Depression is a real-life problem that many people experience due to various reasons. Every human being is likely to have experienced periods of sadness, whether it’s related to something in their lives or a feeling that they’re looking into a bleak future.
Common Symptoms and Help
People with depression may experience lethargy, diminished interest in everyday activities, altered sleeping or eating patterns, feelings of guilt or anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
There are many options to help people improve and, in some cases, fully overcome their sorrow. Among the treatment options are antidepressant medications, namely selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Compared to traditional antidepressants, these drugs are safer and better tolerated by patients.
SSRIs and SNRIs are believed to work by altering the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which help regulate mood, anxiety, and thinking.
Given the rising rates of depression and anxiety, it is time to talk about how treatments work and why people hesitate to use them, so we can make informed treatment decisions, especially when hesitations may not be grounded in science.
When dealing with people or having a casual chat with someone who is depressed, we realize that most are very skeptical about taking antidepressant pills. Some fear people’s opinions and societal judgment, while others fear side effects that could cause more problems in life. Some also think that taking the pills once means it is a lifetime prescription. But are these facts or myths?
Let us go through some of the common fears or thoughts people have about antidepressants and figure out if it is a myth or the truth.
Antidepressants Are Addictive
The real fact is that antidepressants help fix the mood and make the patient happier, helping to lighten the burden of thoughts in the mind. Generally, they are not addictive and have a low potential for misuse. Medications like opioids are addictive, whereas antidepressants are not considered to be addictive.
Medicines Will Make Me Feel Different Or Change Who I Am
Antidepressants will not change your personality or make you feel emotionless. In fact, they are designed to return one’s mood to a normal state. While some people report numbness or dizziness, it just means the medication isn’t the right one for them. Responding poorly to certain drugs is possible with any treatment, be it for a mental or physical ailment. In that case, your doctor will assess this and change the medication or dosage if needed. It is essential to maintain good communication with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive proper care.
Antidepressants Lead To Weight Gain
This one is not so much a myth as an outdated belief, for the most part. While antidepressant-related weight gain is less common with newer medications, the possibility does exist. In this case, your doctor might suggest switching to a different antidepressant or adding another medication to reduce or reverse the weight gain. It is also essential to pay attention to diet and exercise to control weight gain while on medication.
Suicidal Thoughts Are Common Due To The Intake Of Antidepressants
Although antidepressants are much more likely to reduce suicidal thoughts associated with depression than to cause them, a small proportion of individuals, usually young adults, adolescents, and children, may develop agitation or suicidal thinking. For this reason, communication between the patient and the doctor is critical, especially early on in treatment. You should consult a doctor if you feel uncomfortable with your thoughts or if you start having intrusive thoughts. Parents should be involved in the communication of children who are on medication.
Antidepressants Have Terrible Side Effects
Most people can tolerate the initial side effects of antidepressants because they are usually temporary. Common side effects include nausea, headache, diarrhea, and dry mouth, as well as sexual side effects. It is best to communicate with your prescribing physician to find the best antidepressant for you, because the proper medication should treat your depression without causing intolerable side effects.
Antidepressants Are A Quick Fix Or ‘Rescue’ Medication
Many assume antidepressants provide immediate relief, but the truth is that most take time, sometimes even weeks, to become fully effective. They are not emergency mood boosters or instant mood stabilizers. Instead, they are part of a broader, long-term treatment strategy. Sustainable recovery from depression usually involves multiple components, such as therapy, adjusting lifestyle habits, and acquiring social support. A person going through depression needs emotional support, a caretaker, and someone to listen to them and be there for them. So, antidepressants are not a cure-all, but when used as part of a comprehensive approach, they can significantly improve quality of life.
Final Takeaway
Antidepressants are often misunderstood, but they can be valuable tools in managing depression. By clearing up common myths and relying on evidence-based information, we can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to consider treatment options that work for them.
In a nutshell, mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and understanding the fundamental role of antidepressants can make a big difference in how we approach treatment. If you are living with depression, it is essential not to let misinformation hold you back from exploring your options. A conversation with a healthcare professional could be the first step toward finding the proper support.
