Should I take an antidepressant?

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 264 million people worldwide as of 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Having money, living somewhere safe, having a good job…none of these things provide immunity from depression. Anxiety disorders are also highly prevalent, and even more so since the Covid 19 global pandemic.

Sometimes, we can do all the right things and still not experience mood improvement. Exercise such as walking, getting good sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in enjoyable activities that allow us to connect with others are all important in fending off depressive and anxious symptoms. When depression and/or anxiety become too severe, we struggle to do even the basic daily activities to take care of ourselves. At its most dangerous, depression makes people feel worthless and hopeless, and these emotions can lead to suicidal ideation or actions.

At the heart of antidepressant therapy lies the concept of addressing chemical imbalances within the brain. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine play crucial roles in regulating mood, emotions, and stress responses. When these neurotransmitter levels are disrupted, it can lead to the development of mood disorders. Antidepressants work by modulating the levels of these neurotransmitters, aiming to restore balance and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. This allows us to engage in activities that lessen the intensity and frequency of low mood and anxiety – activities that give us meaning, purpose, movement, and connection.

We were pleased to welcome Amanda Andrew, PMHNP-BC, AGNP-C to the SNBH team of clinicians last year. Trained in geriatrics and a Board Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Amanda helps clients decide if antidepressants or other psychiatric medications are right for them. Working closely with SNBH therapists, Amanda tailors her psychiatric approach to each individual, with respect to type of illness and illness severity, and comfort level with taking psychiatric medications.

People are sometimes uncomfortable with the idea of taking a medication to help their mood. Amanda, joining SNBH veteran and family nurse practitioner Yvonne Liswell, hopes to turn the tide on that stigma. “If people have diabetes or a heart condition and have been unable to improve their condition with diet and exercise, the next step is medication…sometimes depressive and anxious conditions warrant medications to help the brain and body regain equilibrium so that our clients can participate in their lives again.”

If you would like to talk about recent mood symptoms with one of our providers or to learn more about SNBH, click here.