Pros & Cons on brain-meds

Hi there.

First time on this specific board, so here goes.

I've been struck by a MASSIVE depression with a topping of anxiety. Only reason I'm not put on a ward is because I'm not suicidal. My world has no handles and doing the simplest of things can be a whole day if not several days adventure.

I'm generally opposed to the idea of "fake happiness" via anti-depression medication and calming medicine to handle my anxiety. Thing is, my doctor, psychologist and psychiatrist all think I should take the step and get some medication.

I really don't like the idea of brain-meds, but are there any REAL reason for me to dislike it besides me not "liking" it? Or opposite, have I missed some awesome pro-medication argument?

Hoping to hear from you all.

There are good reasons to take Meds and good reasons not to. I don't think being afraid of "fake happiness" is a particularly good reason not to. That's just not what antidepressants do. When they work, they ease depression. They don't make you "happy" - let alone "fake happy." Well, if they do make you really "happy" - that's probably a side effect called hypomania, in which case you'll be taken off them or given a mood stabilizer maybe. But generally speaking what they do is make you feel less crappy.

The good reasons not to take antidepressants are side effects. But newer antidepressants tend not to have serious side effects, and when they do have side effects, they normally go away when you stop them. Watch the weight and read the insert.

Another reason might be the controversy over whether they're even all that effective. Most studies show,that therapy is about as effective and longer-lasting. So there's nothing wrong with trying therapy first if you don't like the idea of Meds.

But you're probably already doing that and you're still really sick. Honestly - that would be the point at which I'd try medications. Because I can't think of a good reason not to in the face of a severe depression when they might really help.

After having had 2 psychiatrists and my own psychologist recommending it, I have begun medication alongside my therapy.

Thanks for the answer still!

If medication works as it should it does not cause false happiness but you will feel normal again.

The problem is, that you will have to try several ones before you get the best working one.
Genetic testing might help to exclude some, but I am not sure for how many different antidepressants there is reliable data.

If you do not take medication when having a severe depression you deny yourself a chance to get better fast. It is also very bad for the brain to stay in depression for too long. The longer the depression ... the more brain damage. And it is not all reversible.

My experience is mainly good, also there were some medications which had no positive effect and others which made me feel ill - but in the end I found a very good combination.

Trischa2016 wrote:If you do not take medication when having a severe depression you deny yourself a chance to get better fast. It is also very bad for the brain to stay in depression for too long. The longer the depression ... the more brain damage. And it is not all reversible.

Do you have research that says this? I have not heard this before.

As others have said, I have not found medication to create a "fake happiness" but rather some breathing room so that I can do the work to actually overcome the depression. It's hard to overcome depression when you literally cannot get out of bed all day. There are risks, and it is important that you are aware of the risks, not only side effects but also withdrawal risks. The choice to take medication is a very personal one. Some people argue against it, and others are very much for it. In my opinion, each person needs to make an informed decision for themselves as to what path is right for them.