Should I Get Back On Antidepressants?

Navigating the Fog: Deciding on Antidepressants Again

Making the decision to go back on antidepressants isn’t a walk in the park. It’s more like standing at a crossroads, map in hand, with all signs written in a foreign language. You’ve been here before, and the thought of returning can churn up a cocktail of hope, fear, and déjà vu. So, how do you decide whether to swallow that familiar pill once more? Let’s sift through the haze, shall we?

Listen to Your Inner Compass

First things first: your mental health journey is as unique as your fingerprint. What works for one person might not be the right fit for another, and vice versa. That said, there are a few signposts that might indicate it’s time to consider getting back on the antidepressant bandwagon:

1. Persistent Blues: If the cloud over your head is more persistent than a stubborn stain, and you’re finding little joy in things that used to light you up, it might be time to seek help.
2. Sleeping Too Much or Too Little: When your sleep patterns could win an award for “Most Erratic,” it’s a signal that your mental health might need a tune-up.
3. Appetite Changes: Eating too much or not enough can also be red flags that your mental wellbeing is off-kilter.
4. The World Feels Heavy: If getting out of bed feels like lifting a hundred-pound weight, and you’re slogging through days feeling overwhelmed, it’s worth reaching out for support.
5. Past Benefits: Reflect on your previous experience with antidepressants. If they were your lifebuoy in rough waters, they might be worth considering again.

Gathering Data: The Pro-Con List

Before you take the plunge, why not play detective? Weighing the pros and cons can give you a clearer picture and help quell the whirlpool of indecision.

• Pros:
• Symptom Relief: They can be incredibly effective at reducing symptoms of depression.
• Quality of Life: Can improve your day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life.

• A Stepping Stone: Might be just what you need to get back on your feet and engage with other forms of therapy.

• Cons:

• Side Effects: The potential for unpleasant side effects is real, ranging from mild to “no thank you.”
• Not a Magic Bullet: They aren’t a cure-all and usually work best in conjunction with therapy.
• Dependency Concerns: While not addictive in the traditional sense, stopping them abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Charting the Course With Your Crew

After you’ve done some soul searching and list-making, the next step is to gather your crew, aka your support system. This includes mental health professionals who can offer insights and guidance tailored to your unique situation. Be it a GP, psychiatrist, or therapist, these professionals can help you navigate the choppy waters of deciding whether antidepressants are your next best step.

Final Thoughts: Tuning Into Your Own Frequency

Deciding to get back on antidepressants is akin to tuning a radio; it’s all about finding the right frequency that brings clarity amidst the static. It’s a deeply personal decision, one that should be made with care, compassion, and the support of professionals. Remember, it’s ok to reach out, it’s ok to need help, and it’s more than ok to prioritize your mental health. After all, you’re the captain of your ship, and steering it towards a brighter horizon is always a journey worth taking.