Worried. Should I be? Seems that way.

Hey.

I am worried. Very. I have asked the following questions thousands of times. Loads. Since last Tuesday, none of the answers I have believed - except one...Anti-depressants are useless.

Well. I need to ask this:

I am a 14 Year old, I have heard that since my depression has got worse, I might be going onto Anti-Depressants. Are they safe... at all? Should I be worried ? Well, maybe that's 2 questions. Oh well, who cares anyway ? (that's 3 now).

Well. I looked this up for hours and hours. My google search results were shocking; very shocking. From what I found, anti-depressants for children of my age are unsafe, I am worried - very. My mental health nurse and doctor have both told me that they are safe. I don't believe them.

HELP?

*hugs* i have faith that they might greatly help you

Hi Mikky

I don't believe your doctor would prescribe anything knowing it would do nothing but harm you. My son, who is several years younger than you, has been on an AD for about 1.5 years and hasn't had any horrible side effects.

Good luck and keep us updated.


Dee

((((((((((((((mikkyhill)))))))))))))

There's a lot of research on the internet isn't there!

Some ADs in the past have not been safe for anyone younger than 18 (that's usually the arbitrary age they choose). However, because of advancements, refinements and whatnot and the fact that you can take lower dosages if you experience adverse reactions... they're pretty safe.

Not all ADs would probably be recommended, especially ones that are known to have severely negative effects (like some seem to increase suicidal thoughts) ... but overall, there are some really good ones out there.

Only be worried to an extent. You're reasonably concerned, that's alright because it's good to know stuff because you might not get told everything about a specific drug... but don't be too worried. It doesn't need to be longterm, it could (potentially) be that your depression is caused by a chemical imbalance because your brain is still developing (it stops into your 20s as I recall). So maybe you'll get older and you won't need them! (Could happen).

Just make sure to follow the instructions that they state, and if you have any concerns, always ensure you keep your doctors in the loop if you experience any side effects that you're worried about. Makes it easier for the doctors to determine if something works for you or if it doesn't.

This is a thought though... if you're not crazy about engineered drugs, what about looking into a herbal AD? St. John's Wort is sold in drug stores amongst vitamins and minerals, because it is a "natural" drug. Works like an AD for minor depression as well... just an idea to discuss if you want to.

What you have to ask yourself is this: Do the benefits of antidepressants outweigh the risks?

Yes, there are risks, including an increase in suicidal thinking, especiallly in teens, but also in adults. BUT, will you be safe if you don't take an antidepressant?

Your doc will tell you and your parents what side effects to look for and they will monitor you. They won't just give you the meds and then you are on your own.

I work at a psych hospital and we put lots of teens on AD's and they are very successful.

Also, all meds carry risks. Have you looked up tylenol? It can cause liver damage. Ibuprofen (motrin) can cause ulcers.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll come to the right decision!

No. My depression isn't caused by a chemical imbalance.

Actually. Most of it is my schools, my dads, my brothers and abuse's fault.

I mean. Getting beaten up by my brother for 10 years of my 14 year and counting life, everyday, may be the biggest cause of my depression. It's not until recently that I have been told my a doctor that this is abuse, and I;m a survivor of it - that made me feel proud... for a few moments.

But anyway. My depression isnt caused by a chemical imbalance. I have....problems.

Tough though aint it ? I'll just have to put up with anything I get from now on

((((((((((((((Mikky)))))))))))))))

Life is a pain sometimes. I hope the ADs help... so does therapy, and getting away from those bad for us if it's possible.