I have been living with depression since a teenager and after so many years, I recently finally started receiving psychotherapy (CBT). While I’m already seeing some modest changes in my thinking patterns, my therapist noted that in the last few weeks the severity of the condition is worsening and it might be a good time to talk with my primary care provider about antidepressants as a combination therapy.
This got a reaction out of me, specifically that I don’t like the idea of chemically altering my mental state and losing access to what “I really feel” (as I perceive it).
I know that the logic behind this sentiment is not very solid, but we can’t reason ourselves out of our feelings that easily. For me this is also challenging because I don’t take any recreational substances that affect my mental state, so I can’t tell to myself that it’s like e.g. smoking weed only more targeted and supervised.
I’m curious if this sentiment is familiar to anyone else, and how you dealt with it (whether you decided for or against medication).
I’ve encountered your sentiments many times while treating patients. I don’t push too hard on the medication suggestion but it really is the case that medication and therapy can be of more help than therapy or medication alone. What I’d suggest is that you keep the suggestion in reserve until such time as the depression is kicking your ass again and then consider trying it. Its worthwhile to discuss the issue in advance with your MD and review the various options as some are more activating than others and some are more likely to produce side effects than the others. You could get the prescription filled to have it ready in the event you changed your mind.
Thanks, I think this is the path I will take for now. I’ll talk with my GP about it today and start the process to find out my options first. It might not even be something she’s allowed to prescribe anyway, so I’ll need to visit a neurologist or a psychiatrist for more consultation.