Scared to take antidepressants?

Hello everyone! I apologize if this is the wrong place to talk about this. I'm new here, haha.

I was prescribed Wellbutrin and I picked it up close to a month ago (I have the generic form, which I hope is okay, I just realized that about a week ago). And I've heard great things about it. I am just terrified to start taking antidepressants. I don't know why. It could just be me being influenced by my family, who is antimedication, and who doesn't really have a firm grasp on mental health issues (it's a cultural thing).

Has anyone else ever been afraid to start taking their medication? What made you get over that fear? I know it'll be good for me and I know I need it because I've had chronic depression for a decade now. I'm just very nervous.

I used to be scared to take medication but after years of suffering I decided to take the plunge. I've had to try many different ones as some didn't work well, but am now on a combination that keeps me stable. It helps so much that I wouldn't think of going without it. When I got tired of feeling miserable I decided to take medication.

i was terrified and for months refused to take ad's. then i was threatened with hospitalisation, and i took them.

they have made it so much easier for me to cope with depression. i might not go as far as saying they have changed my life - the depression is still there - but the unpredictablility and intense highs and lows have mellowed. if you are suffering from severe depression, you'd be a fool not to take them.

please give them a chance.

Hi Starry Prince,

There are good reasons to be cautious about taking antidepressants and especially cautious about taking them for a long time. I've collected my own best advice for this here:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4262681-post105.html

You'll find that there are many things you can do to improve besides meds that are either very easy or are great for your health anyway. Why not give these a try either with or without your antidepressant?

- vital

I suffered for years with major depression and didn't know until I was in my early 20's. Medication helps but it might not be the only answer. I didn't hesitate when my doctor prescribed me something... They started helping me feel 'normal' within the first couple of weeks. If you do start taking something, make sure you keep in contact/follow-up with your doctor.

Thanks a lot for the responses everyone! I really appreciate them! I will definitely think about it some more and come to a decision very soon.