[introspectiveme]

I don’t want to be too specific but where I live, anti depressants are almost unheard of, it’s mostly just group therapy. Any medication for mental illnesses is highly discouraged.

It’s just mostly therapy and god and I’ve sought help many times

My parents are also kinda scared of the thought of me being on medication

I’m just saying this cause therapy never worked for me

I’m just curious to know how people get diagnosed and who prescribes medication and just how depressed do I have to be to qualify here

[Quarter life]

Hi introspective.

I myself have experienced many long depressive periods both medicated & unmedicated. I have endured being depressed...and having depression. And yes there is a difference. For me being depressed resulted from events and external influences that dramatically altered my mood. It wasn't until I experienced full blown depression that I understood the difference. Clinical depression resulted in me being cut off from the world and being unable to see my way forward, a blunting of all my emotions, no sadness, no happiness, no anticipation or hope..as though all the life force had been drained from me. After several sessions with a psychiatrist I was prescribed medication as my depression was glaringly apparent. Depression is a sneaky animal, as often we are in such depression that we don't realise that we are unwell, but a doctor should be able to pinpoint whether medication is warranted as long as you are open & honest with them, tell them exactly whats going on and how it is effecting your day to day life.

Chat to your general doctor, he/she may or may not refer you to a therapist for evaluation. If your doctor recommends medication, be sure to take them only as prescribed and keep an ongoing dialogue with your doctor on any unwanted side effects. Often there may be no need to remain on medication indefinitely, but antidepressants can be a miraculous tool to help reset your brain chemicals...getting you back on a healthier, more positive, more productive path.

Wishing you all the best.

[introspectiveme]

Hi thank you for your response and I will see what I can do

I was just wondering if there are parts of the worlds that discourage medication for depression and mental illnesses

[Quarter life]

I guess it depends on severity of symptoms...However my doctor prefers therapy over medication. But as I mentioned, in tandem with therapy they can be very helpful. I am in Australia. I think medications are much less readily available here than many other western countries

[introspectiveme]

Thank you for your response

This was what I was wanting to know

Maybe I should be more honest about therapy to my therapist

If there is some problem getting an antidepressant, maybe you can get Zyban. It is to help stop smoking, but it is also an antidepressant. It is the same thing as Wellbutrin.

If you have a suspicion that you could be bipolar, which comes with a risk of mania for going on an antidepressant, you can try Lamacil. This is good for depression, but it is also prescribed for other things, like seizures or migraine headaches.

[introspectiveme]

Originally Posted by key tones

If there is some problem getting an antidepressant, maybe you can get Zyban. It is to help stop smoking, but it is also an antidepressant. It is the same thing as Wellbutrin.

Thank you now I have something I have to say to my doc

I also want to quit smoking too

[katydid777]

I wish I could help with a answer for you, but I am extremely allergic to ssr's, so I can't help with this question. I do my best to try not to get so depressed that I would hurt my self. I have been there several times. Now if things get that bad, I normally would call my T, but I haven't had one since Jan. this year. She had to move, and they haven't found a new one yet. If things got very bad with me, I could call one of the other 2 in the office, but they don't know me. Anyway I am sorry I couldn't help you with your question! (((((((HUGS)))))))

[introspectiveme]

Originally Posted by katydid777

I wish I could help with a answer for you, but I am extremely allergic to ssr's, so I can't help with this question. I do my best to try not to get so depressed that I would hurt my self. I have been there several times. Now if things get that bad, I normally would call my T, but I haven't had one since Jan. this year. She had to move, and they haven't found a new one yet. If things got very bad with me, I could call one of the other 2 in the office, but they don't know me. Anyway I am sorry I couldn't help you with your question! (((((((HUGS)))))))

Thank you

You still helped me by sharing your story

[Shazerac]

Originally Posted by introspectiveme

Thank you for your response

This was what I was wanting to know

Maybe I should be more honest about therapy to my therapist

I agree to be honest with your therapist. It is true in some cultures that medication if frowned upon. But don’t give up if you think it might help you. I doesn’t matter if you are not “bad enough” to need help. If you are suffering than you have a right to not only ask for help, but receive it.

[introspectiveme]

Originally Posted by Shazerac

I agree to be honest with your therapist. It is true in some cultures that medication if frowned upon. But don’t give up if you think it might help you. I doesn’t matter if you are not “bad enough” to need help. If you are suffering than you have a right to not only ask for help, but receive it.

Yes and I also shouldn’t worry about what others think either