Is Antidepressant Therapy Right for Me?

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Many of our clients wonder if antidepressant therapy is right for them. Clinical depression affects over 18 million people in the United States each year (Hope for Depression Research Foundation) and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Symptoms of a major depressive episode include low mood, poor sleep (too little or too much), lack of interest in typically enjoyed activities, disturbed appetite (eating too much or too little), lack of motivation, guilty feelings, irritability/anger, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

Depression is not a bad day someone can “snap out of,” but a brain disorder that often requires specialized treatment.

Psychotherapy can help those dealing with depression develop strategies and tools that lead to mood improvement. Often, however, the things we need to do to keep depression at bay are the very things depression robs us of.

Let’s give a hypothetical example:
A client we will call “Vicki” has struggled with depression since she was in her 20s and knows that exercise is vital to maintaining her mental health. When depressed, though, she simply cannot force herself off the couch.

Taking an antidepressant can enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy, improving energy and motivation so clients can more effectively use the tools their therapist provides.

Antidepressants can help mediate depression in other ways:

  • Reduce severity of symptoms, making it easier to work through issues with your therapist

  • Decrease anxiety: some antidepressants target anxiety as well, making everyday tasks easier and everyday life more peaceful.

  • Facilitation of behavioral changes: Those on antidepressants are typically better able to maintain behaviors that prevent depression, such as exercise and meditation.

  • Support during crisis: antidepressants can provide crucial support during crisis periods, helping individuals maintain stability and continue psychotherapy, rather than becoming too overwhelmed to participate.

  • Synergistic effects: the combination of antidepressant therapy and psychotherapy together results in improved benefits versus either treatment alone.

If you would like an evaluation to see if antidepressant therapy might be right for you, call our office or send us an email to make an appointment.

We look forward to meeting you!

BLOG CONTRIBUTION BY SNBH NURSE PRACTITIONERS:
Amanda Andrew, PMHNP-BC, AGNP-C
Yvonne Liswell, FNP-BC