How many people think that anti-depresants are dangerous?  I think meditation is better than medication!\nTake time out for a mental unwind and keep your sanity.
216928
You obviously have never had a disorder bad enough to require medication. It's like asking a diabetic to relax some and make their own insulin. I do think anti-depressants are over prescribed but some people absolutely need them. People like myself.
428141
I have also suffered severe depression on and off for quite a while, and am currently battling post-natal psychosis.\nAnti-depressants aren't any good for me either. If medication isn't working for you, then more medication probably isn't going to achieve much.\nSelf-confidence comes with self-esteem, which cannot be provided by any drug. I'm not sure feeling elated all day is exactly normal, either.\nI am currently being treated by a natural therapist and an excellent psychologist, and have come further in the past eight weeks than in the past four years.\nYou need to check things like your hormone levels (these will most likely be out of whack with the depression), there are nutritional factors to consider (depression, anxiety and stress deplete the body of many many nutrients), cognitive behavioural therapy is brilliant, as is learning relaxation techniques. There are probably past issues you need to deal with (psychologist), and good regular exercise is suprisingly helpful (I hate it but I do it!).\nI honestly think you'd be better off exploring other treatment methods than putting your poor mind and body through another horrible experience with medication.\nWhatever you do, I hope it works for you :)
136055
Please do NOT take any anti depressants or anything!  A friend of mine committed suicide while on it.\nNo medication is good for you.  There are so many side effects that will just cause other problems.  Now a days they have a little pill for EVERYTHING and it's disgusting.  These so-called medications don't cure or solve the problem...they hide it till it removes the lining in your stomach.  \nFor your anxiety/depression, try to find out what it is that is causing stress right now and try to solve the problem.  Also, try meditating.  Go in your bedroom by yourself, lye down and light a candle or put a little soft light on.  Close your eyes and try to think about nothing.  Imagine yourself sinking, like your body is weightless and you are floating down.  Within minutes you'll be out and you won't wake up till the next day...so it might be better that you don't light a candle.  You should also make sure that it is quiet, or listen to calming music (lightly).  Try this and I promise you it will work.\nAnd remember that EVERYONE feels like this in some time of their life and it is natural.  I hate it how everything now has to be diagnosed a name and how there is a pill for all your problems.  I don't believe that anyone is "depressed" or has "ADD"  it's all crap.  Everyone has a little of everything...it's just about how strong of a person you are and how you handle your problems.
485496
Avoid drugs if at all possible, try Yoga first and meditation.  They are both great for chilling out...;
559049
Yes...and know of others who did as well...the stuff is handed out like candy, we all want a quick fix, or to believe we are messed up and need help... but really, we need our loving friends and family, physical activity, creative outlets (journalling, art, ) and maybe sharing with others in a supportive setting. You are not alone here! I never went higher than the 34.5 starter dose, experienced panic attacks, more anxiety and irrational thinking than ever...I just realized I needed to accept whatever apin I was going through, grieve, weep, heal and move on. I tossed the stuff and went to a homeopath instead...and keep active! Natural endorphins will get you through in the end...best wishes.
572750
Every person reacts differently to antidepressants. My friend is happy as ever on Zoloft, but it made me suicidally depressed. The only thing to do is keep trying until you find a medication that works for you.
351380
Please, stay away from the meds. I've had two friends wind up in the emergency room from pills- not 'overdoing' it or anything. Try green tea, ginseng, anything natural
297307
After trying to commit suicide twice here are the things that have helped me most:  developing my spirituality has helped (doesn't matter how you do it, just work on it), eliminating toxic people from my life..even harmful family members, and sorry to say -counseling...I took anti-depresants for a short time, but they don't take away the problems...they just give you a clear head for a while, and while you're clear headed you can figure out how to improve your life.
611516
I personally would recommend trying one of the antidepressants and seeing if they can work for you.  I have been on many different ones, which have worked on and off; the one I'm on now is great. It has bad side effects, but having experienced very deep depression in the past, I'll weather anything at this point.\n\nTalk therapy hasn't worked for me, but the meds have. I know everyone is different, though.  Just my suggestion.
339281
I feel that the United States doctors are going crazy w/ this diagnosis. I feel this is something you can help on you own.  I think that this is a super crazy world w/ tons of things going on in our lives at once and because of this, some of us have a hard time focusing.  You need to practice focusing possibly w/ the everyday use of meditation you could over come this so call disorder.
584758
My wife is a Dr.  Her brother is a Dr. (shrink), a lot of the conversations we have sometimes dwell on mental cases.  You are not alone hon!  Granted your problem is serious and you should be talking to your Dr. about this.  You probably need to try a different medicine first, unless you just started a new med?  The fact that you're bring this out into the public is an indication that you don't really want to die, but are crying for help.  You can voluntary admit yourself into an in house treatment program and leave at anytime.  It is called autonomy, which is your right to decide what is best for you, as long as you can make sound comprehensible decisions.  Once you become a threat to society in general, then you will be admitted against your will, not only to save you but to save others.  Get some rest, stay away from any drugs and alcohol, see your Dr. tomorrow and tell him/her what is on your mind.  It's OK and everything will be alright, give it time.  People love you!!  You're not scum, just a normal human being with a physical condition no different than a heart problem, lung problem, bone problem, you are not scum Cassie!\n\nRJ
80587
smile. Im with you on this one. My mind is slowing down. I always thought I was fine. Never got depressed like my other friends but yes, the minds slowing down. Is concentration a huge prob as well?....the best thing I do is eat lots of fresh foods everyday, keep up your daily vitamin intake as well. Water is very underated and should be drunk in masses! There is a herbal drug out there called H2JK (or something like that - someone help us here) but it helps with the memory. Admittingly im very smart witted, its just Im starting to forget things....best of luck and lets see how you go :-)
41316
I don't think using an alternative medication is good. There have been some cases in which people have had panic attacks because they are not used to that medication.
383015
I understand how you feel and I think it's great that you're open to medication management and psychotherapy to improve your mental health.  However, in the beginnning with all medication management plans, it's imperative that you get the right combinations of meds, dosage and be monitored regularly in the begining.\n\nTreating depression is much more complex then treating an infection, like a cold or flu.  You're going to need to be an active participant in giving the Dr. information on your moods, thoughts, side effects and overall state of well being. \n\nThe mood disorder that your diagnosed with, will ultimately determine the type of medication your prescribed.  Each medication comes with a theraputic schedule for dosage and some require close supervision, as improper dosage changes can have detremental results with nasty side effects.\n\nThe point is, in the beginning, you'll have to be held on a short leash and be monitored until your Dr. figures out how you will react to certain meds/dosages and ultimately what blend will provide the best results.  Once you are at a theraputic dose where your brain has soaked in enough of the drug and you experience positive results, you'll only have to see your psychiatrist for maintenance purposes, for as little as once a month.\n\nI understand the money issue, I've been through it myself.  However, if you were diagnosed with cancer and you had to choose a more expensive and effective treatment vs. no treatment, what would you do?  It doesn't matter how, but you would certainly find a way to pay for it.  Mental health is equally important to your psychical health and you should prioritize it as if you would a terminal illness.\n\nGranted, I've spent tons of cash on therapy and it stressed me out plenty.  Right now, I've come from what I felt was a bottomless hole of depression, to the point where I look forward to every day!  I would have spent triple the amount I payed if I had to.  You really can't put a price on your health.\n\nI hope this helps and good luck in getting better!
548534
Hi - some of those meds you mentioned can take a while before you get to feel any positive effect from them. I know a few people who take meds for bi-polar, and each one told me about the time factor, and each one needs to take something different. \nI don't know if you've ever tried meditation or anything spiritual, but if you are open-minded, you can find a LOT of books that can help you, as well as self-help support groups which can give you some input (you'll need to contact some counseling service or look in the phone book to find them). \nIf your situation gets really bad, you may need to go to the emergency room at your local hospital (if you're contemplating some drastic action, they HAVE to help you); just take the insurance that you had from where you used to live. That should be enough for a hospital to use until your coverage gets switched over (even smaller hospitals have staff specialists that know how to deal with the money issue).\nGood Luck!
553994
My doctor has me on Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Lamictal and Adderall. A lot of drugs, I know. I even have Xanax in case I really lose it. I don't think that medicine is the only answer. Consider speaking with a psychologist, who can help you get down to the root of your anxiety. I know that exercise and a better diet would improve my attitude, if I were ever to get motivated.  Also getting in touch with your spiritual side, such as going to a worship service or meditating, can help alleviate the stress that causes anxiety. I hope to someday chose the path outside of medicine. I wish you luck with dealing with this struggle, and also Happy Holidays!
98956
I went through that not long ago. I found myself praying for death. I came home from church one Sunday all ready to end my life. "Thou shalt not kill" came to my mind. I cried for two weeks because God told me that He did not want me to end my life. My doctor tried to put me on anti depression and anxity meds. The problem is that doctors just do not have the training in meds to know what meds you need for your chemical imbalance. \nAsk your doctor, friends, and family members if they know of a mental health worker/social worker/counselor, or whoever, that they would reccomend. You may be surprised at the relatives and friends who have delt with depression. Even you counselor at school can help you. You must also find a good psychrist who knows how to mix meds to meet your needs. You may have to go to a clinic that deals with depression only. You must find a good psychrist. Search, search, and search some more until you find the professionals and meds for you. If you want to talk, answer one of my q&a's, you do not have to respond to my question, just let me know if you want to talk. I do have some college and life education that may help you. Please get help NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!