MANY people shy away from antidepressants, even when prescribed by their doctors, as they feel they will become too dependent on the drugs to lift their spirits and will never naturally find their happy medium. But is the situation as bad as we often make it out to be?

Psychiatrist Dr Roger Roberts explained that antidepressants are medicines use to treat depression due to imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain, and these drugs work by correcting the chemical imbalance.

“Many people think antidepressants are addictive; the good news is that they are not. People who are suffering from depression usually have a range of symptoms, including being sad, depressed or having a low mood, loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits, low energy and [being] easily tired, poor memory and concentration, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, and even thoughts of hurting themselves.

“Some people may feel so hopeless that they may attempt to take their own lives. Unfortunately, some do succeed. Depression may affect one’s ability to function; there may be the inability to work, study, care for self and relate to others. It is important to note that antidepressants are usually recommended for severe cases of depression where symptoms cause significant distress and affect one’s ability to carry out his or her daily functions,” he pointed out.

Dr Roberts further stated that counselling, talk therapy and lifestyle changes are recommended for everyone suffering from depression. And, in mild and moderate cases of depression, it may be enough to treat the symptoms without the person taking an antidepressant.

He said: “Counselling or talk therapy is particularly important, because, unlike antidepressants, it helps people to solve, change or cope with the stressors that often precipitate the depression, among them relationship problems, financial problems, loss of job, death of loved ones, etc.

“There is significant evidence that antidepressants improve the low mood that one experiences during a depressive episode, but of note, it may take a trial of more than one type of antidepressants before your doctor finds the one that is just right for you.”

Additionally, Dr Roberts said antidepressants generally start to improve the symptoms of depression after two to three weeks of taking them, and it is important for people to note this, as they may stop taking them after a few days thinking that the medication is not working.

The psychiatrist further explained that it is usually recommended that a person who is experiencing his or her first episode of major depression should take antidepressants for six to nine months. He said if the person has been depressed for a long time, or has had previous episodes, the doctor may suggest that the medication be taken for longer than six to nine months.

Below Dr Roberts gives four reasons you might want to try an antidepressant if you are experiencing a major depressive episode:

1. In addition to improving your low mood, antidepressants help other symptoms of depression, including low energy, loss of interest, poor appetite, sleep disturbance, poor memory and concentration. It is important to note that they help the symptoms of depression without changing your personality.

2. Antidepressants may help you to recover from your depression more quickly. This is important, as untreated depression is associated with an increased risk of suicide. So, they can be lifesaving.

3. They may give you the impetus you need to become engaged in counselling or talk therapy. Some people may feel so depressed that they lack the motivation and energy to get out of bed. These clients may find it hard to get to their psychiatrist’s or therapist’s office. Additionally, their concentration and memory may be so poor that they don’t benefit from the therapy sessions. Antidepressants can improve these symptoms and therefore help the person to not only benefit more from therapy sessions but to make lifestyle changes like starting to exercise.

4. I often tell my clients who are suffering from depression that depression is married to anxiety. It is very common for depressed patients to present with significant anxiety symptoms ranging from constant worrying to panic attacks. Most medications that are marketed as antidepressants are good at treating anxiety as well. So, for some clients, it is using one stone to kill two birds, as one medication can help both their depression and anxiety.

Dr Roberts added: “Depression is a common health problem with millions of people being affected worldwide. It is not due to weakness in one’s character, and one should not be ashamed to seek help. Getting help is about getting your life back on track.”