Should i get on anti-depressants?

Question

background info: i'm 16 years old about to go into my junior year of high school and i'm really depressed. i've always been depressed for as long as i can remember but it's never really been this bad. with school starting it's making it even worse. i don't want to go to school because i don't want to even be around other people anymore. my self esteem is at an all time low, it's at the point where i don't want to go out in public because i feel as if i'm too ugly for other people to see me. i'm always finding something wrong with my face and i think i look like an alien =[ no matter what i do i can never be happy anymore. i've lost all faith in everything. i honestly want to die right now. i feel as though i can't handle life anymore and that my life is not worth living. i want to be happy and have good self esteem. the worst thing about this is that when school starts it's going to get even worse because i'm in all hard classes and i know i'm going to get stressed out. now my question is should i get on anti-depressants or just try talking to a therapist about my problems without medication? are the side affects of anti-depressants really worth it? please help.

Answer 1

I am sad to hear you are so sad at such a young age, my depression also started around that age and I did get on meds AND talked to a counselor. I do believe this is real and people who say it is all in your head apparently do not have the problem themself and people who say is happiness for your independence worth it YES it's worth it, they don't understand it makes you normal, it makes you feel like "normal" people it's not fun being depressed and most people don't enjoy it no matter how hard you try to be happy it just doesn't work, I know the feeling , Please talk with your parent and let them know you are having some problems see if you can get them to take you to the doctor and see what the doc says. If the doc finds it ness for you to try meds well then try them BUT ALSO do counseling. Good LUck it will get better

oh yaeh don't be embaressed to go -I was so it took me longer to get the courage up to go

Answer 2

make an attempt at both. they might work, and sometimes the side effects may be worth it.

Answer 3

You need to talk with your family doctor first. Have them recommend    a psychiatrist. You will need a MD to diagnose you as having a condition that can be treated with anti-depressants. You may also need periodic counseling

Answer 4

I feel anyone with signs of depression should always try cognitive behavioral therapy before going on any meds.  I was on meds for many years before I did CBT and I never really got any better and there were some nasty side effects.  I went through just about all the antidepressants out there and never really found any relief.  Please check into CBT as it did wonders for me and I've been off meds for four years now.

Answer 5

   no do not go on anti depression pills take your vitamins for they are good both for mental and physical health . as far as your looks go work with what youve got try new styles of makeup and make your hair look good you can always throw new outfits together by going to secondhand shops for asseserories etc. reading is an answer to stress thiere are so many woderful books that would take your mind off your troubles, and dont forget that watching comedies is truly known that laughter is the best medicine

Answer 6

The first thing you need to do is see your family doc.  That's the best place to start.  I was on anti-depressants a number of years ago for about 2 1/2 years.  (I'm an adult)  My family doc did diagnose me with clinical depression.  At this point I'm doing ok with out them, but should probably go back on them during the winter, since it may be seasonal.

Talk with your family, then see a doc.  It's best not to be on meds but you only may need them for a short time.

Good luck

Answer 7

Can you really sacrifice your independence to become happy?

I ask this because that's exactly what anti-depressants do.

They make you dependent and once you start taking them you begin to feel insecure without them.

However cliched and corny this might sound the only thing you can do is to bear it and endure it because all it is, is a passing phase.

I'm sure you're a beautiful person and I hope I could help you.

Answer 8

I'm the same as you. But my self-confidence is getting better because I've learnt to like myself better. Anyways, I don't think you should go on medication because of your self esstem issues. But seeing and talking to a therapist really helps! But I was also on anti-depressants for other reasons and not for my low-confidence.

Anyways...Take care and I think talking to someone who cares and wants to listen is the best way to go.!

Answer 9

I like you as a good young friend who cares about you.

Answer 10

No 1 just went to my high school reunion all the supposed ugly ducklings were hot and all the hot girls were fat and old looking. no2 see a doctor about meds no one but him can tell you otherwise. and finally your young as h**l so let yourself develop take it easy and don't worry about stuff you can not controll. let it go and love something or someone especailly yourself1

Answer 11

I personally think that most depression is simply in your head.  But changing your way of thinking is a heavy task - especially for a 16 year old.  Do you have a picture of yourself?  Just curious.

I was made fun of a lot growing up when I hit puberty. I was just an awkward girl without any sense of style or social skills.  But....things can change in time - trust me. :)