Questions about Antidepressants

AMKing

I have had cancer three times over a period of seven years, and up until about three months ago, I was perfectly fine emotionally. I had faith in God and was really fine. Then, my sister, who lives with me, met someone she wanted to marry. I became panicked about being left all alone with my illness and the care of my dad who is in the early stages of Dementia.  Shortly after that, I had to go in the hospital with a staph infection and c-diff. I almost died, but, thank God, I recovered. I was there for two weeks and ever since I have been suffering with daily depression and anxiety.

Anyway, I would like to take an antidepressant, but I have a lot of doubts about them. Are they just a bandage on the problem, or do they really help and can a person get off them eventually?

Thanks

JerzyGrrl

First off...

First off, you've been through a whole slug of things, any one of which could've reasonably had you feeling depressed and / or anxious. Neither anxiety nor depression are moral or spiritual failings, just a sign that you're human. 

There are different kinds of medications for depression, along with different kinds of counseling, plus behavioral things you can do that can help your symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here in the US, it depends on your health insurance and your medical group, but most insurances will let you self-refer (check on the back of your health insurance card). Many will have an RN on call who can help you with a lot of your questions and will probably ask you some to get the best referral for you. 

If you don't think the first medication or the first counselor is working, try another. Yes, I'm mentioning medication and a counselor. They both can be helpful, especially when you've got a lot on your plate (as you do) and will need to be making some major decisions about being a caregiver (as you will). 

Some people stay on medication. Others take it for a time, then discontinue it. For some people, depression is a seasonal thing, so they might find taking it for part of the year works best. The same for the counseling. Ditto for behavioral things. It just depends.

Keep us posted as you're able. Hugs - !

AMKing

JerzyGrrl said:

First off...

First off, you've been through a whole slug of things, any one of which could've reasonably had you feeling depressed and / or anxious. Neither anxiety nor depression are moral or spiritual failings, just a sign that you're human. 

There are different kinds of medications for depression, along with different kinds of counseling, plus behavioral things you can do that can help your symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here in the US, it depends on your health insurance and your medical group, but most insurances will let you self-refer (check on the back of your health insurance card). Many will have an RN on call who can help you with a lot of your questions and will probably ask you some to get the best referral for you. 

If you don't think the first medication or the first counselor is working, try another. Yes, I'm mentioning medication and a counselor. They both can be helpful, especially when you've got a lot on your plate (as you do) and will need to be making some major decisions about being a caregiver (as you will). 

Some people stay on medication. Others take it for a time, then discontinue it. For some people, depression is a seasonal thing, so they might find taking it for part of the year works best. The same for the counseling. Ditto for behavioral things. It just depends.

Keep us posted as you're able. Hugs - !

Thanks so much for the advice

Thanks so much for the advice, Jerzy Girl! I appreciate your concern! Hugs to you, too.