Depression and anti-depressants pleaseee answer me!?

Question

I'm a 15 year old girl, and i was recently diagnosed with depression. I've been going to a therapist for a month now, and i dont feel any changes. She told me to go get blood tests and so she can see something in my thyroid *i really dnt know what she wants with it*....Anyways, i've become reallllllllllly hopeless, and i never want to take antidepressants, but lately , thats become my last resort. But i got the results of my blood tests and they were nomral, does that mean i cant take antidepressants? Please answer me that would be so appreciated..thanks!

Answer 1

The blood test was to assess whether your thyroid was under or over active. Also to see if you'd taken any recreational drugs that may have caused you to become depressed. Antidepressants suck, I know from personal experience. If you want to feel and look like a zombie than they are the drug for you. You are young, hormones are ravaging your body and your mind. Doctors overprescribe antidepressants in my eyes. If you don't have a true psycological problem before you take these medications, then your are sure to have one afterwards. What i recommend is finding out what it is you enjoy most in life and making that your life's mission/future career. I found the didgeridoo, 6 string accoustic guitar and drums mixed with identifying native plants and spiritual exploring helped me to feel happy. I was 20 when 'they' said i was depressed, I took 'their' drugs for only 3 months before i thought this is never gonna help. Today I'm 27 and appauled at our systems bandaid solutions. The art of detatchment leads to personal peace. I hate the lack of true community in our 'developed' lifestyles, and I blame that for most of our teens feeling the way you do. But I can know the truth and not carry the burden of it with me. I have too much fun to have to let the local news bring me down. hang in there sister, you will find a way. What is it you enjoy most in life? Make that your future. Know and understand your surroundings, but step out of the emotion and never carry it with you. With this post I send to you much love and understanding in an energy form noone can see, and only you can feel. (got goose bumps?)

Answer 2

I'm not a psychiatrist. I have experienced depression and anti-depressants when I was very young. The thing about them is that they can help, but once they've helped, they can work against you. I would try the meds short term. There is no shame in using them, and it does not mean that you are a weak person. It means that the chemistry in your brain is adversely affecting your moods, and that a chemical can help correct that. But once it does, paradoxicly, it can make you depressed and you will feel icky. At least that's what happened to me. Then you will know it is time to go off of them. It is important to monitor your moods while on this type of medication, and honestly report any changes in your mood to your doctor ASAP. Also, don't drink alcohol or do other drugs while taking them. Anti-depressant increase your alcohol tolerance to points where you could be near alcohol poisoning, and not feel drunk. But, hey, 15 year-olds don't drink, right? Whatever.

There are other treatments for depression. What truly helped me was increasing my physical activity. Bicycle riding, swimming, walking, lifting weights - anything that tips our brain chemistry toward a healthy balance helps immensely.

Also, there may be some very emotionally traumatic events in your life that your brain simply can not process, and the resulting stress is causing your systems to want to shut down. Talk openly and honestly to your therapist about everything going on in your life. It is important that you feel you can trust whoever that therapist might be. It is okay to switch therapists if you don't feel comfortable with the one you have.

The thyroid thing may be valid. I don't know about that. I do know that depression is like a very heavy weight that pulls at your heart, and that anything that can lift it is welcome. I also know that you have to really WANT to be well in order to do the work that will help you get back to a place where you can feel happiness. Use the experts around you to find out everything about your bodie's hormones and chemistry in order to have all the facts going forward.

If you truly don't want meds, start an exercise program now. That's what cured me, and rebuilt my self-esteem. I'm fine now, and have been for over 25 years. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

It takes time honey.
Meds work for some, if indeed you have a chemical imbalance.
I've suffered depression for over ten years an never felt worse than when I was on meds, alas I was put on Seroxat an Effexor the ones that had the big cover up thats just recentley been exposed.
Even meds can take up to three months to start working. Why do you think your depressed not being funnie, ? If you wanna have a proper chat email or IM me, happy to listen an I'll help any way I can.

Chin up, keep attacking.

Answer 4

You need to take the antidepressants for at least two weeks before you feel any different. If they still don't work, ask your therapist if you need to change to another medication. There are lots of different types and some suit different people better than others. You deserve a happy life and you can have a happy life. It is worth the effort. Best wishes.

Answer 5

First, if you are under a doctor's care, you should listen to your doctor. Sometimes it takes awhile for meds to kick in. 15 is a tough age, just because it is. I think you have to examine what is bothering/eating at you and face that head on and change it if you can and if you can't accept that you can't. You have to also look at the food that you are eating or not eating. Don't skip any meals and drink a lot of water. Stop eating junk food, fast food, processed food. You are old enough to cook, so get some cookbooks and figure out some easy, healthy things you can make and ask your mom or dad to take you shopping. You can eat apples, carrots and yogurt for snacks. You need to get up and get out--20 minutes outside in the fresh air and sunshine (and clouds--there's still sun getting through) every day to get some exercise--walking around the block or riding you bike for awhile. Focus on what you are grateful for and start a gratitude journal. You can also journal your negative feelings to let them out. You have your whole life ahead of you, so make the most of it. I don't know anyone who hasn't gone through trials and tribulation or has troubling demons. See what type of volunteer activities are available. You will feel so much better about yourself if you do something for others. Thank the Lord for what you have and ask him to help you through this troubling time in your life. Oh, I almost forgot, take a multi vitamin every day.

Answer 6

hi,
the thyroid test had nothing to do with your being able to take anti-depressants...you can. the thyroid test was to just check on the thyroid, the levels of the hormone it is supposed to produce.
in some mental issues, they can be related to a dysfunctional thyroid. so normal was a good thing. a month with a therapist isn't enough time to be feeling "any changes". But keeping going! and see about the meds.
I wish you the best!

Answer 7

hi first ,its going to be ok :) now you should know you are not alone and no the fact that your blood test came back normal don't mean anything bad , just helped your doc to see it was not a thyroid or gland problem . your doc will try to find out whats at the root of your depression and may want you to take a anti depressant or not but you should know that it takes time to work and it may take more than one try with the pills to find the ones that work for you so hang in there because therapy does work and while you may not see a difference right now you will :)

Answer 8

Oh hunny you are not alone.Yes,if you are depressed you can take anti-depressants.Most of the time depression is more mental than physical.It's great that your seeing someone that's a BIG step in itself.I have had to take them on and off since around the age of 11.I look at like any other condition.If I had heart problems,I would take medication for that so...
I think you are making a very good start.If you ever feel like it,you can contact me anytime.I will be glad to share some of my experiences.Keep your head up girl.YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS!!!!♥

Answer 9

Your normal results on your thyroid test are good news, it means that your depression is not due to an underlying thyroid disorder. Your Dr. will probably make a recommendation about meds and you shouldn't worry about trying that along with your continued counseling it is one of the most productive ways to treat depression. You might want to check out a copy of Reviving Ophelia, it's a very good book on young women and what challenges they face.

Answer 10

Yes, you should take your anti depressents,it does take awhile for them to really help, so don't stop taking them yet. I think I took them for at least 2months before I saw a difference. I take anti depressents now and have for several years. It is important to let your therapist or your doctor know if you have any suicidal thoughts,because that could be a side effect of the medicine and they would need to change you to a different medicine to make those thoughts go away. Please call your local hot line if you need help right away. Good luck,there is life with depression.