Thoughts and opinions on suicide and depression

[Ghost]

I've kept quiet about this, but I understand where you're coming from. I've been in a rut as well and had thoughts of suicide too.

I'll say that I agree with you on the anti-depressants. I was prescribed them, and they did absolutely nothing for me.

You're lucky then. Like I said I've had cousins that have taken medication for depression and they developed other psychological problems. One of my cousins was taking anti-depressants and developed mood swings and would go off, get angry and yell at people for no apparent reason what so ever.

I could be wrong but I think it affects age groups differently but I wouldn't recommend taking that stuff like I said.

[jeffbert]

[QUOTE=Astro Forever;109272]GhostATR, if you can afford it and haven't done already, do not hesitate to ask for professional help (from an accredited professional), even if you are not at the worst point. It could help you for the rest of your life.

I did for a while but not anymore. I was recommended anti-depressant medication, but I never took the stuff. I've seen this happen to family members before and medication for depression can seriously mess with you in ways you can't imagine.[/QUOTE]
I speak from experience, in my case, becoming involved with other people as a helper or volunteer itself seems to be therapeutic.

[Astro Forever]

I did for a while but not anymore. I was recommended anti-depressant medication, but I never took the stuff. I've seen this happen to family members before and medication for depression can seriously mess with you in ways you can't imagine.

Even if you do not take any medication, a professional can still help you. Medication alone is usually not the best solution.

[Dr. Jerk]

[QUOTE=GhostATR;109277][QUOTE=Astro Forever;109272]GhostATR, if you can afford it and haven't done already, do not hesitate to ask for professional help (from an accredited professional), even if you are not at the worst point. It could help you for the rest of your life.

I did for a while but not anymore. I was recommended anti-depressant medication, but I never took the stuff. I've seen this happen to family members before and medication for depression can seriously mess with you in ways you can't imagine.[/QUOTE]
I speak from experience, in my case, becoming involved with other people as a helper or volunteer itself seems to be therapeutic.[/QUOTE]

Agreed.

While my medication didn't do anything, I did took some counseling for several months (just finished last month), and it did help me a bit.

[MightyAstro]

I never took any medication either, but I did do a counselling course with the Salvation Army and found it extremely helpful.

[Astro Boy2866]

[QUOTE=GhostATR;109277]I did for a while but not anymore. I was recommended anti-depressant medication, but I never took the stuff. I've seen this happen to family members before and medication for depression can seriously mess with you in ways you can't imagine.

Even if you do not take any medication, a professional can still help you. Medication alone is usually not the best solution.[/QUOTE]

Usually medication isn't good at all.

[jeffbert]

True, antidepressants are controversial & can cause undesired side-effects.If you are not taking the medication your doctor prescribed, you need to talk to him about it. Express your concerns about the drugs, & what you heard about them.

I feel I must make clear, though it should be obvious, that none of us are psychiatrists, & as such nobody ought to give advice about medication. Those who read this advice, should not feel compelled to take it. There are chemicals in the brain that when in excess or insufficient amounts can cause abnormal behavior. Psychiatrists prescribe drugs in order to restore the natural balance to brain chemistry. Yet, people's bodies can often respond differently to these drugs. Regardless, we are not the ones who should be giving advice on these things. If the drugs are not giving the desired results, talk to the doctor who prescribed them.

[Astro Forever]

Usually medication isn't good at all.

I believe scientific studies say otherwise, but we aren't doctors here and I think it may be better to leave that kind of advice to those who are experiencing a difficult time and their health professionnal(s). What can be good for one person may not be as helpful for another and vice-versa.

Note that when I suggested seeking help from a professional, I not only meant a physician but also a psychologist or social worker...

[Ghost]

True, antidepressants are controversial & can cause undesired side-effects.If you are not taking the medication your doctor prescribed, you need to talk to him about it. Express your concerns about the drugs, & what you heard about them.

I feel I must make clear, though it should be obvious, that none of us are psychiatrists, & as such nobody ought to give advice about medication. Those who read this advice, should not feel compelled to take it. There are chemicals in the brain that when in excess or insufficient amounts can cause abnormal behavior. Psychiatrists prescribe drugs in order to restore the natural balance to brain chemistry. Yet, people's bodies can often respond differently to these drugs. Regardless, we are not the ones who should be giving advice on these things. If the drugs are not giving the desired results, talk to the doctor who prescribed them.

Yea, I mean I could be wrong medication could help some people. I think it just affects people differently and I think age groups have something to do with it. It can make some people crazy, do absolutely nothing, or actually help you depending on the person. But like I said I could be completely wrong as I'm not a professional.

[jeffbert]

True; I have had rather unpleasant experiences with antispasmodic medication many times. So much so, that I decided not to take oral or other types that affect the entire body. Having said that, my life was not on the line. Depression can be serious, as noted in this thread's title. The doctor's prescription may work fine, or may cause undesirable side-effects, but you need to work things out with your doctor. Patience is needed if you really want a solution. My mom has been to many doctors for her foot problems, and she finally found one who actually helped her, though the others also tried. There are many new treatments, and not all doctors know of them. You may need to try a different doctor.

One more thing: I know that certain drugs require gradual withdrawal. It matters not that you are having unpleasant side-effects. Again, only your doctor should advise you on these things. He cannot help you, unless you not only trust him, but also tell him your concerns about the treatment he prescribes. Keep in touch with him, & let him know if you have problems with the treatment.

To all: it is one thing to speak about your experiences with these things, but you must not give advice! We do not want a law suit! If you do speak of your own or others experiences, you should remember to make clear that they are just that. I do not want to offend anyone, but this is very serious stuff. If my text seems to belittle your intelligence, please forgive me. It is all too easy to forget that this forum consists of everyday people whose common tie is a cute little robot boy. We care about one another, but that being the case, let us not forget that we are not qualified to give advice on this subject.