First and foremost, the decision to start taking antidepressants is yours, and yours only. It's nobody's place to undermine that. Most modern SSRIs won’t make you grow dependent on them, and they definitely won’t damage your mind (what nonsense!). They’ve been clinically tested and allowed in most civilized countries. If your doubts are about the risks, I’d say they are minimal.
Wow, I feel your pain. It's incredibly vile when you open up about something as personal as seeking help for your mental health, and suddenly everyone around you thinks they're Dr. House or something. Like, really?! The level of unsolicited medical advice that people seem to dish out is mind-boggling. Like, suddenly everyone knows someone who knows someone who took antidepressants, and now they're a self-proclaimed expert on the matter. People are uneducated. Please do what's best for you and trust your doctors.
Don’t hate me, I’m weary of meds of all kinds. I’m like that friend who told you to try all the other options before meds.
I had a rather unpleasant experience when I took too many meds that created some new, complicated issues. Having said that, I’d never advise anyone anything. The only thing I say is that in the long run self-care and therapy are better solutions
@rubyrubyaaww The thing that bugs me the most is the misconceptions surrounding antidepressants. People seem to jump to conclusions and make assumptions based on outdated or incorrect information. When it comes to therapy, it's not a case of "either/or". For lots of folks, a combination of therapy and medication is the best approach. It's not one-size-fits-all.
There's also a common misconception that if you say you need medication, it's because you don't want to change your lifestyle or are seeking an easy way out. People who have never had a panic attack don’t know much about anything...
People don't understand pharmacology. They hear some horror stories and believe them, fake news rules our world. Medications are not a magic bullet, but they may save lives, and they definitely help stabilize mental health issues quickly and effectively. That’s my opinion, if you need it. Sending you positive vibes and support!
As someone who has taken antideps for years, I’d say if you feel that you need them, take them. I would never have conquered my depression without them.
I see where your frustration is coming from. It can be really aggravating to face such responses after opening up about your mental health, plus it puts doubts in your head about your own decisions.
Perhaps, these comments from your friends about possible danger of medications are coming from them being worried about you and not having enough information on what you're going through as it's not something they're dealing with.
From what you described, it sounds like a decision about taking antidepressants was made between you and your doctor thoughtfully, and before making the decision you've made your research and considered all the available options. Remember that your friends don't have the expertise to make judgments about what mental health treatments are appropriate for you. You can listen to their opinions but ultimately make the decision that's best for you in consultation with your doctor.
If it's important to you, you can try to explain to your friends that the medications you'll be taking have been deemed as suitable by your doctor, and that these medications have been extensively researched and found to be effective and safe for most people.
Also, it's important to clarify the differences between a controlled dependence and actual addiction. While some medications cause dependence and have a withdrawal period, that doesn't mean that they're addictive. Your doctor can explain all this in detail to you, and that might be useful information to share with your friends as well.
When you feel doubt, remind yourself that each person's individual medical situation is different, and what works for one person may not work for someone else. You're working with a certified and knowledgeable doctor who can assess what's best for you individually. It's not like you're giving up on talking therapy but rather complementing it.
If your friends keep approaching you with unsolicited opinions and you feel uncomfortable about keeping the discussion, consider setting a clear and firm boundary. For example, you could say something like "I appreciate your concern, but I have already made a decision about this with my doctor, and I'm not looking to discuss it anymore."
Unfortunately there is still lot of stigma and misconceptions around medications. You are free to decide which treatment options are best for you. Counselling and medication are effective together but that depends on your history and assessment. For the most part the antidepressants are not addictive or habit forming. Psychiatrist might consider medication only if you have tried various lifestyle changes but still struggle with your mental health, with therapy you need additional support, your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, you continue to feel worse. Antidepressants are just another tool for managing your well being. You deserve healing, recovery and mental peace. Medication is evidence based and research shows that combining therapy with antidepressants can be powerful approach towards treating your mental health.
Working through these panic attacks and choosing to turn to medication isn't about justifying anything to anyone but it is all about taking care of your mental health and putting yourself first . till you have done your research, understood the side effects, have also understood the fact that medicine dosage could be changed it doesn't work for you or another medicine would be prescribed if doesn't work for you. whatever doubts you have just clear it with your doctor before going ahead. always start the medication with a clear and positive mindset if not it is difficult to recover.