- POSTED ON
- November 21, 2017
- BY GROWTH EXTENDED
When you’re struggling with depression, the idea that a pill could help you get your life back is a very appealing one. But there are a lot of questions you probably have about this. First and foremost, does medication help with depression? What do antidepressants do? Do I need antidepressants? When will antidepressants start working? Learning about what antidepressant can, or can’t, do will help you determine if they’re right for you.
What Do Antidepressants Do?
For some people, antidepressants can be a key part of treating depression. Antidepressants aim to relieve symptoms and prevent depression from coming back. They’re designed to balance chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect mood and emotions. And for anyone suffering with the pain of depression, they promise a simple method of relief.
Do I Need Antidepressants?
When depression is severe, medication may be helpful. You might find that medication is right for you if depression interferes with your ability to function at work, school or in relationships. If you’re thinking about whether or not antidepressants are right for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Could my depression be a result of a medical condition? Consult your doctor first to see if there are any underlying medical conditions that could be the root cause of your depression.
- Could my depression be a side effect of another medication? Again, talk to your doctor to see if any medications you’re currently taking may have a side effect of depression.
- Do I exercise enough? Regular exercise can boost your mood. In addition, exercise can help prevent and treat depression.
- Have I suffered a recent loss? It’s not unusual to feel intense emotions after a death, divorce, or other major life event.
- Do I have a well-balanced diet? A diet heavy in sugar can cause a severe drop in blood sugar levels, leading to a lack of energy and feelings of depression.
- Am I getting enough sleep? Lack of sleep for even the most level-headed person can make them irritable and short-tempered.
Whether you decide to take antidepressants or not, there are several other ways to treat depression that include pursuing therapy and lifestyle changes to get to the bottom of your underlying issues.
When Will Depression Medication Make Me Feel Better?
Many people find that antidepressants work well to help reduce symptoms of depression, but you might not feel better right away. In fact, it usually takes at least three to four weeks before you notice a change in your mood. Taking medication daily and as prescribed can increase the chance that it works.
However, if after a few weeks you notice no change in your mood, talk to your doctor again. If the first antidepressant doesn’t work, it’s likely that another one will. It’s not uncommon for this to be a process of trial and error. Sometimes it takes a little time to find the right antidepressant medication for your needs.
Growth Extended Can Help
There are many ways to treat depression and we believe that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. If you find yourself struggling with depression, don’t wait to get help. We offer multiple levels of care to fit your needs and your lifestyle. Give us a call at 888.476.9997, or fill out our form today.
- POSTED IN Depression