Why Take Antidepressants?

Feeling sad or lonely every now and then is a normal part of living under today’s stressful conditions. Work, family, and school obligations play a major part in influencing our daily activities. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or changing jobs can also influence our attitudes and behaviors. You may occasionally feel tired, irritated, or gloomy. These feelings are a part of every day life.

However, if you find that your symptoms are disturbing your normal routines and activities, you may want to consult a doctor. You could be suffering from a form of depression. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may prescribe therapy, antidepressants, or a combination of both. Or you may opt to pursue a different path of treatment.

People who experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide should seek immediate medical attention. Also, if you experience any one of the following symptoms for longer than a couple of weeks or if you find your daily activities to be impaired, you should seek medical guidance. A proper diagnosis will enable you to begin your path to recovery. The road to healing may be slow or bumpy, but with correct treatment and guidance, most patients can reach recovery.

The length of time you will remain on your course of treatment will depend on your personal health and history of mental illness or depression.

Symptoms of depression include weight loss or gain, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, loss of appetite, or a lack of energy. Certain people may also feel agitated or antsy. Fortunately, there are several options available to patients who have been properly diagnosed with a form of depression.

Antidepressants treat these symptoms by altering the chemical processes of the brain. There are several types of antidepressants commonly prescribed to adult patients, but prescribing antidepressants for children remains a controversial issue. In addition to antidepressants, which offer both positive and negative side effects, there are also non-prescription herbal and holistic remedies that patients may wish to consider.

The following pages will provide a basic guideline to how antidepressants work and other important information to consider when weighing your options. Consult your doctor after reading to discuss which option is right for you.