How long was you on anti-depressants for?

Question

mental health workers have told me that i might be put on anti depressants i am now waiting for an appointment to see a psychiaratrist and i wanted to know how long other people have been on them and how they helped. i have also been offered counselling but im not sure i would feel comfortable telling someone everything about me.

so to sum up i would like to know your expriences with anit-depressants and counselling. please thanks

sorry it took so long to get my point across.

Answer 1

my partner has been on anti-depressants for over a year now they put him on a low dose at first then higher after a month.He says they do help but he can have mood swings if he forgets to take them, your doctor  will not prescribe them to you if you are suicidal  as for counselling he says its a waste of time but other people i know have benefited from it so its horses for courses.one thing he has told me and your doctor should explain this to you as well is that you should never stop taking them once you have started as you will experience withdrawal symptoms you have to be weaned off them gradually

Answer 2

2 1/2 yrs, had some good counselling as well which sorted me out.

The pills I was on suited me - no side effects at all and I managed to come off them very slowly without any ill effects.

Answer 3

I suffered from depression at university when I was 18 (am now 53) and was put on some tablets called Anafranil.  Later on I went through a bad patch and had a similar anti-depressant called Amitryptyline (?spelling)..both times I think I was taking them for at least a year, and they did help how I felt, though I felt a bit unreal and woolly-headed.  At university I also had an excellent counsellor who was easy to talk to and non-judgmental, whom I saw  most weeks - sadly, in the outside world, though, good counselling has not always been as easy to come by.  

A couple of years ago, I saw an NHS counsellor after over a year's wait, and he just sat and stared at me while I tried to sort out my own problems out loud!  I have had a lot of help from Christian friends and ministers over the last few years, though.    

There are different types of antidepressants around now, more than in the 70s when I had what was called tricyclic antidepressants.  Nowadays you might be more likely to get Prozac, Seroxat or some even newer antidepressants.  If you take one kind, and really don't find it helps (some can take a couple of weeks to work, as you may have heard), do go back and talk to your doctor again, as you might do better on a different med.  

I hope and pray you will get the help you  need.  You don't HAVE to go and talk all about yourself to a stranger, if you don't feel comfortable with that!  There are independent counselling services available (one in Uxbridge UK near me is called Communicare, plus some churches offer a listening ear to anyone in need....).    Or if you in touch with the local Mental Health services, you could ask to speak to a CPN (community psychiatric nurse) which is less scary than it sounds, and does not label you as crazy!  One I spoke to was very helpful, and suggested ways of relaxing more and coping with anxiety attacks.

I just found a UK phone number that you might find helpful - have not tried it myself, I think it is particularly for young people who are feeling low - Hope Line 0870 1704000  

(Sorry this has been long!)

Answer 4

In 1999 I was on anti depressants for about 10 months (stress at home)

In 2002, more stress at home - ten months

2003 marriage at its lowest point - more AD's - 8 months

Started counselling, began to understand my personality better and began to make small strides and soon very big ones to change the outcome of domestic conflicts assertively eventually learning to master how to actually control conflict in an effective way (nip it in the bud I suppose this means).

Haven't ben on them since.

Get counselling is my advice - they are professionals who's sole aim is to help you - you don't have to share anything you are not comfortable with. For me it was a once a week session of gloriously uplifting and validating me me me time!!!!

I'm still married so draw your own conclusions.

Answer 5

I've had depression twice.  The first time, I had antidepressants and beta-blockers (for the anxiety) I took them for 10 months, and didn't have counselling.

The 2nd time, I had a different antidepressant, took it (a very low dose) for 3 years, even though I felt OK. I saw a psychiatric nurse once, to talk about me social anxiety.

I'm fine now, and not taking anything.  You can and will be OK.  You don't have to have counselling if you don't want to, but it's often far easier to talk to a stranger than someone close

Answer 6

I have been on antidepressants for 8 years.  I find they really help.  Counselling can be good if you get a good therapist.  The first apointment with a counsellor or psychaitrist may be hard because sometimes they want to take a history.

Answer 7

never

Answer 8

I've been on&off them for three years.  I find them helpful to an extent but they're not a cure..you have to figure out why you're depressed and actually talking about it with a counsellor can help (as long as you find the 'right one' someone you're comfortable with)