Do antidepressants work?

[Destiny&Desire]

Hey everyone (I feel kind of guilty, not coming on here for ages, and then suddenly posting this, but oh well XD).

I've been in counselling for a good few weeks now after I finally convinced my mum that I needed help when she saw my self harm marks. It was useful at first, voicing my opinions to this counsellor, but I feel as if sharing my problem isn't making anything better, because I still have the same problems and, if anything, my situation's gotten worse.

I was considering bringing up the topic of antidepressants and medication, because I really am at wit's end with this low mood. I've tried to research things like that, and see what I can find out about antidepressants, but all I'm getting is things like 'Antidepressants lead to increased risk of teen suicide', and there's no definite answers.

Anyone here use antidepressants? Are they worth discussing with my counsellor? :confused:

[Truth]

I've heard alot make it worse, but some work. They cause suicide sometimes, so i'd be careful.

[abc1723]

im on some, and they havent made a difference to me, but saying that they havent made me worse in any way, and it can sometimes be a case of finding the right one to help.
if you feel there is nothing else you can do to help yourself then they are worth a try, you just need to be aware that one of the possible side effects is suicidal thoughts, and because of this it ill need to be closely watched by a gp or psych.

[Sapphire]

Many doctors won't prescribe them to under 18s because it's dangerous. Don't risk it. Also they only cover up the symptoms. You are better off work through this with the help of those around you and addressing the cause of your depression. It will be difficult but it isn't impossible.

[byee]

The answer to your initial question, if they work, is that they do, sometimes, and with some people.

It depends on the symptoms, what's causing them, how long they've been there, and how significantly they interfere with functioning and well being. The usefulness of them is really determined by those factors, they are not a 'happy pill' guaranteed to make you feel better or less depressed just because you take them. So, a lot of people take them and have little or no benefit (or worse!) because they're probably misprescribed.

With regard to therapy, very often it takes some time for you to feel better, it's something you have to stay with and work at to get the maximium benefit. Don't get discouraged, maybe consider increasing the frequency of the visits.