Scared to Start Medication for Mental Health

I trust doctors. Again, they're the experts and*most of the time*, they know better than I do. If they're AHs, I'll find another one.

Anti-depressants are not supposed to make you happy. They help to prevent depression. I've been taking them for 20 years. I found one that worked the best after trial and error. ADHD meds help with focus and reduce impulsive behavior. You need to meet with doctors if you're concerned. They're the experts on the medications. When I was diagnosed with a mental disorder, I immediately went to a psychiatrist and therapist. I can't treat it by myself. No way. If taking medication will help with depression, sign me up. I had done everything I could do. Now, I haven't been depressed. Life is very good. That was my goal - to have a better life. Medications helped with that. Just keep in mind that everyone's body is unique. Specific medications work for some people and not others.

I was extremely hesitant to go on medications for my anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. However, I was able to get a psychiatric referral from my therapist which has been wonderful. My psychiatrist was able to answer all of my questions and was basically on call for me the first two weeks I began taking medication. The first few weeks were difficult however, I don’t where I would be now without medication. I still feel the whole spectrum of feelings and I’m able to effectively cope with negative emotions and recognize damaging behaviors much more readily. Psychiatric medication has increased my bandwidth to deal with the complex emotions I feel in a healthy way.

It took me forever to get on an antidepressant. When I went to a doctor, the first thing they wanted to do was put me on an antidepressant. I started going to a doctor (NP) that I trusted, when she said I should take an antidepressant, I started taking it. It really helps, and I do have other feelings.

In my personal experience, I took zoloft, and it made me very numb and I wasn't able to feel much at all, and if eventually made me feel worse; so I just stopped taking it. Some meds don't work well with some people but worst case if they don't work you can always go back off of them or change them to a different medication that works better for you and what you're looking for. Hope this helps :)

I am prescribed citalopram and I try taking it but it always makes me feel sick. So I don't take it like I am supposed to which doesn't help

None of the meds I’ve tried made me feel happy. Paroxetine has been the only thing to help my anxiety, and it’s an extremely welcome sort of window to my extreme emotions. I still feel like me but less unhinged.

What I’ve experienced with them is for me they make depression and anxiety manageable u still feel idk how u are but I feel very intensley so I feel a lot still on them idk if they take some of that away because I am insanely emotional in a good way.

When I first was diagnosed, I was scared to take medications for this same reason. I have been taking anxiety and depression medication for 6 years now. It doesn’t make you only happy, it simply regulates the imbalance of chemicals in your brain, helping depression and/or anxiety. Finding the right Medication can be a journey. But when I did find the right one, it helped incredibly. I have a lot of Anxiety, and since I started taking my medication, I no longer have any anxiety attacks. Of course, it’s all your decision. Some people are against medications and that is okay. Do what is best for you and your body! 😁

coming from someone who had that same fear, its scary, and it might not work at first. you won't always be happy. but you also will be able to see more light on the world.