Should I start taking anti-depressants?

Question

I've been a pretty withdrawn person since I was about 13. It's not like I'm shy or anything, but in most social situations, I feel very tense and awkward, as If I'm thinking too hard about what words I should say to whom I speak with, and end up at a lost for words or stuttering alot. I also find myself lost in my own thoughts sometimes, trying to put myself in a better mood by blocking out the reality around me for about 10-20 seconds.

I just want to stop feeling like I'm trapped in a box in my own mind and for once, be able to talk to people without feeling like I'm going into a panic. Should I try anti-depressants to see if they help or should I do something else instead?

Answer 1

I was in the same boat as you. I take Zoloft and it helps me in those situations.
A lot of people feel the same way, they can just cope with it better than we can.

Answer 2

A little background on me. I have been diagnosed with Bi-polar Disorder with Paranoid Schizophrenia, so I am no stranger to mental illness or medication.

What you said basically describes me just before I go into a depressive state. The important thing to note there is "just before"; this is not depression. At most this is disthymia, a minor version of depression.

My advice is to make sure to do everything you can before you start taking meds. Make sure that you are excercising and eating healthy and that you are limiting stress factors in your life since this will increase your body's production of endorphins, which will make you feel happier and more confident.

Also you have to understand that people are inherently different, but that's not a bad thing. Just because you aren't good at social situations doesn't mean that you are a bad person, just that you are a person and that it happens to take more effort to interact socially.

I also recommend training. Work at knowing what to say and how to say it. Develop a personality that you want, and that you can be proud of. You may screw stuff up and you may say the wrong thing, but that's not the end of the world. Stuff happens, but life will go on (despite what teen movies and tv may have you think).

My personal advice is to avoid medication for mental illness as long as you can. Psych meds have so many side effects, and mood affecting drugs often harm a personality more than help it. But talk to your doctor or a psychiatrist, but any medical professional worth his or her salt would recommend therapy before pulling out a script.

Answer 3

Taking antidepressants when you don't need them can really screw you up. I recommend seeing a psychologist first, and trying to work out your problems through talk and therapy. Give it /at least/ a few months, it's not something that will happen overnight. If it doesn't seem to be helping, then you can consider medication. Definitely see a psychiatrist before taking any psychiatric meds. You may even want to see a psychiatrist first to get a diagnosis (you may have an anxiety or personality disorder). You don't have to do everything with doctors either. Try finding a friend or family member you can confide in and who can assist you in making changes. Take baby steps and you'll get there eventually. Good luck with everything!

Answer 4

Social anxiety is very common.
Most people experience it in some way or other.

You are focusing on how you feel.
And, what you are telling yourself in your mind is increasing your anxiety.

The other person is not focusing on you either.

They are thinking about what they are going to say next, or what happened at work today, or what they are going to do after they talk to you.

So, focus instead on the other person.
Make some small talk. Its a game of work association. They say sports, then you say did you see the game last night, or which sport is your favorite, then the say...
You get the idea.

It is only casual conversation. No one remembers it 5 minutes after it happened.

Just smile a lot. Everyone will think you are a good listener.

Read about happiness everyday
http://themeaningisyou.com

Answer 5

They never helped me but they work for some people but not everybody! Your doctors the only one who can answer this as they know you better than we do! Your doctor knows your medical history and can help you to find whats right for you to overcome this awfulness. i am agoraphobic and i have been since a young age, im now 22 and having a baby and desperate to get better so i can b a good mum. i wont go on antidepressents as they have done more harm than good to me as i believed they were a magic pill that would make me better but instead all i got was more symptoms to add to the many i already suffered. i dont want to put you off taking antidepressents but im just saying my point on it! but either way i jope you get the answer you want and get well soon! good luck 2 u x

Answer 6

You should be asking your doctor this question. No one except your personal physician can answer this question honestly and without possible harm coming to you.

Before any medication is recommended your doctor will ensure that you're physically fit for such drugs. Some anti depressants are wrong for certain ailments.

If someone here tells you to take a certain drug, who's to say that isn't the one drug that makes you go off the deep end???? Use your head...go to a physician.

Please, consult your doctor about this immediately.

Answer 7

It sounds like you should speak to a counselor or therapist. They can help you find out why social situations give you a hard time. Only a Dr. can decide if you need medicine and what kind. Good luck.

Answer 8

i have felt that way all my life and i tried all types of anti- depressants. But i just had to think about what the real problem was. i wasn't comfortable because i wasn't happy with myself. Just start making you feel happy go get your hair done. Just let it be about you. I found out that am very funny, and people love me. and you are just as cool as the next person. So go have fun and live life. : )

Answer 9

All antidepressants are actually not good for the toddler, yet Zoloft is one seen the "maximum secure" there are prevalent destructive aspects or maybe nevertheless your toddler is "completely progressed" it nonetheless might reason issues. I quite have intense tension and reasonable melancholy and that i pick to stay Unmedicated I in specific collectively as pregnant do to the hazards whilst ever i've got self belief down I rub my abdomen and repeat its for the toddler back and back back. yet whilst it is so intense you're actually not looking after you or your suicidal then specific take it. in the experience that your that undesirable it extremely is going to harm your newborn the two way

Answer 10

first you should see a psychaitrist, they know the kinds of mental disorder(s) you may have. they can also prescribe the meds if they think you need them. DO NOT go to a family doctor, they know better how to deal with physical problems, phychairsts on the other hand, are specially trained in mental problems.

Answer 11

I am sorry you aren't feeling well.

And NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I would encourage you to EXHAUST all options before getting drugged!!!!!! The meds will work initially but they will come back to bite you, your relationships, your job, your health!!!

Try natural alternatives first, work with someone who knows what they are doing and can direct you...and if you can...try working with a psychologist...(not a psychiatrist...they will only want you on drugs)....