if you take anti depressants, do you have to take them the rest of your life?

Question

are there any easier treatments than anti depressants to relieve the symptoms of depression
# feeling down or depressed much of the day
# lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities
# social withdrawal
# loss of appetite, overeating or digestive problems
# excessive sleeping, insomnia or early morning awakening
# physical complaints, such as headache, backache or other unexplained pain/discomfort
# physical agitation or restlessness
# chronic fatigue, loss of energy or lack of motivation
# feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt or self-blame
# difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, indecisiveness or confusion
# neglect of physical appearance or hygiene
# irritability or rapid mood change
# thoughts of death or suicide

Answer 1

Not everyone needs to take them for life. There are a number of things that you can do to help depression though.

Fish oils, which contain Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain function better. You can by supplements, or eat oily fish, such as salmon.

Exercise is a powerful stimulant for the brain, increasing seretonin and such. Walk more, ride a bicycle, etc. Get regular exercise out doors. The physical activity, and the sunlight will help lots.

Some amino acid suplements have some evidence of helping, like 5-HTP.

A good diet, or vitamins.

Stay away from alcohol. It is a depressant, and will only bring you down further.

Those are just a few. I have depression and Bipolar Disorder, and have been battling it for years. In the past year, I've stopped drinking, and started exercising and it's made a great deal of difference. I've also reduced greatly the number of meds I'm on.

You might also find that it takes a little while to find the exact antidepressant you'll need. Don't give up.

Answer 2

Go and see a phychiatrist ASAP.
It sounds like Bipolar Disorder to me. My wife developed this and you are describing her symptoms perfectly. She will most likely need some type of meds for the rest of her life

Several things you note are a sign of depression but you also mention the other side of the manic/depressive cycle too.

Physical aggitation and restlessness then lower in the list you mention irritability and mood swings. These are symptoms of the manic phase.

I believe St. Johns Wart is an over the counter supplement that might help you and you can take it immediately.

I could be WAY off too. I have gone through depression and found that in my case anyway it seems that it was a condition of my situation at that time and I was able to quit anti-depressants with time and understanding of my condition.

There are other things you can do that help such as going for walks and getting some exercise. You will learn about these kinds of things as you seek help and I urge you to NOT delay in doing so.

I want to inform you that phychologist have their place in mental health but they can't prescribe meds.

Answer 3

I HAD depression. But after about 2 years on anti depressants, I was able to quit taking them. And I had all the above symptoms. At the time I worked as a paramedic, so I never considered the final symptom a problem. Since I worked around it I thought about death alot. But never really wanted to "off" myself. Good luck with it. And after you see a Dr. if after a few weeks you're not feeling any better go back and see about changing to a different anti depressant. It might take time to find one that works for you.

Answer 4

I think talking to a psychologist first is the best course of action. Talking might be all you need to do to get over your depression. But, if you're still not feeling better going to a psychiatrist to get a prescription for something wouldn't be a bad idea. Just be careful once you start taking any anti-depressants. They tend to lift your mood rapidly and if you aren't consistent with taking them then your mood can crash very quickly. This might make you feel worse than when you started. When you do decide to get off anti-depressants talk to your doctor first. Some of the pills require you to wean yourself off them slowly so your mood doesn't crash.
I think if you follow the advice and directions of your psychologist/psychiatrist then you should be just fine!
But first try talking to someone.
Hope this helps!

Answer 5

It depends on your type of depression, in some sases you have to take them for the rest of your life. But as with any type of problem if you find ways that can help you then this is good too, but my advice is to always check with your dr. before you do anything.

Answer 6

Talk to your doctor for reassessment. Usually a course of SSRI like Celexa is continued for 6-9 months after you do not feel any more symptoms of depression. At the end of this period, if you are still feeling good, the drug can be tapered off.

Answer 7

try talking to a psychiatrist or psycologist. the talking may be what you need to help. anti-depressants aren't the only treatment. and no, you don't have to take them the rest of your life. usually for a year or so...depending.

Answer 8

Anti-depressants tend to be addictive. Like most feel good drugs you will take them and they will help, but if you stop you'll have withdrawls and go back into depression due to chemical inbalance. If your not to bad just seeing a psychiatrist will help a ton, but if pills are needed get them and stay with them cause they will help a ton as well.

Answer 9

No you don't have to take them for the rest of your life. If you are prescribed and started on this medication, you need to take them for extended period of time, like a year, but not for the rest of your life.

It is best to discuss it with your psychiatrist what is the best treatment for you. Some people will benefit and recover faster if they take them. Some people (like myself) have to go without them (please allow me to not elaborate). You really should bring up your concers with your psychiatrist or therapist. Other methods include regular exersise, therapy, regular sleep and meals. When you exersise your body produces the right chemicals essential for proper brain chemistry that get you out of depression. I know you don't feel like exersising. I know it sucks especially now. But since you don't enjoy anything anyway just make yourself exersise this one week for 30 minutes every day. It won't suck more than it suck already. Grin. That's what I was "prescribed" to do.

Try to find the therapist who is a good match for your case. I went from therapist to therapist until I found the one that helps me.

It is bad for your brain chemistry to stay depressed for a long long time (like, for many months and years). This is why it is better to get out of depression, and meds are supposed to help.

One thing you MUST bring up with your doctor - is thoughts of death/suicide. Some anti-depressants are known to make people feel evem more suicidal.

One more thing - it is bad to get on and off those meds back and forth kind of thing. If you are taking them - take them regularly.

Answer 10

It all depends on the person really, and how severe the depression is. Talk to your doctor about it and see if they can help.
Good Luck.