“I don’t want to burden people.”
The bigger burden is shouldering a heavy mood, day in and day out, and having it influence your social interactions. Letting your family and friends help you not only eases your burden but it allows them to feel self-assured and useful. Many times people who are depressed feel caught in between opening up too much or not saying anything and feeling as though they can’t reveal their true emotions. Don’t miss the 8 hidden warning signs of depression.
“If I start taking medication I’ll need it forever.”
Only 25 percent of people prescribed antidepressants will be on them for more than ten years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, which of course means the majority take them for much less time. And while people may feel a stigma about needing a drug to feel better, they might feel better when they hear that 13 percent of Americansdepend on the medications. Many of my patients report that being on antidepressants help them gain perspective and distance from their problems; they feel as though they can finally keep their head above water. For many, the drugs can help them kickstart the habits that will help keep their mind healthy once they go off medication. Here are 10 silent signs that you need depression medication.
“Medication will change my personality”
People think that being on a medication will fundamentally change who they are or what they think—but medications do not work that way. The class of antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work to correct the amount of the mood-influencing neurochemical serotonin in your brain—it dips in those with depression. Some people think that being cynical is a part of who they are, but they should really give a calmer, more balanced and optimistic mood a try. When you start to gain distance, perspective, and energy, you might be shocked to discover that bitterness and cynicism actually isn’t an essential part of who you are. Don’t miss these 26 depression quotes that capture exactly what you’re feeling.
“If I start taking medication I’ll need it forever.”
Only 25 percent of people prescribed antidepressants will be on them for more than ten years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, which of course means the majority take them for much less time. And while people may feel a stigma about needing a drug to feel better, they might feel better when they hear that 13 percent of Americansdepend on the medications. Many of my patients report that being on antidepressants help them gain perspective and distance from their problems; they feel as though they can finally keep their head above water. For many, the drugs can help them kickstart the habits that will help keep their mind healthy once they go off medication. Here are 10 silent signs that you need depression medication.
“I can’t have a depression—it would mean I’m a bad mother.”
Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves, but it’s possible to have depression and still have positive connections and bonds with your children. Denying your mood won’t help—acknowledge your depression and seek help. In the meantime, you’re probably doing a better job than you think you are.
According to the CDC, as many as one in five women will suffer from postpartum depression. Additionally, up to 80 percent of women experience mild depression or the “baby blues”—they have some depressive symptoms. Recognizing you’re not alone can reduce the stigma of having depression. Having depression is stressful enough, adding insult to injury is berating yourself for it. These are 10 things about postpartum depression your OB/GYN wants you to know.
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