Are you on any anti-depressant drugs?

[crazyincalifornia]

Prescription anti-depressant drugs are at an all time high, with more on the way.
Please poll and tell your story if you choose.

I'm under 18 and use precsribed Anti Meds.

I'm between 19-25 and use prescribed Anti Meds.

I'm between 26 and 40 and use prescribed Anti Meds.

I'm over 50 and use prescribed Anti Meds.

[dartmaul15]

I'm not and never have been, but i probably should have. here's my story, well, the part i'm able to recall without getting all sobby and down for the rest of the evening.

11 yo. my friends turned their back on me, and i ended up as a bully victim.
13 yo. Changed school, and not much changed. Took maybe a couple weeks before the past caught up with me. Obvioulsy this left a dent in my grades for the next couple years.
14-16 yo. As a result of the bullying i was mentally far down, at times not only depressed but also suicidal. The depression was crippling, and i couldn't get much done. I forced myself through school, and used gaming (especially RPG's where i could live an alternate live, and be sucessfull instead of the looser i was) as a safe haven. Miiight've turned to a bit of selv harming (not too serious though, so no permanent damage beside scars), leaving my shoulders and upper arms (easier to hide there) now riddled with scars which makes me look like a frigin fallow deer (not cute, don't even think about it). In hindsight i should've probably been on medications for quite some time...
17/18. Changed school, and finally got out of it. Gradually got better, but it has still left me with a dent in my social skills, given me a rather cynical view on people, and made it hard to trust people.
19yo. present time. Has the occational moments where i'm waaay down, but they fade after a day or so.

Morale of the story? If you're depressed, GET HELP! If you're bullying someone, you're fucking up his life, potentially beyond repair!

[crazyincalifornia]

You are a survivor.
Thank you for trying to help others. :))

[dartmaul15]

More helping myself really :/
Even if i'm introverted and doesn't need to be with people 24/7 i still experience lonelines. After all, i want to be alone, not lonely. SOunds like a paradox, but the point is i don't feel like taking the spotlight, i simply want someone that understands and lets me be myself. Not that easy to find, i can tell you!

[crazyincalifornia]

You are an interesting person.
Do you find this site therapeutic at all?

[dartmaul15]

Not really, no. It's more that it lets me help others, and thus help them avoid suffering like i did (and to some extent still do). It may not be specifically with depression or bullying, but about things i got some knowledge about...

[Theguyoverthere]

I have used some in high school but got away from them. I really did not like the change in mood they were giving me. I really have mixed feelings about them because I feel like doctors these days are giving these things out like candy. I had a therapist try and set me up on some too and it pissed me off because she was being really sneaky about it.

She read me this sad story of some sort that was really awkward of her to bring up and then asked how I felt after. I couldn't say I was happy hearing it obviously because the story she read was very emotional. With that said she suddenly tried telling me that I shouldn't feel like that and started trying to refer to me to person who could prescribe me and I felt like it was a set up. When I told my mother about it she did not seem happy and was very blunt with the therapist about how I was not going back to her. Since then I've been extremely skeptical about the way they prescribe these things.

I'm also very skeptical with how quick many teachers are to claim that kids have ADHD.

[crazyincalifornia]

Learning disorders like ADHD can be subjective in tests.
Personally, I think it may be under reported. Not too sure but I am learning.

[misupanda]

I am and have been since I was 16. I have had dysthymic disorder (24/7 depression basically) since I was about 11 or 12. I am mostly likely on them for life. Honestly, they don't help much. I'm still down all the time. However, they do help with impulses. I used to be severely suicidal and the medication takes that urge away. So while it doesn't cure my sadness, it does mello me out a bit.
I had always been bullied since kindergarten, but once I got to middle school, it got a whole lot worse. To escape, I would escape online. I still don't know why to this day, but these 2 girls targeted me online and created a "hate group" for me, and turned all my friends against me. I had a group of 30+ girls calling me the worst names you can possibly think of, telling me my parents didn't care about me, saying everyone would be happy if I would commit suicide. I would block them, make new accounts, etc, but somehow they'd always find me. My home life started becoming bad also..(to be continued)

[misupanda]

I finally met a friend who was very kind to me, it was a guy, and my first boyfriend. If anyone has seen my posts about my first boyfriend on this site, they know how this turns out. My first boyfriend was a bit older, but still underage. One day, he just snapped and began abusing me verbally, and eventually sexually. He forced me to do sexual acts and would record it, and not to my knowledge, until way later, he started telling them as child pornography. Words cannot describe how violated and dirty I felt. He was threatening my family, and so I didn't tell anyone, because I was a naive little girl and I was scared. So the assaults continued until my mom found out eventually. We went to the police, but.. his dad was the chief of police, so... he got off completely free. The police blamed me. My parents blamed me. Everyone blamed me. This was when I truly began hating myself and when my depression took a turn for the worst. Even still, I was still somewhat sane though. (to be continued)

[misupanda]

In my sophomore year, I finally met friends. It was the first time I ever had friends outside of school, and we had a lot of fun. Then my grandpa died. He had terminal cancer, and I watched him take his last breath. I was very close, so.. I was very upset. Not even an hour after his death, every single one of my friends texted me, comparing him to a dead cat and telling me to go kill myself. I was so confused. There was nothing leading up to this point, it was completely random. Later, when I asked them the reason, they said it was because I mourned my grandpa too much. Not joking. After this, I was very scared to go to school. My depression became very bad. I became an insomniac. I slept maybe 3 hours in that entire week. I stopped eating, because I literally didn't even have the energy to pick up a spoon. I would try, and just give up. I laid in bed and just stared at the walls for hours. I think I was going a bit nuts. (to be continued)

[misupanda]

When the day came for me to go back to school, I refused. My parents tried to force me, and kept threatening me, and I just remember thinking... how can these people who claim to love me cause me so much grief when they know how much I'm going through already? So I threw a huge fit and ended up in a mental hospital for 8 days. Then I got on my anti-depressants. I can't even remember how many times I attempted suicide during those years. I know it was quite a lot. That was the point though. I didn't want to die. I wanted to live. I just wanted life to get better, but when I had no where to run, everywhere I went I was getting hurt, I felt death was the only way to make the pain stop. Even to this day, I live with the pain, and I'm only writing this whole big long thing out, because I'm feeling especially down today, and I figured it'd help me to get it out. So thank you. It made me feel a bit better. And I'm sorry to those of you who read this.

[crazyincalifornia]

I have been bullied online. I now block them immediately.

[crazyincalifornia]

Yeah the bullies. I pay them back sometimes with their same medicine. :))

[misupanda]

Yeah. Usually blocking works. For me, it didn't,, because they would just create new accounts. People can be nasty.

[crazyincalifornia]

That is very scary.
You sound determined to survive though.

[misupanda]

Thank you for MH! :)

[Gemstone2411]

I was diagnosed with clinical depression at age 15 and was recommended anti depressants. But because I was under 16 and needed my parents' consent to take this prescription, my Mum refused for me to take them.

At time I had a go at her and thought "she doesn't want me to be happy", she would go on about how dangerous they are and the chance of becoming addicted to them.

I am now 19 years old and still haven't taken anti-depressants. I managed to pick myself up all on my own, you don't need pills to make you feel better.
My best friend, however, has taken these anti-depressants but he says they only work if you work with them. He's not on them now though,

[crazyincalifornia]

Thank you for sharing. People like you help people like me and others to not be judgmental and to better understand this awful condition.

[been_waiting]

According to your poll, 18 year olds don't exist lol.

But yes I am 18 and I'm on Lamictal and Remeron. When I was 15ish (almost 16 maybe?) I was prescribed Zoloft. Then I was on... shit. I was on 3 other meds and I can't remember their names. I know one was Prozac. Anyway, I was on so many in such a small amount of time that I honestly have no idea if any of it actually worked. Doctors are stupid. They will ask "so is your current medication helping? Is it the most effective? " as if I have any idea. I don't know what my baseline is. How the fuck do I know.

I truly do have depression and anxiety. I know doctors are quick to throw meds at everyone with the blues but I have been mentally ill since I was really young. I remember contemplating suicide when I was 6.

[crazyincalifornia]

Ooops! I'm still trying to get the hang of this poll thing.
Wow! You are a wake up call. Suicide thoughts at 6 yo. How awful.
Your parents must have been frightened, totally, for you.

[been_waiting]

Yeah, they were. I'm more well adjusted than I used to be.

[crazyincalifornia]

When you're an anon I can't follow you. I wish I could.

[been_waiting]

There ya go~

[Anonymous]

Im 18 and I used to use them.
I had pretty severe depression few years ago so I got Seronil 20mg, they doubled the prescription at some point when my srate got worse.
I gotta say they helped me. My emotions became more "stable". I didn't cry myself to sleep that often anymore. And didn't consider suicide that severely.
I stopped using them about half a year ago. I still notice that after taking the pills some emotions are kinda "lame". For an example I dont get scared anymore. No one can spook me xD

[crazyincalifornia]

Good for you.
I have a question if you don't mind.
Do you find this site therapeutic? Does discussing your issues and reading responses result in making you feel better and maybe not so alone?
I don't mind saying it does for me.
You can message me if you prefer.
Thx.

[Opinion Owner]

This site actually makes me feel like shit. Tgat im not good for anyone. That Im too ugly to find anyone who would seriously love me. But its addicting. I think Im kinda masoistic. I torture myself and make myself feel bad. I just kill time here and try to help others but it doesn't help me.

[crazyincalifornia]

Why? Id this site does not help you then find another.
Personally I don't quite understand the anon thing. If you let us know who you are we can be there sometimes.
Not exactly a substitute but there may be some connection.

[Opinion Owner]

Im anon brcause I dont want people coming to send me messages like: "Im so sorry" and "it will all be fine" and "you are beautiful the way you are" . Obvious shit I've heard before. And I wan't strangers to come "support me" or share their experiences.

And this site is just for killing time. I dont need a site to "help me".

[Opinion Owner]

I don't want*

[Anonymous]

Isn't it sad? So many people have to be medicated just to handle day to day life, I have never taken them but struggle with depression... I know that my depression is caused by my unhealthy habits, staying up late, not eating properly, etc. I don't want to mask the side effects of that behavior... I want to change my habits.. but I don't judge people that take them... my mom did, because things got too overwhelming/stressful for her... but I would not say they helped at all, she took them my whole childhood and would mostly sleep all day and had no energy, would blow up and go crazy... maybe that is just her or withdrawing from the pills or both... I had a friend on adhd pills and she was crazy... I just really don't like pills... I think you need to do things the hard way... which in my eyes is the only way... if you mask the problem it will just get worse and worse..

[crazyincalifornia]

Clinical depression is very serious. I have seen it.

[crazyincalifornia]

Knowing very little, I doubt your personal habits resulted in your depression.
IDK! Maybe someone else can come in o this.

[jmr2191]

I'm on amytriptaline, one of the early tricyclic antidepressants, but for a different reason. This drug is more often prescribed for chronic pain in fibromyalgia, headache syndromes, symptomatic pain reliever that don't respond to other medications. I'm prescribed it as an adjunctive symptomatic treatment for the pain that comes with frequent migraines and pain in my legs from myoclonus.

[crazyincalifornia]

I don't pray, (atheist). Sorry! But if I did I would for each and every one of these people that are struggling so. I mean that. I care like so many of you others do.
thx.

[Nemesis8]

No antidepressants. Deal with your problems headfirst and your symptoms of depression well abate. Depression is anger turned in on itself for the most part. Anger in itself will cause depression if you not do not have healthy coping mechanisms. You need to be with someone who is intelligent and smart to help you figure out just exactly what is wrong. All of the answers to your depression lies within yourself. Best of luck

[crazyincalifornia]

I think you are wrong. (respectfully)
Clinical depression is very serious, can lead to suicides and other behaviors.
Anyone depressed for an extended time should see professional help.

[godfatherfan]

Well you missed an entire decade in your poll? I am 46. I have been on anti meds for depression issues recently when going through my divorce (one I didn't want). It was stupid. If you are Truly depressed medications will not do anything for you. Medications will only help with people that have chemical imbalances. I felt the same on as I did off.

[crazyincalifornia]

Sorry! For some reason I was only allowed 4 questions. IDK!

[Anonymous]

I took them for about 3 or 4 years been off them 4 years. I didn't like them they gave me problems when having sex I would last for so long and sometimes not even cum at all. I found group and one on one dealing with emotions and dealing with distress sessions helped me more than medication. It was the talking through the issues and learning and understanding myself and my feelings that made me happy not some drug. I had to wean myself off the drugs. When I first stopped for a few weeks I was very sad and emotional bursting into tears over the smallest things nothing really would just start crying out of no where. So happy to be off them. I don't get depressed anymore sometimes I felt sad after drinking alcohol so I stopped drinking and the sadness went away.

[crazyincalifornia]

Yeah I'm hearing there are many side effects. Sometimes you almost have to be your own doctor and do what you think is right.
I am warned about this though. Do not go off the meds without professional help. I guess it is dangerous.

[Opinion Owner]

The Dr said to wean myself off that's how you come off them. Those side effects happened as my body adjusted to dealing without the drug. Dr said those side effects were normal. I think you misinterpreted what I was meaning.

[crazyincalifornia]

I have heard that.
I lost a beautiful nephew to depression. Nothing seemed to work for him.
It rocked our family to the foundations.

[Opinion Owner]

That's sad to hear depression is a deep dark place where you feel very alone and isolated. It makes you feel like giving up many many many times. The battle of depression can last for many years. In my case about 10 years maybe even more. Sometimes you don't even know you're depressed you think that's how everyone feels. Sometimes all you need to hear is someone a friend telling you that you can do it or they believe in you. Something so small can mean so much to a depression sufferer. I'm proud to have overcome it. It's not easy though and tries to sneak back at times. I wish that your nephew had have had someone to talk to that may have made the difference and changed things.

[Kris85]

I was for about a week around 4 years ago. I had a lot of anxiety and my doctor just wanted to dope me up and not deal with the problem. I know it works for some but it didn't work for me , I felt worse on them and I was getting even more anxious and my heart would race. I took myself off them and learned some deep breathing techniques and I have been almost anxiety free for 3 years now. From the panic attacks anyways

[Anonymous]

I was on anti-depressent drugs from age 13 to 27 (I'm 28 now). But a few months back, I took a firm decision to stop those meds without even asking my doctor, because i didn't want to be slave to those meds for the rest of my life. Fortunately, my 'withdrawal symptoms' were negligible, and I seem to be doing reasonably well now without the meds.

[crazyincalifornia]

Be careful. I read up on this a little, and most say get help and monitoring from your doctor.

[kittykatg]

I will be soon. I have my doctor appointment on Monday. I went to see a psychologist though and she seemed really surprised that I wasn't on antidepressants already and told me to set up a doctor appointment asap so I have.

[jmmmfi]

they help

[kittykatg]

I know but I'm still not a fan. I'm a psych major so I would prefer to try non medication methods first but apprently I'm too depressed to not be on antidepressants.

[crazyincalifornia]

Ok that sounds good for you. We have your back, virtually speaking. :D

[kittykatg]

Thank you. I appreciate the support.

[crazyincalifornia]

Please let me know how it turns out? You can message me if you prefer. :))

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

I been on psychiatric drugs for years since age 19 and
I'm age 46 , yes it's better to be medicated than to act
out with my mental illnesses that's the way i see things
but some mental illnesses are due to the environment
and people around us !

[crazyincalifornia]

Thank you. Please stay well.

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

You'e welcome :)
Thank you stay well too:)

[Klaatu51]

i've never been depressed LOL. besides the fact that i'm not so happy with my body i've never been depressed.

tip: music is the best anti-depressant drug

[crazyincalifornia]

You are absolutely right about music. Some people can get lost in it, like myself.
Interestingly, more people than I ever realized are not into music.

[Klaatu51]

yeah that's weird i can't believe how someone can live without music LOL.

i play video-games and listen to music everyday so i don't have any depression issues... even when i go out i focus on these 2 hobbies and never look to other people

[crazyincalifornia]

Nothing about you surprises me. :))

[crazyincalifornia]

Klaatu you are too funny sometimes.
Thank you for always showing up at the right time to liven things up a bit.
:))

[Klaatu51]

thanks a lot :-)))

[SüßeJäger]

I was on them for a few years for anxiety. I'm not on them anymore. I was on them when I owned my business and had high stress. They really helped.

[crazyincalifornia]

Good.

[crazyincalifornia]

I know I have anxiety attacks. It seems I can handle them, at least for now. I don't medicate due to the side effects, etc.

[SüßeJäger]

I didn't have any side-effects. They were like a miracle for me. I did have one side effect which only lasted about 2 weeks which was I had a hard time sleeping but it went away soon.

[FlyingTurtle]

I used to be. I stopped, but my depression is so bad again that I really probably should gp back on some...

[crazyincalifornia]

Please do. It can be dangerous.

[FlyingTurtle]

Yeah, I know. . .

[abundantlyrich]

I'm not going to vote...

yes I took them for a mth when i was 17. Didn't do anything for me.
music and positive people are my anti-depressants

[crazyincalifornia]

Yes, yes, yes.
My friends are my soulmates. I can trust them with my life.
thank you for reminding us how important that is.

[nosweat2012]

Its so refreshing to see a question like this, one that actually sparks interesting conversation and teaches u something, thank so much!

[crazyincalifornia]

That is so nice of you to post that.
Thx.

[nosweat2012]

No probelm, speaking from the heart sistah

[Anonymous]

I take sertraline (generic Zoloft) along with Zyprexa. My depression wasn't under very good control until my doctor added the Zyprexa, but that has made all the difference. I really stable on this regimen.

[crazyincalifornia]

Thank you for sharing.

[MaskofInsanity]

No and I never have. I think docs give them out like tic tacs these days.

[crazyincalifornia]

I think you might be right. Also some serious side effects from long term use.

[MaskofInsanity]

For sure. I mean, for some cases I'm sure they're necessary, but for most I bet they're not.

[Lyndsielee666]

I have bad anxiety and my doctor put me on paxil, which is an anti depressant -_- they suck. And the make me sleep forever...

[Anonymous]

I'm only 14 and I take anti-depressive med. I think I'm too young to use it, but, you see, it has really helped me out. I would cry for everything before, but since I started taking the med I can control my emotions better.

[Modernhippy]

I got to the gym. Its the cure for all mental and physical illnesses.

[crazyincalifornia]

I don't think so but I'm glad it works for you.
I believe clinical depression is very real, and leaves people feeling helpless. I can't think of many things worse because you cannot see a way out, and it returns again and again..

[Modernhippy]

I think those people dont go to the gym

[crystalt70]

Where's the option for no? I am not, nor have I ever been, on prescription drugs for depression.

[crazyincalifornia]

Sorry! I thought about it but for some reason I'm only allowed 4 questions.
Anyway I'm glad your not on them.
Neither am I, but I have an older cousin and he didn't survive his depression.

[crystalt70]

I'm so sorry. : ( Mental issues can be seriously debilitating. My brother is paranoid schizophrenic. My heart hurts for him.

[crazyincalifornia]

Although women are usually cast as depressed, men are more likely to suffer, and less likely to seek help.

[crystalt70]

Very true. Women tend to suffer more from stress and anxiety. My ex suffered with major depression disorder after we split up.

[Anonymous]

(filerrrrrrr)
https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/54748086.jpg

[justaregularguyy]

Yes I am on Prozac because I am majorly depressed and lonely

[crazyincalifornia]

I get lonely when I'm not alone.
Fortunately it is not debilating.

[Anonymous]

I am 75 years old. I have been on anti-depressants for 40 years.

[jmmmfi]

right

[crazyincalifornia]

Wowzer! What more can you tell us?

[tiredofwaiting]

I was on them for 4 years and it made it worse so no I am not.

[Anonymous]

I've been on some combination of meds since I was 17. Right now I'm only taking Wellbutrin to help with depression and also to quit smoking.

[BertMacklinFBI]

no I am not :D

[Seriousness]

no because i'm fine. :)

[crazyincalifornia]

Ok. Thx.

[Nuns_in_Heat]

Currently taking Zoloft.

[crazyincalifornia]

Any side effects you would share?

[Nuns_in_Heat]

When I first started it I was sick to my stomach for a couple weeks. Besides that, no.

[crazyincalifornia]

Ok good. Stay well for all of us that care.

[Nuns_in_Heat]

Oh I'm great! Every now and then it'll slack a bit. But when the Doctors explain what you have it really helps because you can look back and say I'm not thinking rationally and it'll pass. :)

[donutsrdabest]

i used to, but not anymore thankfully :)

[Anonymous]

Nahh I'm not depressed

[crazyincalifornia]

Good.
Please consider letting me know who you are. Just a friendly request.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, they don't work though...