How to know if anti-depressants are working?

I feel the same. I started Prozac at the beginning of the summer and I cant tell if it’s helping or if it’s the sunshine and freedom from schoolwork.

Ask loved ones around you when I don't see any progress I ask my partner if he has noticed any difference in me

Make lists of how you feel on your depressive days. Try to ground yourself and notice what symptoms you’re experiencing. Are you more tired? Are you eating? Having a hard time showering? Then you can answer those questions more honestly each day and see how different medications effect those answers over time. I have bipolar II and have been tracking my moods and symptoms and it really helps to find patterns and manage medications effectiveness for me.

Fluoxetine is a weird one. My doc told me it could take up to 6 months to fully work and during that time it’s possible for you to go the other direction. I’ve been taking it for a while now and it’s helped me a lot. It’s one of those things that you don’t necessarily notice that it’s working but you’ll definitely notice if you forget to take it

Something that I would recommend if you keep struggling with meds is to ask your doctor about taking a genetic test. I finally took one and discovered that meds like lexapro and Prozac don't work at all for me. Unfortunately, insurance doesn't always cover the test so that is a downside. But it might be worth it, if you keep taking meds that aren't improving things for you.

If you feel the same amount of depression as when you weren’t taking it, it probably isn’t working. Listen to your emotions. If the depression doesn’t get better after about a week of taking the medication, tell your doctor.