how do medications help?
I used to take medications like 2 years ago but my mom stopped it because she thought it was a waste of money. She told me that if I wanted to get better I must change how the wires in my head were set. She stopped my weekly counselling with the therapist too.
2 years without any kind of medication and help was tough. However, I started to get really used to it and I can sort of function just fine in real life but that
@Hydrangea03
I am sorry that you have difficulties with your parents and getting help. It sounds like you are trying to the best for yourself. I know when I want to know more about how a medication works, I usually ask a trusted source, either a good textbook or website, although I have always been told a doctor is usually the best. I hope you are able to find someone who can explain how different medications could help you! Good luck on this journey and be safe <3
@Hydrangea03
There's a few different parts to your question so I'll try and answer them all !
First, not all depression has to be managed with medication. Medication is only one option. Some people choose to manage their depression with therapy and that's okay. It's not the be all and end all.
The second part is about the meds. This is tricky to answer because there's actually a few different types of medication that can get prescribed for depression. Some are called SSRI's, others are called SNRI's, and then there's mood stabilisers - and probably others too! Each medication works a little bit differently in the brain, so an explanation for one medication doesn't apply to the other one.
Just as an example, an SSRI like zoloft or lexapro works by helping the brain to keep serotonin in our brain for longer. Serotonin is basically our 'happy' chemical - which also boosts when we eat chocolate, hang out in nature or get some exercise.
Hope this makes sense! Definately encourage you to chat with your Doctor more to get them to help explain stuff.
@romanticthi3f oh thank you!! this is very helpful =D
@Hydrangea03
Hi, Im sorry your mum cut off both meds and therapy. Different anti-depressant medication work in different ways hence I cannot say for sure how the one you were using work -some increase serotonin etc.. I think the best approach would be to research or read a book. Otherwise seeing a doctor might help bring things in context. To start you off, this a really good link to information about anti-depressants https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antidepressants-a-z/#.WdEsVY9SzIU
