Do You Think Antidepressant Medicine Helps?

Cynthia Larson

I have been on antidepressants since 13...Mental Health issues run on both sides of my family. If it wasn't for taking them, I would not be functional. They have saved my life along with psychotherapy.

Valorie Jakubowski

This is the best question you could come up with? Depression is such a personal issue and treatment really varies. But those who have never suffered with depression (or had a friend/loved one who did) are often quick to judge, but have no true understanding...

K Stewart

I was on antidepressants for ten years and had horrible side effects including suicidal thoughts. I could barely function. It wasn't until I found a good church and got inner healing for all the horrible things that happened in my life, that the severe anxiety and depression went away. Then I slowly went completely off all medication and I'm a completely different person. Antidepressants only treat symptoms. Deal with the root cause of your depression and you won't need medication.

Deshannon Johnson

I honestly believe the most appropriate treatment for depression depends upon the individual receiving the treatment.

Elisabeth Taylor

Yes. I lived my whole life under a cloud. Once I began it, life became livable. I take a tiny dosage and even that makes a huge difference. My family can't believe it and I am happy and enjoy life again. I won't hear negative talk about it- it has made all the difference for me!

Dustin Timmermann

As with any drug, an antidepressant is going to affect people differently, including the amount of "success" it has with someone. You can't answer this question without making a sweeping generalization about an illness that is very personal and varied between people. Medication is not enough. The patient needs to visit with someone about their depression regularly. This may be individual psychotherapy, CBT or group therapy. Talking to a spouse or a good friend is not an ideal substitute. It might not be the first doctor or therapist one visits with either. The patient needs to find someone they "click" with. A healthy diet and regular exercise go a long, long way as well. The way our society as a whole perceives depression and mental illness is deplorable. In addition to the social stigma of having a mental illness, there is very little support available for people compared to other afflictions. Many insurance companies offer limited benefits or exclude it entirely. The medication and the doctor visits are expensive and with many paying out of pocket, the patient is left to make some serious financial "investments" or ignore the problem. Left untreated, depression can have serious, and even grave, consequences and yet it is often an after-thought or dismissed entirely.

Erin Hey

Wellbutrin has helped me quit cigarettes and with depression. The only drawback (for me) is the ringing in my ears. Ssris are helpful. Zoloft changed my life. Celexa was alright for a while. I switched back to Zoloft. Stick with the regimen your doc prescribes for at least three months before giving up.

christine hutchins

I am on depression and anxiety meds, pray regularly, do blessings journal, practice mindfulness, walk five miles a day , study the bible via Joyce Meyers and others, worship weekly. It is a constant effort but worth it!

M. Luthin

Yes, and we who understand mental illnes,needs to advocate and educate others. Depression is a real illness that can be treated. :-)

Augusta Sweet

Mental illnesses are not one size fits all, which is why medications, cognitive therapy, exercise, dietary changes, etc are ALL options where one or another may work better for one individual and not someone else.