[ballet_girl]

Just wondering how meds help depression/what it feels like to be on medication. I understand how it works chemically in the brain, but not how it affects how you actually feel depression. Do you stop thinking negative thoughts? Do you still have negative thoughts but they don't bother you any more?

Hello, ballet_girl. You might get more information at the Psychiatric Medications forum here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13

[Leed]

Hi ~ I've been on an antidepressant for many years. My meds make me feel "normal" (whatever that is!!). I don't feel like I'm in the pits of despair. I don't feel "depressed." I feel like I can cope with the daily stresses of life -- which before I took medications, I couldn't cope well at ALL. Everything seemed to depress me -- I got overwhelmed at the drop of a hat. All I wanted to do was escape -- I'd prefer sleeping all day rather than going out and DOING something! I neglected things around the house just because I felt overwhelmed.

Today I don't feel like that at all. Daily life doesn't overwhelm me -- I'm able to cope even in a crisis. I don't feel depressed -- I don't want to sleep the day away. All in all, it is WELL WORTH taking the medication. I remember all too well how I used to feel -- and i don't want to go back to that --- EVER!!!

If you do get on an antidepressant, remember that it takes awhile for it to become effective. It can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 weeks for the antidepressant to take effect. It's well worth the wait!!

God bless and please take care of yourself. Hugs, Lee