?

Question

I'm 14 years old, and I have been depressed for a little over 2 years. I went to a therapist for a half a year, and she never prescribed me anything, and even I thought it was horomones. I discontinued therapy when I started being happier. Recently I started having panicattacks, constant anxiety, + depression, so I went back to therapy. After only one appointment she offered I go on an antidepressant. I never really took my symptoms that seriously until now, and I'm wondering if I really need one? I don't sleep well, I only eat once a day, all I want to do is lay in bed, I'm pessimistic, I have panic attacks, I'm generally sad alot, I have hypomania occasionly, I wake up tired and stay that way until I sleep, BUT I don't self harm or truely consider suicide. I always took my depression as just part of "growing up," but now that's really weighing me down I'm scared I'm going to have this for the rest of my life. Will antidepressants help me? What about side effects? Will I still be me?

Answer 1

You seem very intelligent for 14 years old. You are very smart to think about the side effects of medication and whether "you will still be you". A lot of medication does have side effects that are not good...especially antidepressants and related drugs. It sounds to me like you do not have somewhere to put your energy in a creative way which is weighing you down because you cannot express yourself like you need to. Your hormones are changing right now and you need to use your energy or it will use you. Try to get involved in something that will help other people because this gets you outside yourself and is really healthy for you. It is not a waste of time and will make you happy....and uses your energy. Join some kind of exersize class or walk...that will help you sleep. Try not to eat really late or drink a lot of caffeine...that keeps you from sleeping well. Make yourself eat some fruit and vegetables every day with regular mealtimes. Pretend it is medicine if you have to....good food does not have side effects. :) It sounds like you know a lot about depression. If you go to 10 counselors they will tell you 10 different things...don't believe everything everyone says. The main thing is to get involved with good things to keep your mind busy. Unless you have a chemical imbalance then being depressed is a choice. You do not have to live by how you "feel". Even a chemical imbalance can be changed by what you eat and drink. I wish you the very best. God made you unique and He has a purpose in life just for you.

Answer 2

Hi!My name is Heather.I am 35 years old and attempted suicide the first time at 15.I have been off and on anti-depressants since then so I think I can help you.I have also been to college for psychology so I have a little insight professionally.I do not have a degree,however.First lets start with the idea that this may be "hormonal".Unlikely.Especially when there are panic attacks involved.I have something called GAD which stands for generalized anxiety disorder.Basically,that means that I am constantly anxious.Nervous.I have and still occasionally do have panic attacks.They SUCK!I am also bi-polar or "manic depressive".So,I understand depression.You said you have had some thoughts of suicide.You said that you don't "truly"consider harming yourself.ANY thought of suicide however brief and "unserious" you think it is, it is VERY dangerous...I believe you when you say you don't want to hurt yourself.Right now.But,if you don't treatment ASAP, eventually you will begin to take these thoughts more seriously.I have since age 15 made at least 10 attempts on my life.And almost succeded twice.I do not know your history,but based on what you have written,I believe that therapy alone is NOT enough.I believe that you need medication for your anxiety attacks as well as an anti-depressant.They can change your life.And because of your age it's the best time,in my opinion,to catch this.Don't wait like so many of us have and have to go through psychiatric hospitals etc..As for side effects, that all depends of course on what is given to you,but most meds that are given these days for the problems you are experiencing have little or no side effects.Probably the worst thing you would notice is perhaps becoming a bit sleepy and that could be resolved by taking your meds at night.Please don't wait any longer to get help..There is no reason to suffer any more.Yes,you will still be you only happier!!!Sometimes it takes a little time to find the right med.,but trust the docs,they know what they're doing! Good luck sweetie! And by the way, I am on my meds now and keep taking them.Daily..Just in case you're curious,I take Zoloft for depression,(great stuff!Works wonderfully!)I also take something called Xanax ER for my anxiety, and trileptal for he manic depression.They probablly won't give you xanax because it is a controlled substance and can become addictive.There are some anti-depressants that also help with anxiety attacks,so hang on and good luck!

Answer 3

First off, I'm very saddened to hear this. Does this run in your family? I have had panic disorder and depression all of my life. It runs through my family. It can get worse without treatment. I was on 5 different meds most of my life. I recently changed some stressful things in my life and started exercising. I have researched this and exercising releases the same chemicals in the brain that medications do. I stoppped taking the meds because the symptoms eventually got worse, and when I would accidentally skip meds, I went through hell !! I still get depressed occasionally, but not half as bad as before. I think if changing things doesn't work, than maybe take them just temporarily. Side effects vary from person to person. But you will still be you. It's supposed to make you feel "even". So, sometimes the happy things are just "even" as well. Is it worth it? Maybe we are meant to experience both the highs and lows to make us appreciate the good things in life.

Answer 4

You will still be you. I'm glad you did therapy first. The combination of therapy and the antidepressant works miracles. You don't have to take them forever. Once you uncover the source of your depression and get a little older, you probably won't need them.

You are right....it is a part of growing up. Most teens go through depression. Everything around them seems so enormous. You won't feel that way when you get older. Everything won't be so dramatic.

Answer 5

I was on antidepressants for about 2 years I don't take them now but they helped me. I still acted the same I just felt a little happier and I wanted to go do more things like I wanted to hang out with my friends more and I got a job and worked and had more of a social life.

Answer 6

A therapist cannot prescribe medication. I would suggest getting back into counseling if it was helping AND look at seeing a doctor for medication. With the severity of your symptoms and your age seeing a psychiatrist would a very good idea. They can monitor you for side effects and provide you with the best course of treatment. Good luck, get help and I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Answer 7

I have taken antidepressants for years. They help me but there are side effects. In someone your age they sometimes have different results than for adults. I think I would find another therapist that will try other methods first.