Antidepressants: Do I need treatment?

We all experience depression and anxiety at some level, and because of this, severe problems are sometimes trivialized. People who are severely depressed or anxious for a long time may feel they should be able to shake it off, and so don’t seek treatment. Some people live this way for years.

If you are distressed for more than two weeks by feelings of sadness, despair and hopelessness, or by excessive worry that is hard to control, see a doctor for an assessment of your symptoms and situation and to discuss treatment and support options. Many people who are treated for depression or anxiety recover and never require treatment again. Early treatment can help to ensure treatment success.

Be sure your doctor knows if you have had times where you felt a reduced need for sleep in combination with an unusual amount of energy, or where your mood changed from feeling depressed to feeling unusually happy or irritable. Antidepressants can cause some people to switch from depression into mania. Mood stabilizer medications may be more suited to your needs, either on their own or in combination with antidepressants.

Medications are only one way of treating depression and anxiety; talk therapies, such as interpersonal therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy can be just as effective. Depression and anxiety are often a signal that change is needed. These psychological approaches may help you to make the changes you need to make in your life. Peer support, school and job counselling and housing and employment supports can also help to deal with problems that may trigger or worsen depression or anxiety.

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Antidepressants: Do I need treatment?

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