[sadplant]

My doctor thinks so. And gave me antidepressants for it.

But I'm absolutely terrified that, perhaps, they've made the wrong diagnosis? (all this doubt is coming from my fear of taking medications). I mean, it's all guessing, isn't it? She didn't run any tests on me. What if my serotonin levels aren't low?

Yes, I do have almost all the symptoms of depression, but what if I'm just.. feeling a normal human emotion? I've been cooped up in my house for two years without any social interaction, that's bound to make someone miserable.

I don't even know what I'm getting at, honestly. I'm so afraid of taking my medication. I'm afraid that they'll make me a different person, as I've become to used to feeling the way I do and reacting to things the way I do. I don't know much about antidepressants at all, and the more I Google facts, the more anxious I feel. Are these meds going to change me forever or are they only going to work as long as I keep taking them?

Is what I'm going through even depression? (There aren't that many psychiatrists where I'm from - I don't know who to trust).

[online user]

I've been taking antidepressants for over 30 years. And I went through one serious depression without meds--just exercised a LOT and worked through it on my own. After having done it without meds and realizing I need meds, I am so sorry I struggled so without the help the first time.

With meds, you will still be the same person with the same feelings, just not so blue. It will be possible for you to be happy, which it might not be without meds.

I remember when I got my elderly father's doc to give him a mild dose of Zoloft. He was a different person. He'd smile when something was funny. He'd be serene, not angry, if there were a commotion around him. It was a good thing. He was still Dad; he was just enjoying life more.

You can scare yourself about any med just from reading about adverse effects which are possible. These are generally only true for a small percentage of the population taking them. I'd try the meds and talk to your doc if you feel you have adverse effects. Your doc is probably starting you on a small dose--that's the usual way--so you will probably be just fine.

Susan

[bharani1008]

What a great story Online user. I'm really happy for your father.
I am just so grateful for modern medicine. I was so unable to cope with anything and so scared and filled with self-loathing. Meds gave me back to myself. Now I can be useful and not a burden. I'm the same person but I can think more clearly and develop the more positive traits that I have. All my energy isn't required just to barely live and keep myself from self harm.
Please Sadplant, just give meds and maybe therapy also, a try. It can take some time and adjustments to get the best combinations for you but it's so worth the effort.
I hope you feel better soon

[OldLife]

People here cannot determine if you are depressed or not, but if a doctor has gave you anti depressants, it's cannot be far from right answer. ADs will not change you or your personality and they certainly won't affect you permamently. If you get very anxious just from taking them, only then I would consider not taking them, because they may just make you feel worse. It all pretty much depends of your own point of view.