Im planning on going on anti depressants. But i heard that they can be addictive in that once the person isnt depressed anymore and he/she goes off the pills, then they feel down for no reason cause they like...need the pill for support. is this true? are anti depressants any good anyway? i mean do they work? which ones do you suggest? which brand? i want like a friggin happy pill, something thats just going to make the world seem right and just basically make me happy permanently.
Hi densy. There's alot of info that needs to be addressed before anyone can give you drug advice, IMO.
Do you know why you're depressed? Is it circumstantial? Have recent events (or people) had a negative impact on your life? Or has this been a lifelong struggle? Do you feel you've always had depression? Have you suffered from low self esteem your entire life? Or has it all come in waves of really high "highs" and low "lows"......
I think knowing the answers to these questions can help determine what would be best for you. IMHO, psychotherapy (with a doctor you like) should be the #1 option. A therapist is one of the best tools that can help you work your way out of it. Because let's face it, everyone goes through rough, depressive times in their lives - and having an outside person offer insight, empathy, and experience with helping others, can help tremendously. Research psychotherapists, therapists, or psychologists on your health plan. Did you know most health plans cover a certain amount of "mental health" doc appts. per year? Find out about yours.
This isn't to say you should rule out drugs. Medication can help greatly too, but as everyone else has stated....you will suffer side effects, and terrible withdrawal symptoms should you ever go off them. (But as a sidenote, I know 2 people who've had very successful treatment with Wellbutrin.) I say to give it a shot with a therapist first as a foundation - if it's not working for you, you can try meds (therapists can also give you feedback on that, and at that point, you would meet with a Psychiatrist.)
Hope this helps. Good luck to you.