How can this holiday still be depressing when I take antidepressants?

Answer 1

Hi there...

You may not realize this, but feeling different sorts of moods ranging from very happy to very sad is a normal part of being a healthy adult. The medical diagnosis of DEPRESSION is a persistent, day to day, feeling of sadness, hopelessness, loss of pleasure, that continues and does not go away on its own. You are being treated with Antidepressant medications to help with the medical diagnosis that you have of Depression. But feeling sad once in a while is ok. As long as you also feel happy sometimes too. Holidays can be sad and lonely for some people for many reasons. Sometimes our family that we love can't be with us. Sometimes we think of family who passed. But you should also try to remember the good times. I hope this explanation helps you to understand your disorder. IF more questions feel free to email me.
Good Luck,
Nurse Angie, RN

Answer 2

Depression is more than a chemical disorder. It is also a disorder of thinking and feeling. Most people with depression respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.
Commercials, movies and specials; decorations and music all stir up expectations that a holiday will be special. In reality we still have all our conflicts with family and friends and financial worries that may in fact be exacerbated by the tendency to spend more at this time of year. When society expects us to feel a certain way and we don't, that can exacerbate depression.
I have struggled with deep depression in years past. I have learned to lower my expectations and accept the things I cannot change. At the same time I have had to be proactive and take charge of the things I can change.
For example: I held a big party for myself for my 50th birthday so I wouldn't be as likely to be down. I hold alternative Reformation parties instead of Halloween. Making healthy Thanksgiving food and choosing to make Christmas all about Christ and not sending cards, buying presents or putting up a tree but instead going to church and putting out my nativity collection. Instead of sitting around and feeling blue, I make myself get dressed and go see someone or invite someone to come see me. It has taken years of therapy to reach this place, but I am able to enjoy the holidays now. I hope you will find this for yourself as well.

Answer 3

Antidepressants aren't supposed to make you happy all the time. They are supposed to keep you at a level so you can function with everyday tasks in life. A normal person feels all emotions. But like other member have mentioned today is supposed to be a family day. But not all people are lucky enough to have that. There are tons of people who have to work today. Or don't have family. Or like my husband has to do the holiday switch with his daughter and her mom.

Answer 4

Just close your eyes and imagine Jesus is sitting next to you. I promise that he will be there. He is still with you no matter what. I am not even super religious or anything but this helps for me a whole lot when I feel alone. You see it's actually quite funny. You might ask God to prove his existence in some way. But that is the catch. We must believe in him anyways even when times are rough and seem unbearable. He is always there, we're just not looking in the right place (your heart). This is why closing your eyes is the key. I wish you a happy Thanksgiving from Germantown, Ohio.

Answer 5

A lot of people get depressed at the holidays for various reasons. Pills are not a cure all for depression. Trust me, you're not alone. There are always people that are worse off than you :-)

Answer 6

Anti-depressants don't totally take away depression. For the most part they make it so that you're able to live with it. While you deal with the rest in therapy. Anti-depressants aren't supposed to be the only thing that you do for depression.

Answer 7

haha daddyboys got the right attitude. well thanksgiving is normally a time for family and friends and if you don't have too many, then it can be tough on you because reality>drugs. but be thankful that you still have more than most. hey you have the internet and you are getting my sweet advice right now! that alone should be making your day...ok yeah i'm a little arrogant but you get the point? there are things to be thankful for in everybody so find them and appreciate them!!

Answer 8

antidepressants arent the cure. you have to work with your depression to make it better. the pills i guess are just a small boost. but you have put forth your own effort to get threw it.
you cant rely on some pill to make you happy.

Answer 9

I don't really care for holiday's myslef. I take Paxil and still get depressed, you should talk to your doctor if it's getting really bad.

Answer 10

Hey cheer up...at least you are not a turkey.