[CW: DEPRESSION]

spoiler

I've been at a really low point with my mental health, I've lost the motivation to do most things save for personal hygiene and grooming. I wouldn't say that my situation is severe thankfully, but it is seriously hindering my academic, physical health, career prospects, and personal relationships. I want to talk to my doctor and get started on antidepressants before I really lose control of my life.

One of my close friends is on antidepressants and that gave me enough courage to actually seek help from my primary care physician. But right now I need some more information.

My question: Those of you who are on -or have been on- antidepressants, what were your experiences? I'm really worried about side effects (mainly CNS, Autonomic, and especially the risk of serotonin syndrome) while taking these kinds of drugs. But I'd also like to know about your experiences first taking them, how you've adjusted to doses, and how you overall felt. Experiences with other therapies are also welcome!

Please don't be shy, and share as much as you feel comfortable! Thank you!

penguin-love

  • Esoteir [he/him]
    ·
    3 months ago

    probably not the case, but something to consider

    the executive dysfunction symptom of ADHD can resemble depression, like if you find yourself wanting to get a school assignment done but not being able to get yourself to do it until the task becomes urgent and stressful could be the task lacking enough dopamine reward (I want to X, but I can't get myself to do X)

    this can also directly cause depression: if you feel like you're never able to get yourself to do the things you want/need to do, you can find that you eventually stop trying (I can't ever do X, so why bother)

    the main reason i say this is that untreated ADHD can resemble/be co-morbid with depression, and SSRIs can aggravate ADHD symptoms in some people

    • GlueBear [they/them, comrade/them]
      ·
      3 months ago

      I didn't even consider this, I've definitely been experiencing that for the past 2 years. I'd say that it got so much worse after my father died 2 years ago.

      So maybe I should ask for a referral to rule that out?

      • Esoteir [he/him]
        ·
        3 months ago

        if it's symptoms that you feel you've struggled with your whole life but are now struggling especially hard, i'd say it's possible it could be ADHD + depression

        for me it's like, i've very rarely been able to get academic assignments done without using the dopamine rush from getting stressed out and sometimes getting panic attacks (unhealthy and unmedicated way to do necessary tasks with ADHD), but when i had a depressive episode i couldn't even bring myself to get stressed out enough to do the stuff i needed to do, and ended up continually taking and failing the one class i needed to continue my degree for two years, doing the bare minimum to stay in college and rack up more debt until i sought help

        it's worth talking to a PCP or someone else about it if you suspect it, they'll sometimes have outdated views on what ADHD is, but usually they can give you an overview and whether or not they suspect enough to personally recommend a screening

        i'm sorry for your loss comrade, and i'm proud of you for seeking help, you deserve it meow-hug