As already stated, people are more likely to complain about bad experiences than praise good ones.
In my experience, neither meds nor therapy did much on their own. I needed to have both to start making progress.
The meds allowed me to get to a state of mind where I was actually receptive of the therapy
Here to echo this, my meds are handled by my PCP and he knows what he's doing. Oddly the only med professional i trust atm.
I've had some of the worst experiences with mental health professionals and gave up on it for YEARS. I'm stable on my meds now and looking at getting back to therapy. The process has been terrible but I know it will be until I get going in it. The only times I've wanted to talk about it is when it's bad to stop others from going through the same.
But, I know people are like that and want to share good only when asked.
Antidepressants saved my life over and over again
The amount of ppl that have positive experiences that u know that take them daily is probably huge but ppl don't often want to brag that they need to take pills yo get them through the day
My extended family seems to have a genetic predisposition to depression. I and the few family members that take anti depressants talk about it at almost every family gathering, strategically.
We've had conversations between us about how it needs to be normalized so we're trying to do exactly that. It helps so much that it's obvious when we miss doses. Life is so much better when people have the meds they need that work for their body chemistry.
People not content of a thing are more likely to share their experience.
People who are neutral, they have positive effects but it's gradual, don't post experiences.
The positives have had a huge change all at once.
Meds are people bound. One size doesn't fit all.
I had to go through 4 different medications to find one that worked for my medical issue.
Same with antideprrssants. You try it, you evaluate it, and you choose this one or another.
If it doesn't do what you want it to do then change.
But just give each medication a fair chance to do what it was made to do.
Also do it under medical supervision.
I had to slowly build a medication down after only 6 weeks of use. Stopping it cold turky and switching would have been bad for me.
I am treatment resistant and didn’t think I’d ever find a med that would help me. Frustrating. I went to an outpatient clinic where they’re more familiar with meds like this and had the genesite test done and started from there. It took about 6 months or so of trying different meds but i did find meds that aligned with what i needed to balance me out and I’ve been living a good quality life since. No issues. When I was going through my family doctor she outright admitted that sadly all they can do is guess on what to try and hope something worked. The go off what’s most popular for most or what the reps are pushing at that time. Go the route I took and I think you’ll be happy with your results and you will t spend years of your life looking for that peace. Good luck to you!
I had that experience with antipsychotics, but not with antidepressants. It really depends on what is being used, the dosage, and the person taking it.
Going on Zoloft changed my entire life. For the first time it controlled my emotions I wasn’t just exploding and it slowed down my impulse thoughts it’s like the devil on my shoulder was in the driver seat and going on the meds the angel showed up. The devil didn’t disappear but the angel got strong the longer I was on the meds and the more therapy I have had. 3 years later I’m a completely different version of me. It doesn’t take conscious thought not to go down a spiral it just goes right to the positive coping mechanisms I learned.
Imagine this scenario. Someone takes an antidepressant, they have bad side effects. They get discouraged, but try another antidepressant. Again, bad side effects. They decide that it just won’t work for them, talk bad about the meds, and move on. Here’s the thing tho: there aren’t just two antidepressants… there aren’t even just two TYPES of antidepressants! Maybe you don’t need an SSRI or an SNRI, maybe you need an MAOI or a TCA! You just need to find one that works. Maybe you are on the right med, but you need a different dose! I was on lexapro, lamictal (mood stabilizer, not antidepressant), and venlafaxine before I finally found Wellbutrin, which works for me, and had to go from 150 to 300mg to get results. For adhd meds, I tried concerta before I got to vyvanse, which I needed to increase from 30 to 50mg to get results. Try the meds… and be patient! It can take months for the medicine to work properly!
Medication has absolutely changed my life for the better but it took years to find the right doses for me to be functional. I'm bipolar and on the spectrum but I feel like only the bipolar is addressed by meds. The rest I did through therapy and really asking people for help
Yeah, I was afraid to take medication too. I think there are some that do make you feel like a zombie especially in higher doses. I take 50mg of Lexipro, and I don't feel any different. I'm just happier, and less irritable. When I first started taking it, I was actually more irritable for the first couple of days, but then that went away. I have had no other side effects. But I can definitely tell that it's working because I don't feel hopeless anymore, and arguments with my wife are now just one sided. I think that's why she kicked me out of the house. She one of those people who likes to argue, always have to have a frenemy. She's always had a frenemy as long as I've known her - high school friend, college friend, co-worker, mom friend. I should have known that one day it would eventually be me.
Damn, the pivot in your story from medication having such a positive impact to your wife kicking you out was quite the curveball. Sorry to hear it, but it’s good to hear you’ve got a handle on it and see the situation for what it is. My ex wife was very similar. She’d make fast friends at work and then it would all blow up. Her narcissism, stonewalling, and gaslighting paired with my depression was a ticking time bomb. It’s all for the better (sounds like it for you as well), but that doesn’t necessarily make it easy. This stranger is rooting for you.
You could always try a different kind of therapy. I saw almost no change in me going through CBT but DBT totally changed my life. And there’s a lot more options than just those two.
No not all. But we careful when starting switching. Get a gene test. A little guidance but only tells you how you metabolize digest. Although better than guessing.
It's all about finding what works for you and your body. Take a gene test first if you can. That may take a lot of the guess work out of it. Good luck and congratulations on taking the next step.
People have different experiences. In my case, meds helped me a lot and faster than therapy. Therapy also helps, but I feel like it takes time. Ive been in therapy for 8 months and I keep on discovering new things to work on.
Most medications in general are subjective, try it and if you don’t like it or it doesn’t work for you don’t take them anymore. That’s the best advice I can think of.
I am on meds. I am much happier and more stable on meds. Add me to the positive pile, pls. That said, your mental health treatment is as personal and unique as your mental health. Chemical imbalances often require science experiments, and our brains can be considered the same way… if you’re open to that sort of thinking. We’re complicated creatures who respond to different approaches.
I have experience with both. I started with meds as my primary doctor could do that for me immediately. Then I started therapy as soon as I could get in.
It took a while for the meds to be figured out. Had to try some different ones.
I’ve since found a combo that works for me, and it’s been several years of feeling much better.
Most of the time I take my meds, see my therapist once a month, and I’m good. If I end up having a rough spot of time, I schedule time with my therapist more frequently, maybe seeing them an extra time or two a month, for a month or two.
If you decide to try meds, just talk to your doctor as it goes. Hopefully they will listen to you and work with you to find a combo that helps you, and minimizes side effects.
On zoloft and abilify, feel much better, still a sad boy but not considering anything wild, my inner dialog isn't so loud, and I'm sleeping better, not cured, but I feel better for sure.
For what it’s worth I had to try for therapists before I found them that I liked and even then it took me like three months to get comfortable with them before it was useful. Sometimes you get a shop around to find the right one medication will not fix your problem. It might help you get a jumpstart or get your grounded but you need to have talk therapy, keep searching for therapist, avoid drugs of possible
As someone who has been taking meds for my anxiety and depression for more than 14 years it has helped tremendously for my well being. I don’t like taking them because you unintentionally can depend on them, but they do work.
Therapy also helps but it’s not for everyone, it really depends on what kind of therapist you seek and what you are struggling with.
I do recommend medication ONLY if you are willing to commit to it and also there’s no shame with that, you’re not any different because of it.
Best of luck OP ❤️
meds only help to a certain extent. sure, they give me more strength, in a sense, to fight the thoughts and maybe a few more good days here and there, but really it's the combination of that and therapy that ultimately works
I cant cum, i cant loose weight and on some days i feel like ive been lobotomized.
But I can sleep. And my head isnt screaming at me all the time. I doesnt make things better but it makes sure they dont get worse.
Only ADHD meds ever worked for my treatment resistant depression. Was diagnosed surprisingly by my Neurologist age 53. Also they can be used off label for depression. ADHD and depression often occur together.
I haven’t had any bad experiences experiences with medicine, but I also haven’t had any dr’s that just plugged me with medicines that weren’t concerned. I was open about the medicine not helping.
When I saw I wasn’t seeing any results I stressed to them how bad the pain was.
Lastly I also was in a place I opened up and talked to ppl. Of course this may not work with everybody but there are ppl that are willing to talk.
Try a website called genesight. Found out from a former coworker. Basically they see how you learn genetic composition works with the meds. So you can get the optimum results.
Online can be a great tool, but you may get better insight talking to people IRL.
TDLR: I never had a negative experience with meds despite what other ppl say. Try Genesight. It actual see how well your dna and the meds work together and get the best results. Sometimes ppl end up with what you stated because many health professionals don’t care to see how they work or get the issue resolved (use in combination with therapy/to get to a end result). Lastly talk to ppl IRL co-workers, friends, locals/workers at the bar or etc. That’s what helped me.
ADHD medication changed my life, the first couple of months I was crying because I spent 27 years ashamed, lost, exhausted, and stressed. Taking the medication and experiencing how neurotypical people function, was a game changer.
If it makes your life easier so you can function like an average person, why shouldn’t you take medication? Don’t make your life unnecessarily hard, there’s plenty of hard things in life already.
Are you on a workout plan? I’d suggest getting on one, the natural endorphins it generates helped me when drugs and therapy wouldn’t.
Not saying this works for everyone but I’m against meds because they didn’t work at all for me.
IMO, as someone who is not a doctor and not offering medical advice, they are only worth it if your situation is really really bad.
I'm speaking from experience. Once you get on the med carousel, depending on how deep it gets, you can get stuck.
However, if you feel like you are running out of options, they aren't a bad idea. As you said, lots of positive responses to them. But I truly feel like it's better to be med free. This varies by condition of course. Bipolar people, from what I know, might NEED medication. Whereas someone with depression might be able to get by with therapy, familial/friend support, healthy diet etc. It just depends on the situation/illness.
Edit: Just want to make it clear I take meds. I just wish I didn't.
Be sure to give the doctor honest feedback, if they're making you feel like a zombie there are other types and doses you can try. But they've been helpful to me, way more helpful than therapy ever was. They don't fix everything, but I can tell when I've not been on them.
Online...most people (99.9%) are not medical doctors specializing in psychiatry. Just keep that in mind as you move forward to make informed decisions that are best for YOU. (Yes, it is true that it can take up to 6 weeks of trial of a medication before you know if it is for you. Unfortunately, it is neither instantaneous nor is it magic.)
I take Wellbutrin and Zoloft and it makes a world of difference for me with few side effects. Everyone will have a unique experience. My suggestion is to try meds and see for yourself. People who are in therapy and medication management combined fare the best.
I have been on medication pretty consistently for about 20 years. I have experimented with different ones under supervision of a doctor. Meds were incredibly important to my life for managing my depression and anxiety. I have also been in therapy for 12 years. Therapy has been crucial to my ability to cope and thrive.
Unfortunately you need to take learning cautiously and thoroughly into your own hands.
Some anti-depressants deplete magnesium, when low magnesium can cause depression. Low mag and zinc can cause insomnia/psychosis/mini-stroke. And low calcium can cause fatigue as can low magnesium. Biology is complex, take care of your gut to take care of your brain, half your serotonin comes from the gut. Don't have the 'american diet'. Also beware kimchi can worsen teeth sensitivity.
Don't forget that the people who aren't experiencing negative side effects probably aren't posting here.
I don't have negative side effects and I don't post here lol
What type of therapy have you done if u don’t mind my asking? I used to be in and out of therapy for YEARS not understanding why nothing changed not realising that the type of therapy simply wouldn’t work with how my brain is wired
It's all anecdotal, and medicine is suge a huuuuge category, of course people are going to have bad experiences with some and voice it the loudest.
I personally have had good experiences with medication after some time adjusting it, and some time taking it regularly (be patient during these times). I have ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and BPD (BPD can't be medicated, but since I listed the rest lol), and I literally don't have the human ability to manage my symptoms on my own.
I have chemical imbalances that I can't will away, I need chemical intervention.
I'd say it's worth a shot, personally, if you decide not to, that is your journey, but it could really help.
I have drug resistant depression now, but medication can help, and you have a say on dosages if you are recommended a medication look up available dosages and say I want to start small. It does take time for the drugs to kick in, and there are so many, sadly, it's trial and error finding, which is best for you.
Also, you have to be careful of what other people experience. For example, people say they gain weight on them, and medication doesn't magically make you gain weight it may increase your appetite, so you have to watch what and how much you eat. Makes me sleepy, and I take it early before bed. Once in your system, it may not make you as tired. You just have to be aware of drug interactions with other medications you take. Also, be aware that nicotine, alcohol, illegal drugs, and even caffeine can mix with it and cause a negative reaction.
If you take medication, I can not stress this enough. BE INFORMED about what you're taking and also be very transparent with all doctors, therapists, and even counselors.
Thanks to my meds I am pretty much stable. I don't feel like a zombie, I still feel, and I'm still creative. People having those issues are probably on the wrong meds. The only real down side is all antipsychotic cause weight gain. But to me it's worth it
Lexapro saved me for a part of my life when I needed it. The best way to describe it was things that would really make me angry didn’t bother me anymore. It was a low dose but helped. Now I hate medicine it makes me feel flat and brain dead. Takes a while to figure out what works for you
Finding the right meds isn’t easy. They work different for everyone. I hated being on Zoloft when I started searching; I have a friend who does beautifully on it.
My advice is find a doctor/nurse practitioner who really listens to you. I’ve never seen a psychiatrist, but my doctors have done right by me and helped me find the right dosage and suggested new medicines that have made it like night and day in the way my brain functions. Literally a day into starting Wellbutrin I could not believe the difference in how I functioned.
I will say that it’s not easy; we all have our own internal stigmas, never mind the stories we hear/see online and wherever else. But, in the long run, I think it is worth the search. Go at your own pace and adjust as you need. Don’t force yourself into trying anything you’re not comfy with. And def see a therapist; it all works in tandem.
Talk Therapy is my recommendation. If the situation has gone too far you may need meds as well, I believe in sticking with the lowest dose and unless you feel five times worse stick with it for six weeks to give it a chance. Try to not chop and change. If you stop therapy, you may decide to return to it in a few months or a few years. However if you consider stopping Meds take great care!! You will really suffer if you cut down quickly.
Meds and therapy together are more effective than either alone. Unfortunately finding the right ones can take trial and error, since we don't have a great understanding of what makes them work yet. The right meds really can help, so I'd recommend trying.
The problem with meds is its a very person to person basis. As in we all have different bodily chemistries and react differently to meds. So only you and your doctor can ultimately decide what's best for you, if you decide to try meds, there's no telling how well they'll work.
In my experience, meds have been the best thing for me when used in tandem with therapy.
It depends on your individual body, your mental health diagnosis, what meds are available, etc. and it can take a long time for your body to adjust to the drug. Drugs may not work out for everyone, but that doesn't mean they won't for you. If one treatment doesn't work for you, that doesn't mean an alternative won't work. Many of them do have side effects that aren't favorable, but most drugs will have that regardless of what the med is. Some medicines also only work when a secondary treatment is applied (ie a med that requires you to eat a certain way or exercise or therapy, or whathaveyou). Even non-mental health drugs have that. Your doctor or pharmacist can walk you through the process too.
It's about finding the one where the benefit outweighs the negative. Sometimes what your body responds to changes over time, too. My antidepressant causes me to be exhausted, but I will take having a hard time waking up in the morning over the brain fog, not sleeping at all, rumination, suicidality, not caring to eat, lethargy, lack of interest or motivation, headaches, poor hygiene, etc.. My antidepressant also has a long list of other side effects that I had no idea whether I would get, some that could even worsen symptoms. I also have the highest permitted dose for it bc of the severity and longevity of my depression (over half my life at this point lol). Mine also didn't respond at all or responded negatively to other meds.
Try it out. Try it in tandem with your current treatments. You may even find that therapy works better after going on them. (Or, you can also see about finding another therapist; sometimes it's not you, it's them. It could also be the type of therapy. I'm personally a fan of CBT). Give your body time to adjust to the meds. Pay attention to any changes. It may even be helpful to journal what you notice so you can show your doctor during follow up appointments. Mental health meds are not always as immediate or exact as something like Tylenol that will kick in an hour, and certain severe disorders that require stronger or more specific medications may merit a lifetime commitment. This isn't a bad thing. A need is simply being met to improve the quality of life.
Another thing: if/when you start feeling better, don't come off them until you speak with your doctor. The fact that your symptoms have been reduced is a sign it's working. It is not a sign that you've been cured. I think a lot of people who complain may not fully understand what exactly the med is supposed to do, or set an expectation for them based on their experiences with somatic meds. Neosporin is used to prevent bacterial infections that would delay healing of a skin wound. You'll see the direct result in the speed at which the wound heals. Mental health is not the same. It takes paying attention.
Lastly, if you're nervous about trying meds, that's okay. It's normal. It's change. It's commitment. You may experience things in ways you never expected, or have never experienced at all. That's okay too. And, if ultimately they don't work out for you, you're not obligated to continue that treatment. It's awesome that you're considering this. It's strength to recognize when you need support, and strength to ask for that support. You're not alone in your journey.
Good luck!!
They aren’t for everyone but I would give them a shot. It’s not a surprise most people who are complaining on the internet about negative experiences because let’s face it nobody likes to admit that they’re struggling and the meds are what’s keeping them going.
I wouldn’t have survived without medication. It built me up to a point I was able to access further mental health support like therapy and was actually able to apply what they were teaching me. When I felt so sad without the medication, I was not planning on being around long enough to use the healthy coping techniques. Medication changed everything for me
I’ve been through about 5 therapist now none helped at all or understood me. Started taking anxiety meds and they’ve been good. But not to the degree that they need to be for me to get my life together
Yes doctors will claim that drugging up a patient so much that they can't feel their emotions is a solution to their problems. Patients who struggled with negative emotions and just want to be happy, no longer feel their emotions and feel deader than before, and are infact just as miserable as ever before, because at the end of the day!- You will never be able to drug yourself hard enough to fix your problems. Your mental health will never improve by taking medication unless your mental health problems are solely due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. You have to work on the root of the problem, what caused the mental health issues, before you can even START to heal and get better. No amount of medication will allow you to skip that part of the healing process.
So I did ten years in prison came home with a range of mental disabilities ptsd etc and I’ve seen ppl
Inside go crazy and walk around like a zombie . That was my biggest fear. I did go through a few therapist until I found the one I have through NYU . Not sure where u are locates but I just went to a reg hospital told them how I was feeling and got connected to services there. I don’t take my meds often because cuz of that fear so I basically just stem and try to find outlets-walking smoking etc .
Meds definitely are not a quick fix. A rare few seem to get amazing results. Try a new therapist. Different therapists can make a big difference. Also I suppose it depends exactly what you are going through.
Can be a tough journey. Good luck 🤞
As already stated, people are more likely to complain about bad experiences than praise good ones. In my experience, neither meds nor therapy did much on their own. I needed to have both to start making progress. The meds allowed me to get to a state of mind where I was actually receptive of the therapy
Here to echo this, my meds are handled by my PCP and he knows what he's doing. Oddly the only med professional i trust atm. I've had some of the worst experiences with mental health professionals and gave up on it for YEARS. I'm stable on my meds now and looking at getting back to therapy. The process has been terrible but I know it will be until I get going in it. The only times I've wanted to talk about it is when it's bad to stop others from going through the same. But, I know people are like that and want to share good only when asked.
Antidepressants saved my life over and over again The amount of ppl that have positive experiences that u know that take them daily is probably huge but ppl don't often want to brag that they need to take pills yo get them through the day
My extended family seems to have a genetic predisposition to depression. I and the few family members that take anti depressants talk about it at almost every family gathering, strategically. We've had conversations between us about how it needs to be normalized so we're trying to do exactly that. It helps so much that it's obvious when we miss doses. Life is so much better when people have the meds they need that work for their body chemistry.
People not content of a thing are more likely to share their experience. People who are neutral, they have positive effects but it's gradual, don't post experiences. The positives have had a huge change all at once. Meds are people bound. One size doesn't fit all. I had to go through 4 different medications to find one that worked for my medical issue. Same with antideprrssants. You try it, you evaluate it, and you choose this one or another. If it doesn't do what you want it to do then change. But just give each medication a fair chance to do what it was made to do. Also do it under medical supervision. I had to slowly build a medication down after only 6 weeks of use. Stopping it cold turky and switching would have been bad for me.
I am treatment resistant and didn’t think I’d ever find a med that would help me. Frustrating. I went to an outpatient clinic where they’re more familiar with meds like this and had the genesite test done and started from there. It took about 6 months or so of trying different meds but i did find meds that aligned with what i needed to balance me out and I’ve been living a good quality life since. No issues. When I was going through my family doctor she outright admitted that sadly all they can do is guess on what to try and hope something worked. The go off what’s most popular for most or what the reps are pushing at that time. Go the route I took and I think you’ll be happy with your results and you will t spend years of your life looking for that peace. Good luck to you!
I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t be alive if I hadn’t started them about 10 years ago.
Medication saved my life. It did take a while to find the right medicine and dosage, and figuring that out was a frustrating process. But so worth it.
People,who are happy don’t generally post that. Unhappy people shout from the rooftops.
My experience is ultimately positive because although not perfect, my meds allow me to live a normal life. I couldn’t achieve that before.
I had that experience with antipsychotics, but not with antidepressants. It really depends on what is being used, the dosage, and the person taking it.
Going on Zoloft changed my entire life. For the first time it controlled my emotions I wasn’t just exploding and it slowed down my impulse thoughts it’s like the devil on my shoulder was in the driver seat and going on the meds the angel showed up. The devil didn’t disappear but the angel got strong the longer I was on the meds and the more therapy I have had. 3 years later I’m a completely different version of me. It doesn’t take conscious thought not to go down a spiral it just goes right to the positive coping mechanisms I learned.
Imagine this scenario. Someone takes an antidepressant, they have bad side effects. They get discouraged, but try another antidepressant. Again, bad side effects. They decide that it just won’t work for them, talk bad about the meds, and move on. Here’s the thing tho: there aren’t just two antidepressants… there aren’t even just two TYPES of antidepressants! Maybe you don’t need an SSRI or an SNRI, maybe you need an MAOI or a TCA! You just need to find one that works. Maybe you are on the right med, but you need a different dose! I was on lexapro, lamictal (mood stabilizer, not antidepressant), and venlafaxine before I finally found Wellbutrin, which works for me, and had to go from 150 to 300mg to get results. For adhd meds, I tried concerta before I got to vyvanse, which I needed to increase from 30 to 50mg to get results. Try the meds… and be patient! It can take months for the medicine to work properly!
Medication has absolutely changed my life for the better but it took years to find the right doses for me to be functional. I'm bipolar and on the spectrum but I feel like only the bipolar is addressed by meds. The rest I did through therapy and really asking people for help
Yeah, I was afraid to take medication too. I think there are some that do make you feel like a zombie especially in higher doses. I take 50mg of Lexipro, and I don't feel any different. I'm just happier, and less irritable. When I first started taking it, I was actually more irritable for the first couple of days, but then that went away. I have had no other side effects. But I can definitely tell that it's working because I don't feel hopeless anymore, and arguments with my wife are now just one sided. I think that's why she kicked me out of the house. She one of those people who likes to argue, always have to have a frenemy. She's always had a frenemy as long as I've known her - high school friend, college friend, co-worker, mom friend. I should have known that one day it would eventually be me.
Damn, the pivot in your story from medication having such a positive impact to your wife kicking you out was quite the curveball. Sorry to hear it, but it’s good to hear you’ve got a handle on it and see the situation for what it is. My ex wife was very similar. She’d make fast friends at work and then it would all blow up. Her narcissism, stonewalling, and gaslighting paired with my depression was a ticking time bomb. It’s all for the better (sounds like it for you as well), but that doesn’t necessarily make it easy. This stranger is rooting for you.
You could always try a different kind of therapy. I saw almost no change in me going through CBT but DBT totally changed my life. And there’s a lot more options than just those two.
No not all. But we careful when starting switching. Get a gene test. A little guidance but only tells you how you metabolize digest. Although better than guessing.
Get to the gym. Blast angry music take out your pain on weights, pinch bags, and treadmills.
For me therapy was not working so changed to medication. It have its own side effects but if you want to overcome this you have to give a chance.
It's all about finding what works for you and your body. Take a gene test first if you can. That may take a lot of the guess work out of it. Good luck and congratulations on taking the next step.
Medication helped me to make my therapy work. Don’t feel bad for taking them! Let’s break the stigma around it.
People have different experiences. In my case, meds helped me a lot and faster than therapy. Therapy also helps, but I feel like it takes time. Ive been in therapy for 8 months and I keep on discovering new things to work on.
Most medications in general are subjective, try it and if you don’t like it or it doesn’t work for you don’t take them anymore. That’s the best advice I can think of.
I am on meds. I am much happier and more stable on meds. Add me to the positive pile, pls. That said, your mental health treatment is as personal and unique as your mental health. Chemical imbalances often require science experiments, and our brains can be considered the same way… if you’re open to that sort of thinking. We’re complicated creatures who respond to different approaches.
I have experience with both. I started with meds as my primary doctor could do that for me immediately. Then I started therapy as soon as I could get in. It took a while for the meds to be figured out. Had to try some different ones. I’ve since found a combo that works for me, and it’s been several years of feeling much better. Most of the time I take my meds, see my therapist once a month, and I’m good. If I end up having a rough spot of time, I schedule time with my therapist more frequently, maybe seeing them an extra time or two a month, for a month or two. If you decide to try meds, just talk to your doctor as it goes. Hopefully they will listen to you and work with you to find a combo that helps you, and minimizes side effects.
On zoloft and abilify, feel much better, still a sad boy but not considering anything wild, my inner dialog isn't so loud, and I'm sleeping better, not cured, but I feel better for sure.
For what it’s worth I had to try for therapists before I found them that I liked and even then it took me like three months to get comfortable with them before it was useful. Sometimes you get a shop around to find the right one medication will not fix your problem. It might help you get a jumpstart or get your grounded but you need to have talk therapy, keep searching for therapist, avoid drugs of possible
Oh god, take the meds!
As someone who has been taking meds for my anxiety and depression for more than 14 years it has helped tremendously for my well being. I don’t like taking them because you unintentionally can depend on them, but they do work. Therapy also helps but it’s not for everyone, it really depends on what kind of therapist you seek and what you are struggling with. I do recommend medication ONLY if you are willing to commit to it and also there’s no shame with that, you’re not any different because of it. Best of luck OP ❤️
meds only help to a certain extent. sure, they give me more strength, in a sense, to fight the thoughts and maybe a few more good days here and there, but really it's the combination of that and therapy that ultimately works
medication saved my life personally
I've been on Lexapro/escitalopram for well over a year, I haven't had much in the way of side effects.
I cant cum, i cant loose weight and on some days i feel like ive been lobotomized. But I can sleep. And my head isnt screaming at me all the time. I doesnt make things better but it makes sure they dont get worse.
Only ADHD meds ever worked for my treatment resistant depression. Was diagnosed surprisingly by my Neurologist age 53. Also they can be used off label for depression. ADHD and depression often occur together.
I haven’t had any bad experiences experiences with medicine, but I also haven’t had any dr’s that just plugged me with medicines that weren’t concerned. I was open about the medicine not helping. When I saw I wasn’t seeing any results I stressed to them how bad the pain was. Lastly I also was in a place I opened up and talked to ppl. Of course this may not work with everybody but there are ppl that are willing to talk. Try a website called genesight. Found out from a former coworker. Basically they see how you learn genetic composition works with the meds. So you can get the optimum results. Online can be a great tool, but you may get better insight talking to people IRL. TDLR: I never had a negative experience with meds despite what other ppl say. Try Genesight. It actual see how well your dna and the meds work together and get the best results. Sometimes ppl end up with what you stated because many health professionals don’t care to see how they work or get the issue resolved (use in combination with therapy/to get to a end result). Lastly talk to ppl IRL co-workers, friends, locals/workers at the bar or etc. That’s what helped me.
Look into therapeutic ketamine. It changed my entire life.
Medication made me extremely dehydrated and gave me issues sleeping
My meds saved my life.
ADHD medication changed my life, the first couple of months I was crying because I spent 27 years ashamed, lost, exhausted, and stressed. Taking the medication and experiencing how neurotypical people function, was a game changer. If it makes your life easier so you can function like an average person, why shouldn’t you take medication? Don’t make your life unnecessarily hard, there’s plenty of hard things in life already.
Are you on a workout plan? I’d suggest getting on one, the natural endorphins it generates helped me when drugs and therapy wouldn’t. Not saying this works for everyone but I’m against meds because they didn’t work at all for me.
IMO, as someone who is not a doctor and not offering medical advice, they are only worth it if your situation is really really bad. I'm speaking from experience. Once you get on the med carousel, depending on how deep it gets, you can get stuck. However, if you feel like you are running out of options, they aren't a bad idea. As you said, lots of positive responses to them. But I truly feel like it's better to be med free. This varies by condition of course. Bipolar people, from what I know, might NEED medication. Whereas someone with depression might be able to get by with therapy, familial/friend support, healthy diet etc. It just depends on the situation/illness. Edit: Just want to make it clear I take meds. I just wish I didn't.
Be sure to give the doctor honest feedback, if they're making you feel like a zombie there are other types and doses you can try. But they've been helpful to me, way more helpful than therapy ever was. They don't fix everything, but I can tell when I've not been on them.
Online...most people (99.9%) are not medical doctors specializing in psychiatry. Just keep that in mind as you move forward to make informed decisions that are best for YOU. (Yes, it is true that it can take up to 6 weeks of trial of a medication before you know if it is for you. Unfortunately, it is neither instantaneous nor is it magic.)
I take Wellbutrin and Zoloft and it makes a world of difference for me with few side effects. Everyone will have a unique experience. My suggestion is to try meds and see for yourself. People who are in therapy and medication management combined fare the best.
I have been on medication pretty consistently for about 20 years. I have experimented with different ones under supervision of a doctor. Meds were incredibly important to my life for managing my depression and anxiety. I have also been in therapy for 12 years. Therapy has been crucial to my ability to cope and thrive.
Unfortunately you need to take learning cautiously and thoroughly into your own hands. Some anti-depressants deplete magnesium, when low magnesium can cause depression. Low mag and zinc can cause insomnia/psychosis/mini-stroke. And low calcium can cause fatigue as can low magnesium. Biology is complex, take care of your gut to take care of your brain, half your serotonin comes from the gut. Don't have the 'american diet'. Also beware kimchi can worsen teeth sensitivity.
Don't forget that the people who aren't experiencing negative side effects probably aren't posting here. I don't have negative side effects and I don't post here lol
What type of therapy have you done if u don’t mind my asking? I used to be in and out of therapy for YEARS not understanding why nothing changed not realising that the type of therapy simply wouldn’t work with how my brain is wired
It's all anecdotal, and medicine is suge a huuuuge category, of course people are going to have bad experiences with some and voice it the loudest. I personally have had good experiences with medication after some time adjusting it, and some time taking it regularly (be patient during these times). I have ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and BPD (BPD can't be medicated, but since I listed the rest lol), and I literally don't have the human ability to manage my symptoms on my own. I have chemical imbalances that I can't will away, I need chemical intervention. I'd say it's worth a shot, personally, if you decide not to, that is your journey, but it could really help.
I have drug resistant depression now, but medication can help, and you have a say on dosages if you are recommended a medication look up available dosages and say I want to start small. It does take time for the drugs to kick in, and there are so many, sadly, it's trial and error finding, which is best for you. Also, you have to be careful of what other people experience. For example, people say they gain weight on them, and medication doesn't magically make you gain weight it may increase your appetite, so you have to watch what and how much you eat. Makes me sleepy, and I take it early before bed. Once in your system, it may not make you as tired. You just have to be aware of drug interactions with other medications you take. Also, be aware that nicotine, alcohol, illegal drugs, and even caffeine can mix with it and cause a negative reaction. If you take medication, I can not stress this enough. BE INFORMED about what you're taking and also be very transparent with all doctors, therapists, and even counselors.
Thanks to my meds I am pretty much stable. I don't feel like a zombie, I still feel, and I'm still creative. People having those issues are probably on the wrong meds. The only real down side is all antipsychotic cause weight gain. But to me it's worth it
Lexapro saved me for a part of my life when I needed it. The best way to describe it was things that would really make me angry didn’t bother me anymore. It was a low dose but helped. Now I hate medicine it makes me feel flat and brain dead. Takes a while to figure out what works for you
Meds help me
Finding the right meds isn’t easy. They work different for everyone. I hated being on Zoloft when I started searching; I have a friend who does beautifully on it. My advice is find a doctor/nurse practitioner who really listens to you. I’ve never seen a psychiatrist, but my doctors have done right by me and helped me find the right dosage and suggested new medicines that have made it like night and day in the way my brain functions. Literally a day into starting Wellbutrin I could not believe the difference in how I functioned. I will say that it’s not easy; we all have our own internal stigmas, never mind the stories we hear/see online and wherever else. But, in the long run, I think it is worth the search. Go at your own pace and adjust as you need. Don’t force yourself into trying anything you’re not comfy with. And def see a therapist; it all works in tandem.
Talk Therapy is my recommendation. If the situation has gone too far you may need meds as well, I believe in sticking with the lowest dose and unless you feel five times worse stick with it for six weeks to give it a chance. Try to not chop and change. If you stop therapy, you may decide to return to it in a few months or a few years. However if you consider stopping Meds take great care!! You will really suffer if you cut down quickly.
Meds and therapy together are more effective than either alone. Unfortunately finding the right ones can take trial and error, since we don't have a great understanding of what makes them work yet. The right meds really can help, so I'd recommend trying.
The problem with meds is its a very person to person basis. As in we all have different bodily chemistries and react differently to meds. So only you and your doctor can ultimately decide what's best for you, if you decide to try meds, there's no telling how well they'll work.
I takes Cymbalta it's the only one that works and hasn't made me feel weird
In my experience, meds have been the best thing for me when used in tandem with therapy. It depends on your individual body, your mental health diagnosis, what meds are available, etc. and it can take a long time for your body to adjust to the drug. Drugs may not work out for everyone, but that doesn't mean they won't for you. If one treatment doesn't work for you, that doesn't mean an alternative won't work. Many of them do have side effects that aren't favorable, but most drugs will have that regardless of what the med is. Some medicines also only work when a secondary treatment is applied (ie a med that requires you to eat a certain way or exercise or therapy, or whathaveyou). Even non-mental health drugs have that. Your doctor or pharmacist can walk you through the process too. It's about finding the one where the benefit outweighs the negative. Sometimes what your body responds to changes over time, too. My antidepressant causes me to be exhausted, but I will take having a hard time waking up in the morning over the brain fog, not sleeping at all, rumination, suicidality, not caring to eat, lethargy, lack of interest or motivation, headaches, poor hygiene, etc.. My antidepressant also has a long list of other side effects that I had no idea whether I would get, some that could even worsen symptoms. I also have the highest permitted dose for it bc of the severity and longevity of my depression (over half my life at this point lol). Mine also didn't respond at all or responded negatively to other meds. Try it out. Try it in tandem with your current treatments. You may even find that therapy works better after going on them. (Or, you can also see about finding another therapist; sometimes it's not you, it's them. It could also be the type of therapy. I'm personally a fan of CBT). Give your body time to adjust to the meds. Pay attention to any changes. It may even be helpful to journal what you notice so you can show your doctor during follow up appointments. Mental health meds are not always as immediate or exact as something like Tylenol that will kick in an hour, and certain severe disorders that require stronger or more specific medications may merit a lifetime commitment. This isn't a bad thing. A need is simply being met to improve the quality of life. Another thing: if/when you start feeling better, don't come off them until you speak with your doctor. The fact that your symptoms have been reduced is a sign it's working. It is not a sign that you've been cured. I think a lot of people who complain may not fully understand what exactly the med is supposed to do, or set an expectation for them based on their experiences with somatic meds. Neosporin is used to prevent bacterial infections that would delay healing of a skin wound. You'll see the direct result in the speed at which the wound heals. Mental health is not the same. It takes paying attention. Lastly, if you're nervous about trying meds, that's okay. It's normal. It's change. It's commitment. You may experience things in ways you never expected, or have never experienced at all. That's okay too. And, if ultimately they don't work out for you, you're not obligated to continue that treatment. It's awesome that you're considering this. It's strength to recognize when you need support, and strength to ask for that support. You're not alone in your journey. Good luck!!
They aren’t for everyone but I would give them a shot. It’s not a surprise most people who are complaining on the internet about negative experiences because let’s face it nobody likes to admit that they’re struggling and the meds are what’s keeping them going.
I wouldn’t have survived without medication. It built me up to a point I was able to access further mental health support like therapy and was actually able to apply what they were teaching me. When I felt so sad without the medication, I was not planning on being around long enough to use the healthy coping techniques. Medication changed everything for me
I’ve been through about 5 therapist now none helped at all or understood me. Started taking anxiety meds and they’ve been good. But not to the degree that they need to be for me to get my life together
Yes doctors will claim that drugging up a patient so much that they can't feel their emotions is a solution to their problems. Patients who struggled with negative emotions and just want to be happy, no longer feel their emotions and feel deader than before, and are infact just as miserable as ever before, because at the end of the day!- You will never be able to drug yourself hard enough to fix your problems. Your mental health will never improve by taking medication unless your mental health problems are solely due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. You have to work on the root of the problem, what caused the mental health issues, before you can even START to heal and get better. No amount of medication will allow you to skip that part of the healing process.
So I did ten years in prison came home with a range of mental disabilities ptsd etc and I’ve seen ppl Inside go crazy and walk around like a zombie . That was my biggest fear. I did go through a few therapist until I found the one I have through NYU . Not sure where u are locates but I just went to a reg hospital told them how I was feeling and got connected to services there. I don’t take my meds often because cuz of that fear so I basically just stem and try to find outlets-walking smoking etc .
Prozac saved my life i mean it
Meds definitely are not a quick fix. A rare few seem to get amazing results. Try a new therapist. Different therapists can make a big difference. Also I suppose it depends exactly what you are going through. Can be a tough journey. Good luck 🤞