after an early posting on anti-depressents

[loopyc]

i wondered if you could share any experiences you have had with them good or bad, also what else could help aliviate depression instead of anti D's

[perose]

I would strongly recommend Vit B Complex. My Husband has depression nearly every winter and since being told by a friend about Vit B Complex He has not had the normal dreary Winter, the whole family have noticed the difference. Good Luck

[tellboy]

Is the depression caused by something you know about or something that "just happened" when everything in your life was OK. If it is the latter then stick with the prescription.

[andy-hughes]

It does depend on the type of depression - reactive depression, as the name suggests, is the result of a trauma or major negative life change. This may respond to therapy, and simply the passage of time. Clinical depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, and this is usually best adressed with medication - although neither is a hard and fast rule, as one condition can preclude and precipitate the other.

I have taken anti-depresseants for siteen years. I had a major nervous breakdown which hospitalised me for three months, and keep me off work for nearly a year. The medication makes daily life fine for me, but I do have to ensure I get enough sleep, don't take too much time between meals, and don't allow myself to be stressed.

On the subject of types of medication, you sometimes have to try some different ones, before you find the one that suits - the much-vaunted Prozac disagreed with me violently, but it does suit masses of people, but not everyone.

I regard my medication as a diabetic would regard insulin, something my system needs to make me OK. No problem.

[bigaggie45]

i suffer from depression & like andy i have been hospitalised and a sufferer for years. i have learned that your friends are the best medicine. i have good days and bad days my friends are always there for me

my husband is the main cause of my depression and i am in the processes of getting rid of him along with the pills.

do stuff that you enjoy!!!!!!!

[Greedyfly]

Exercise apparently does wonders, although personally I havent tried it because when I am down I dont feel like it or want to. Therapy is also a way of helping, once you find a person you trust it helps no end.

[Greedyfly]

I have yet to find a medication that agrees with me after nearly 8 years. . . How about St Johns wort although its medication it doesnt usually have such side effects - ask your doctor about it. Most doctors swear by it.

[peagreen]

just be wary with st johns wort because in meds like the oral contraceptive pill its contraindicated.

i took anti d's from thea ge of 7 till 21 been off for them four years now.. it took a long time to find one that suited me, but the best advice is to stick with one for at least 6 weeks, as side effects usually wear off - but not always..citalopram drove me beserk i was all over the shop with it..

i do agree with exercise..its hard when you're depressed to get the motivation, lord knows we've all been there, but it can do wonders - mentally and improve sleep which in turn can make you feel better the next day, added bonus that it will help with and body issues..

i take melatonin - available on non-prescription - i find it really gives me a boost sometimes..but everyone is different, the best advice i can give you (although biased a doctor myself) is to trust your doctor!

[Roughquest]

Hello :)

I have suffered from depression for many years on and off. After taking pills and feeling all over the place I said to myself i would never take any again and I haven't. But I have learnt to control it by exercise, I swear by exercise! The best one for me is swimming and horse riding, try to do something though that is not too high impact to begin with, but I highly recommend swimming, it always gives me an instant lift, I go twice a week that's all and if I can't go, I certainly miss it ! Afterwards I feel so calm and peaceful its just a lovely feeling....but try to be out in the fresh air as much as possible, it really does help. Keep busy too if you can.

RQ xxx

[Belle Fast]

Most antidepressants make you feel worse before you feel better and most doctors forget to tell you this. With fluoxetine (prozac) most folk feel badly on the fifth day of starting treatment and can even have a panic attack. People cope better with this if they expect it and the key is to keep your breathing slow. Some doctors give people a small dose of diazepam to help with this initial worsening of anxiety. People often start to feel better after a couple of weeks, but it can take longer.