To all those people against antidepressants.. what do you suggest for someone who's tried everything?

Question

What if someone is severely depressed and has tried everything out there and nothing works? What do you recommend they do? It seems like there's a ton of people who are very anti mental drugs. My depression was so bad I couldn't function. I tried counseling, exercise, diet changes, vitamins, supplements... EVERYTHING. So to all you know it alls.. what shall I do now?

Answer 1

many people are against medications because they need to argue about something. they always need to bash something the public uses alot of. and while there are definately people who abuse medications, some people, really do need them
some issues are caused by mis-firing of chemicals in the brain. how can that be fixed with out medicinal help? a therapist, a long walk, a cold shower, a more positive attitude, those things cant help severe issues.
talk to a therapist about options. im going to school for psychology and i know that sometimes, medication is the way to go and that it can really help with those issues you cant control on your own. dont listen to anyone elses advice on what you need to do for yourself, though. if medication is the way to go for you, do it. the benefits are huge.

Answer 2

First of all, I would like to say that many of the answers that people have written are most likely because they have very little knowledge of these matters or the alternatives. Why not look at *all* the possibilities and educate yourself before deciding? That's the logical thing to do.

I've been there, done that too, and you just end up going from one drug to another on a never-ending quest to find one that works for you, often having to take additional drugs to combat side effects of the depression medication. You could spend years like I did, searching for that perfect combination. I lost my husband because of this and the related problems of my depression and Bipolar. Some of the drugs did work, but they became ineffective as time passed, and I would either have to have the dosage increased, or switch to something else.
Also, you have to understand that the drugs are put on the market after only a 6 month trial period. So in effect, the long term side effects are not well known and only are discovered after thousands of people have been on them for a relevant period of time.

Instead, start researching on freeform amino acids, homeopathic medicine, eating organic foods, vigorous exercise (like running) and a little sunlight each day.

Answer 3

For many years, I was endogenously depressed. In college I would be tired all the time--when I went to work, when I was in class. At some point, a not-too-enlightened doctor prescribed an antidepressant for me. To make a long story shorter, he increased the dosage too fast and my suicidal thoughts found new energy and I tried suicide. It was terrible. I took a bottle of aspirin and they pumped my stomach and for three days in the ICU of a hospital I suffered--I swear I didn't really want to die but funny things can happen when medicines aren't treated carefully. I should add here that I am a diagnosed bipolar. The bottom line for me is that I _can't_ take antidepressants because they make me manic, as does Zyprexa, which I also tried under the care of a psychiatrist who was supposed to be really good. I am taking medication still, but no anti-depressants. Mostly, I'm someone who needs to keep my good moods moderated. It seems as though, at some point, my endogenous depression lifted, for whatever reason. I say that my depression was endogenous because I really tried and tried to "figure out" what was making me so down, but I could never find a reason. One thing, I know, is that coffee, as trite as it may sound, keeps my mind "lighted"--and my current doctor encourages me only to drink coffee in moderation--he doesn't tell me I shouldn't drink it at all, etc. I don't drink alcohol or smoke or do any street drugs--I just never have--that may have something to do with my ability to keep my symptoms at bay. The best way I explain it to people is that mania and depression are like catching a cold--the medicine helps but sometimes you have to endure some amount of symptoms even when you're doing everything you can to counteract what is ailing you--it's almost like a "mental virus"--like a chronic cough or something. Just my theory. Many doctors have told me to exercise, but I haven't found that exercise is much help--when I'm motivated to do it at all. I guess this is a pretty lame answer--I can offer no panacea. But, I think I know how you feel. One thing that did happen to me is that around the time I started to feel better I did start practicing a faith, the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Faith says to consult competent physicians to treat illnesses, and it also prescribes daily prayer and devotion--but, generally speaking, people aren't too interested in spiritual discipline these days, I don't think. Structure helps, good deeds for others--getting yourself off your own mind. I know this all sounds lame--again, know that you're not alone in your suffering. Keep on!

Answer 4

Your plight touches me deeply; I'm sorry you've not found a suitable resolve yet. I have been dx'd with clinical depression and only rarely have I descended to the level you appear to have. I know this may sound rather wacky, but each of us have to own our own dis-eases and pro-actively seek to rid ourselves of them. I'm totally believing that you've tried most everything so far, but would suggest, since you haven't mentioned it, the use of a licensed hypnotist, herbs, and a supportive group you prob. can find through your local mental health association. Please do not despair of finding an answer. I've often thought that if God was testing my faith, this would be the worst of all tests. Depression sees us in some neverland that's neither black nor white and has no color but an ugly gray. Reach out to your supporters, stay focussed on what is positive in your life, walk more, exercise more and decide firmly that "It's NOT GONNA GET YOU!"
I hope this helps. And remember, you are perfect just as you are, warts and all. God loves you and so do I and so many others in your life. Courage!

Answer 5

Anti-depressants work. Not all of them work on all people. I have been taking an anti-depressant for about 11 years. I have been at peace for so long, it's hard to remember how terrible I felt when I was clinically depressed.
See a psychiatrist. Take meds if prescribed. There is research being done on some kind of a magnet that is supposed to jump start the brain.
Some people, who did not respond to meds, have been treated with an implant in the brain that artificially stimulates the brain.
Don't try living with chronic depression. It can get worse.

Answer 6

there is something or a combo that will work for you - it takes time and a lot of self-examination. Keep getting help to get at the root of the depression. Depression can be anger turned inward - see if there is anything in your life that you are REALLY angry about and need help either changing it or discussing it openly with a counselor and work HARD at this - it will payoff and you will have a great life ahead of you! Good luck and don't lose hope!

Answer 7

I'd have to ask you if you saw a medical specialist called an endocrinologist or a doctor who specializes in hormones. A hormone imbalance can give symptoms of: Anxiety - ranging from constant worry to panic attacks, Phobias - claustrophobia, agoraphobia, Nervousness, Restlessness and inability to concentrate, Irritability, impatient, angry, Depression – total hopelessness and despair, Feeling fed-up., Forgetfulness, or broken train of thought, Unsocial- (hating people and wanting to be alone, Crying spells –coming and going over small issues (mood swings), PLUS physical symptoms such as Racing pulse/ pounding heart., Fatigue, weakness, "rubbery" legs, digestive problems (i.e. toilet troubles) Sighing and gasping, Lack of sexual drive, Can't tolerate bright light or loud sounds, Exaggerated started response, unable to tolerate heat or cold (and then hot/cold days make you feel anxious)

If you saw a regular doctor due to these symptoms, he'd give you drugs within 3 minutes- paxil, prozac, wellbutrin...

My suggestion is to get a complete scan of your blood to check for thyroid, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol levels, etc. and see an endocrinologist, if you haven't already. The above symptoms will go away within days- literally within 5-30 days. And you will look back and wonder why no one told you this sooner.

Answer 8

Have you considered ECT? Electrical Shock Therapy has improved since the "old days". I work in a psych hospital and have seen many treatments and lots of success. Be aware some short term memory loss happens, but is not permanent. Also treatments where I work are given on Mon-Wed-Fri and around 3 weeks of treatment are given before improvement is noticed. You may need to have follow up treatments periodically, too!

:)

Answer 9

Did something trigger this deep depression, like loss of a loved one? Do you not want to take drugs? It helps you get out of the house. I say don't take meds without a doctor and a therapist!

Answer 10

Friends.
When i had depression i wouldn't have got through it without my friends. I had anti depressants and sleeping pills but talking to people who knew me and my life and understood me and my life helped more. It takes as long to come out of depression as it took to develop so don't expect an overnight remedy. Try to get out at least once a week.