How many people do you know that take anti-depressants?

@JenInTN (27514)
United States
April 24, 2010 7:12pm CST
I was wondering if you knew many people on this type of medication. Maybe you take them. It seems that most everyone I know is being prescribed this medicine. I have even had them suggested to me by my doctor when I complained of being tired. I know there are people out there that need them...maybe I do too..but do you think they are being over prescribed? Do you think that it's the state of the world, an illness, or profit for the pharmeceutical companies that is causing anti depressants to be such a popular medication? How do you feel about these medicines?
9 people like this
25 responses
• United States
25 Apr 10
That is a very good question. Most people are on depression medication. And I am one of them. I denied it for years that I didn't have depression. Some people do go through depression bad. Some do not go through it at all. But I have heard a lot of people suffering with depression. The depression medication I am on has helped me a great deal. I couldn't function for a long time and it runs through the family of all things.
4 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
If it helps..that is all that really matters. I do know that there are a lot of people that suffer from depression and anti dpressants have made a great difference in their life. I may be in denial too as far as that goes. It just seems that everyone I know is taking them and everytime I say anything is not right with me, the doctor suggests that medicine. I'm glad you found what you need to help you though. Thanks for responding.
3 people like this
• United States
25 Apr 10
Yes mine help me a great deal. But if your doctor is saying you need to get on the medication for depression make sure you get a second opinion before you get put on anything. These are some of the things a person goes through when they are depressed or have anxiety and I have both. One is restless at night, sleeping a lot, down in the dumps, crying spells, sometimes crying for know reason at all, taking on every ones problems can depress you, deaths in the family can put you in deep depression, can't concentrate on what you are doing, mind wondering,sometimes getting dizzy, there are so many things that can cause it and put us in a deep depression. For the longest time I kept saying things were going on with my body and blamed it on other things when it wasn't it. So my doctor would run every test in the book on me and found nothing at all wrong with me. So there was one answer left with me depression. I new I was going through anxiety I went through that for years. But never once thought about depression. I still go through a little dizziness here and there but not like I did before. It was everyday known stop.
2 people like this
@chulce (1537)
• United States
25 Apr 10
My husband suffers from depression. It is a difficult illness to manage but, if you know what to do, continue to do so. I also have several friends that suffer from the illness as well. All are on different medications for their depression. As far as the medicines being over prescribed. Not sure. However, given all the changes that have happened in our society it isn't hard to believe that the increase in people being and feeling depressed has changed as much as it has. Think of the strain on our society when the economy tanked. This alone set many people back quite a bit, especially when many people lost their jobs and stuff.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Depression can be hard to manage. There are a lot of things today that can contribute to the illness as well. Thanks for sharing.
3 people like this
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I have been on them, I probably should still be on them, but.. I gotta say that getting out of that State job really cheered me up a LOT!
4 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
That's better than any old pill!
4 people like this
@cyrus123 (6363)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I don't know of anybody who takes them now but both of my sisters used to take them. My sister who lives up the road from me hasn't taken them in a long time. As far as my sister who lives in Birmingham, I don't know if she takes them any more or not. I don't think she does. I used to take them, myself. I think I'm better off without them, though. It seems like all these psychiatrists want to do is put you on some kind of antidepressant. I think depression is an illness as well as a state of the world. I think it also runs in families. I know depression runs on my daddy's side of the family. I think it's a profit for the doctors as well as the pharmaceutical companies. Kathy.
3 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I feel like you do too. I think it is multiple things. I have always heard that onec you take them..you most often always have to have them. When I questioned my doctor, he said no...sometimes people don't need them anymore. I'm a bit scared of them. Thanks for responding.
3 people like this
@climber7565 (2579)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I feel that may undergo much stress, because of various factors, debt, family issues and personal health issues. Needless to say you perception may be close to real, although there are also many many people who are not depending on such medications. If you feel yourself surrounded by such then its time to put some space between your life and theirs.
3 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Well..it's mainly people that I work with. It's hard to space between me and them because lately, I have being seeing them as much as my family. Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Apr 10
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1 person likes this
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I've been taking anti-depressants since 1996. I've changed medications several times in the past decade, because the ones I was taking "stopped working". Right now, I take my medication "hit and miss" and I can tell that I'm not taking them like I should. I'm always tired, don't feel like doing anything but sleep... I'd love to be off of them, but the truth is, I need to be on them...which reminds me, I haven't taken my meds in two days... No wonder I just got up from a three-hour nap in midday!
3 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I have heard that after a while a person can become resisitant to their medicine. I have known of people that have to change from time to time. Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@idowrite72 (2213)
• United States
25 Apr 10
It is not something that has been suggested to me, except by a daughter!! But I do know a few who are on antidepressants of some kind. I am thinking that so many ARE depressed with the state of things and not being able to change much without drastic measures or lots of money. I hope that it is not something which I will have to do anytime soon.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I think that there is a lot of depression stemming from the state of things now. I am hoping I don't get to the point where I need them either. Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (71572)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I actally know a lot of people who ARE either on meds or WERE on meds. I currently take celexa for depression and lamictal to balance my moods so they arent so out of control. My sister and father take Zoloft for depression. My cousins and my aunt used to take zoloft but my aunt was able to get off anti-depressants while the rest of them I believe switched from Zoloft to another medication. A friend of mines ex took meds for a whole slew of things. My ex is taking a lot of meds for anxiety and depression among other things. Its seems like everyone I know takes something but all the ones I know who take it its really obvious they need it. I would be completely crazy without my medication but with my meds I'm fine!
2 people like this
@shaggin (71572)
• United States
26 Apr 10
I agree that there is a huge history of depression in my family. I feel bad for my children since both their parents hve to take medication for depression. I can imagine what they will face once they hit the teenage years. Thankfully since I have been through it I will recognize the warning signs and get them help. My mother just thought it was something that I would grow out of and that I had to learn to deal with but its a chemical imbalance and without meds I would not have ever gotten better.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
26 Apr 10
Yea..the teenage years are hard but with depression thrown in the mix it could be a rough road. It will be good that you know what to look for with your children. There is a chance they won't have to deal with it but at least if they do, they'll have someone that understands. Take care.
1 person likes this
• Australia
25 Apr 10
So many people are on antidepressants and sleeping tablets these days i am shocked. I dont take any type of medication daily and think we should give our bodies a chance to sort out it's own imbalances before we rush off to the doctors, i know there are people who need these products but they are prescribed in ridiculous numbers and many are often sold on the black market.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
26 Apr 10
I hadn't heard about them being sold on the black market before! I guess everything else gets sold like that though..why not depression medication...hmm...interesting. I think they are over prescribed in my area too. Thanks for the response.
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
26 Apr 10
I know of a few people. I would consider them a remedy of last resort. In some cases, they can really help. I suspect that we rely on them too heavily in some cases though.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
27 Apr 10
They are definitely needed in some cases. I just wonder if they are needed as much as they are prescribed sometimes. Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Apr 10
Nearly everyone I know does. My daughter is, my grand son, my daughter used to, my daughter's boyfriend, neighbor lady and a good portion of the people I know on here. I should be on one but am trying to make it while without because of the financial bind I am in right now. I have tried six or eight different ones and none help. One that is actually for anxiety did do me some good and I will be back on it in afew months.
@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Apr 10
I just remembered my ex-husband is on some now as well and he is one who never used to take any pills for anything.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Hi celticeagle! It's amazing how many people I know are on them. Over the last few months I have found that most all the people I work with take them. I do hope you are able to get the ones that helped you. Sometimes people take different ones for years and still don't find the right one for them. Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
25 Apr 10
i took depotoke ok spelled that wrong for my depression and my bipolar for years. i think if someone really needs them then they should, but if not then i wouldnt. i know i have been off meds for years now, doing pretty well but i still have my depression kicks in, but i learn to deal with it. i look at things and say screw it. told i have a bad attuide by people. my doctor is well if its working for you and you arent depress and your anger isnt getting the best of you then i say you keep it up. i refuse to go back on meds for anyone, i will cut ties with the person who is causing my depression or anger to kick in, unless my wife wants me too. but these days they so much better meds then what i was on, it mess up my teeth, and my other things, so if you are told it will help ask what are the sign efficts.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
26 Apr 10
That's great that you are managing without the meds now. There have been some dosie medicines out there before. I know my tiredness is my crazy work schedule right now but I think that most everyone I know takes some type of antidepressant. Maybe it's the economy or just life but I think it's odd that there are so many people that take them. I do realize there are people that really need them though. Thanks for sharing and take care.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
26 Apr 10
I have been taking antidepressants for a few months and it has made a huge difference in my life. I have been told that my problem may be a genetic one and I am inclined to believe this because my sister has had good results taking the same script and dosage as I do and we see different doctors! Our mother has been suffering with depression for as long as I’ve known her! I waited many years before deciding to go down the antidepressants road although I had doctors advise me to take them for years, I didn’t think I needed them until I hit bottom and asked for help; I was given medication and therapy and they have been a tremendous help! I do believe that some doctors prescribe them too easily, for example if you are feeling tired it doesn’t necessarily mean it is because of depression and it is a bit hasty to presume it is due to depression.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
26 Apr 10
Hi paula! Family history has shown to greatly determine depression. It has been proven time and time again to be hereditary. I think my mother may have had some depression or nerve issues but I'm not sure if it was her life or inherited. I can't say that I know anyone else in my family that has had it and my mother had a very interesting life to say the least. This discussion became a thought after my doctor suggested them to me months ago and then I have since found out that most everyone I know takes them. I'm glad they have done you well. I know there are so many people that do benefit from them. I hope you continue to do well and enjoy life. Take care and thanks for the response.
2 people like this
@Masmasika (1921)
• Philippines
25 Apr 10
Thanks God, I haven't taken any anti-depressants even if I had been into a lot of problems in the past. I was able to handle them. I don't know of anyone close to me who are taking anti-depressants.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
26 Apr 10
I'm glad you have been able to deal with your problems without medication. I am hoping that I will be able to do the same thing. So far so good. There are a lot of people that spiral into a very bad place. I hope to never know what that is like. Thanks for the response.
@anne25penn (3305)
• Philippines
25 Apr 10
I don't know anyone who is taking anti-depressants but I certainly need them right now. I've been depressed over quitting my job, losing my house and having to care for my sick mother. I am always tired but I cannot do anything about it because no one will take care of my mother.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
I hate to hear that. Maybe you should talk to your doctor about getting them for a while. Thanks for the response.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Good morning jill, i take alot of meds. I guess some of them would be called anti-depressants because i take a pill for anxiety every day, plus a nerve pill as i call it & a sleeping pill that does not let me sleep but a few hours. I'm not a good sleeper anyway & have had alot on my mind lately that's not good. I think any med will help u if it's prescribed by your doctor & u take them like u are suppose to. So many people don't do that & then they get in trouble.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Heyya Jo! There are a lot of people that ignore the advice of their doctors and get into a mess. I know it's especially bad when a person that has trouble sleeping gets things on their mind. Sometimes no amount of medicine can help when there is a lot of turmoil in our minds. Thanks for responding and I hop you get a good nights sleep soon.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Hey Jen! You certainly don't strike me as the type of person that need anti-depressants! I know that I do and I am on three right now! But, I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder! I definitely know that I need them and that they have helped at least a little bit! I am not as angry as I used to be! I can't say the I am not as depressed though! I'm not sure if that part is being taken care of! But, I take my meds anyway! I am not seeing my Counsler or Psychiatrist at the moment because I have been kicked out for drinking again! I am not allowed to drink in the program that I was in! I would have to go back to Rehab again and at this moment I am just not ready! So my Primary Care Physician has taken over giving me all my Psych meds even though he isn't happy about it, but he wants me to stay on them so this is the only way until we dedide what I will do next! I now that the meds help me somewhat, but I also know that I will eventually have to go back to Rehab because I need my Counselor back! We were doing pretty well! I know that this is what I will have to do because I want to see here and my Psychiatrist again! I don't want to start over! I just have to decide when!
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Anything that helps is worth it. You have been through a rough time in the past few months and it's a shame that you can't see your counselor because you've drank. It seems to me that it would be when they would want to see you more versus not allowing you in the program. I do see that it is a no drinking allowed support system though. I also know that you have to be ready to go back. Take care and thanks for responding.
@piya84 (2581)
• India
25 Apr 10
I dont know any one who take antidepressants but i know atlist one person who needs it now.My friend has been recently divorce and she is in tremendous depression.She is acting weird now a days and i really feel she need to see doctor and take some good anti depressant to cure it.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Sounds like she is going through a rough time. I hope she gets the help that she needs. Take care and thanks for responding.
@olisaur (1922)
• United States
25 Apr 10
Throughout high school and middle school I struggled with depression and tons of family issues, so I have taken a couple different type of depression medications before (Prozac, Zoloft, Xanax, St. John's Wort). I do think our modern society is one of pillpoppers- "just take a pill to take care of it"- and I think it can be unhealthy. A lot of people are careless and put substances in their bodies while they're on medication and end up suffereing consequences.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
That is a good point. There are people that don't realize that there are certain things that they were once able to take that anti depressants make very dangerous for them. I wish there were a miracle pill..lol..Thanks for responding.
• Philippines
25 Apr 10
I bet people who discuss here was either depressed or has an anxiety disorder. I myself was diagnosed with panic disorder and I had it for 9 years now. And my medication is an anti-depressant specifically Sertraline. I thought you should know that your not the only one taking this medication. Your not alone in the struggle against mental disorders. Many people in my city take anti-depressants I know that cause my doctor told me so. And its part of my therapy to assure me that its ok cause everybody is using it to. I have my anxious moments with anti-depressants. The first side effect that I have was I couldnt sleep. It was hard getting to sleep at night. The second was I'm always bloated. But apart from that and going through with it all, its very worth it!! I dont know what will happen to me without an anti-depressant. I guess without it, I'll be stuck in my house forever..lol. All I can say is follow what your doctor prescribed, though at first its very uncomfortable but in the end you'll see its benefits.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Apr 10
There are a lot of people that are struggling. I'm glad you are benefiting from your medicine and I hope you continue to do well. Take care and thanks for responding.