Afraid Of Antidepressants? Don't Be.
Posted on: 24 April 2020
Many people who struggle with depression are nonetheless afraid of going on antidepressants. They believe things like the antidepressants will rob them of their creativity or change them intrinsically, altering their personalities. However, these rumors aren't really true. If you're tired of being depressed and don't know what to do about it, read below to learn why you shouldn't be afraid of antidepressants.
What Causes Depression
Depression is usually caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This chemical imbalance can occur all by itself, or it can be an extension of things like child abuse that went on when you were young. In addition, if you're living in an environment that makes you feel depressed for long enough, it can change the way that your brain works, limiting how many of the positive dopamine and serotonin chemicals are emitted and making you feel more miserable as a result, even when things are going your way.
How Antidepressants Help
Think of antidepressants as a way of stabilizing your brain. They're not intended to be a permanent solution, and they're also not intended to be a crutch that you'll be on for the rest of your life. Think about it this way: when someone goes to the hospital in critical condition, they're immediately put on an IV to help support them. But that doesn't mean that when they get better, they have to lug the IV with them for the rest of their lives. As your mental health improves, you can talk to your doctor about gradually weaning off the medication until you feel confident and healthy enough to go without it entirely.
Used in Correlation
Antidepressants are rarely used entirely on their own as a solution for depression. They're usually combined with therapy, which gives you an opportunity to not only open up about what's troubling you, but to also find solutions. Your therapist will give you the tools you need to undo your negative mindset and to cope with the bad days. Over time, you should gradually notice your good days outweighing the bad, and this is when you'll start to be able to go off the antidepressants.
Antidepressants aren't a permanent solution to depression. They're designed to help get you to the point where you can open up, explore your feelings, and get back to living your daily life without misery weighing you down. Don't be afraid of antidepressants. Be willing to give them a try and see how they can change your life for the better. Learn more from a company like Comprehensive Behavioral Health Associates Inc.
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