It's a big decision if you decide to take antidepressants.Many people don't want to take antidepressants because of a variety of reasons.The fear may be keeping you from getting the treatment you need.To get over your fear of antidepressants, talk to your doctor, weigh the pros and cons, ignore other people's reactions, and learn as much as possible about the antidepressants.
Step 1: You should talk to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you are afraid of antidepressants.Ask them what they want to know.Tell them what scares you.Explain to them why you're hesitant.Negative side effects and how long you will have to take them can be discussed with your doctor by you.Make sure you are comfortable with your doctor.If your doctor won't take the time to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable with the treatment option, consider a different doctor.If you don't feel like yourself on the medication, what can I do?
Step 2: Discuss it with a therapist
You might want to talk to your therapist about your fears.They can help you overcome your fears.You can talk to your therapist about the benefits of taking antidepressants.
Step 3: The antidepressants should be researched.
You should research the antidepressants your doctor wants you to take after you discuss it with him or her.What are the side effects of antidepressants, and what benefits are there?You can read reviews of people's experiences on the internet.
Step 4: Take the pros and cons into account.
The pros and cons of taking antidepressants should be taken into account when making a decision.If you overcome your fear and take the medication, what benefits will you have?What are the side effects of taking the medication?Share the list with your family, friends, or therapist.It is possible that you will feel better, your moods will improve, and you only have to take them for a few months.Side effects and a feeling of shame are possible cons.Which list is more important?If you take antidepressants, you may want to address ideas that aren't true from your con list, like the feeling of shame or a stigma.
Step 5: If other treatments have worked, decide.
Depression can be treated with antidepressants, but they are helpful for people who cannot.If you have tried other treatments, like therapy without medication, with no results, medication may be helpful for you.Combining antidepressants with other treatments can have significant benefits.
Step 6: Do you want to feel like you do now?
It's okay to be afraid of a new treatment.Think about how you feel now.Which is stronger, your current depressed state or your fear of medication?What will happen to you if you don't get treatment?You may be able to get over your fear with the answers to the questions.Even if it doesn't work out, trying something in a depressed state is better than not trying at all.The fear is stronger for some.If you want to get better, you have to try something.
Step 7: Work with your doctor to find the right medication.
Some people are afraid that they won't find a medication that will work for them.They might be afraid that they will experience too many negative side effects.It's important to work with your doctor to find the right drug for you.If your doctor believes you have found the right one, you may try two to three antidepressants.Don't stop taking the medication without your doctor's approval.Tell them how to gradually stop.It takes time to start working on antidepressants.It can take up to six weeks before you start to notice any improvement in your symptoms.If you don't see an immediate change in your condition, you should not give up.
Step 8: There are ways to counteract weight gain.
Many people don't want to take antidepressants because they think it will make them gain weight.This is a side effect of drugs.It is possible that some may affect you more than others.Work with your doctor to find ways to stop the weight gain.Your doctor may suggest a different eating plan.Adding in more physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Step 9: If you need antidepressants, don't think you are weak.
Depression is a condition.Depression and treatment do not make you weak.Depression can be treated with medication.Depression is a sign of strength and not weakness.If you take medication for high blood pressure, you are not weak for taking antidepressants.
Step 10: You should keep your choice private.
You should keep your decision private if you are afraid of what other people will think.The only people who have to know are your doctor and those you tell.You can tell your partner or people you live with.You have control of who knows about your depression treatment.If you feel ashamed, keep it private.If you feel like people will judge you, it may help.If you are worried that you will be stigmatized for taking antidepressants, it may help.It's not true of you if you take antidepressants, but that fear is real for people.You should push what other people say out of your mind.
Step 11: If you have suicidal thoughts, visit your doctor.
Some people are scared of taking antidepressants because of the increased risk of suicide.Children, adolescents, and young adults are more at risk of suicide.There was no increased suicide risk for people over 25.You should call a suicide hotline if you are having suicidal thoughts.You can call the hotline if you'd like to end your life.
Step 12: Antidepressants don't make you lose touch with reality.
Some people worry that antidepressants can make you forget your problems, along with everything else.They might think that antidepressants don't help you deal with the problems.A place to deal with any underlying issues can be found on the right antidepressants.Depression or underlying issues will not be fixed by antidepressants.It is helpful to work with a therapist while taking an anti-depressant.It is possible to work more effectively with your other treatments if you take the medication.
Step 13: Drugs won't change your personality.
Many people don't take antidepressants because they think it will change their personality.Some think it will turn you into a zombie.This won't happen if you take the correct medication.Taking the right medication will help you feel better and like yourself again.You should contact your doctor if you experience loss of emotions, apathy, or feel like a zombie.It's possible you aren't on the right antidepressants.
Step 14: Taking antidepressants is a short-term treatment.
Many people are afraid that they will have to be on antidepressants for the rest of their lives if they start taking them.Most people take antidepressants for a short time.This lasts anywhere from six months to a year.People with depression can get out of their low state with the help of anti-depressants.Once that happens, the doctor will help the person slowly come off the drug.It's okay if you have to take an antidepressant indefinitely.People take lower doses to help manage their moods.
Step 15: You should be aware that antidepressants will not affect your sex life.
Some antidepressants may have side effects related to sex, but they don't cause you to not want to have sex.Depression can affect your sex life, so it's important to treat it.Discuss the sexual side effects of your medication with your doctor.You may be able to take a different drug.