I have noticed that several people have posted anon about being on anti-depressants. I don't feel that it is anything to feel ashamed of . Just because you need something doesn't mean that you are "crazy" or "weak". Be proud that you are smart enough to try to improve your life.

I have been on several different anti-dep for the past 8 years which was brought on by the birth of my 2nd ds. I had post partum and I really needed help (keep in mind that I had pp depression, not pp dementia, huge difference)

When I went on them when my ds was 3 m/o and I felt like a new person. I have stayed on them since them because honestly, I did not realize until after going on the meds, that I was actually depressed and had accute anxiety since I was in my late teens and early twenties.

I have tried several of the formulas that are on the market, The reason I changed several times is because I was trying to eliminate the side effects that affected my libido. I finally got on Lexapro and took it for almost two years. It worked well on me, however, my Dr. told me that it would soon reach a plateau and quit working.

An Anon member posted about cymbalta and that is what I am trying now. From what the Dr. told me, this drug is a very effective drug and doesn't anticipate any problems with switching me over. I also changed meds because I suffer from severe chronic insomnia. This med is supposed to help me get over that without sleeping pills.

Sorry so long....just excited to see how the meds work out. Thanks for listenting.

By Tink on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 08:44 pm:

I'm really glad that you are finding a med that works best for you. I have been on antidepressants for postpartum depression also. Each time I had one of my dks, I needed it and I've been able to go off of them after 9 months or so. I think I was also suffering from anxiety issues without realizing it before I started medication. I wish someone would have pointed out before that it runs rampant in my family. I noticed about 3-4 months ago that I was feeling the same way I'd felt after each pregnancy so I've started them again. I felt sooo much better equipped to cope with all those day-to-day stresses that we all deal with.

I hadn't heard of cymbalta until it was posted here but I hope it is everything you are hoping for. Proper body chemistry is a wonderful thing! My family thinks so, too! *EG*

By Eve on Friday, November 12, 2004 - 08:11 am:

I feel wonderful! Medication has changed my life, literally. I feel like myself again. I'm not ashamed at all. I tell everyone I know! And you know what, everyone has dealt with depression in some way or another. I know, I thought I was "weak" for trying medication, but I chose it when I wasn't being the best Mom I could be. I'm back, and I feel great! I feel so affectionate towards my DH because I am not thinking about my problems. Life changing, that's all I can say!

By Brandy on Friday, November 12, 2004 - 09:12 am:

Well i don't take medication for depression but i know someone that does and i just have to say that alot of people still view people on meds as crazy or weird or whatever unfortunately people still categorize = ( ...

By Anonymous on Friday, November 12, 2004 - 02:56 pm:

That was me about the Cymbalta. I hope it works for you. I had lots of side effects at first- but they seem to have settled down. I don't really want to "go public" with this as it is all new to me. It's not that I'm ashamed, per say. It's just kind of a privacy thing for me right now.

By Katherine on Saturday, November 13, 2004 - 05:32 pm:

I'm sorry, Anon. I didn't mean to judge you. I just know that alot of people are embarrassed to admit that they take meds. I for one , do not tell anyone outside of my home. The people that I work with don't have a clue, because of what Brandy pointed out, people that have never had experience with it tend to label people on meds as "crazy".

By the way, this does sound crazy, but, I have been taking it for 2 days and I can tell a difference. Most antidepressants take weeks to work, but I have been feeling a little better already. Could be the placebo effect, but whatever it is, I am grateful.

By Anonymous on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 04:31 pm:

I felt a difference in one hour- no joke. My dr was SHOCKED. I'm glad it is working for you!

By Bea on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 06:00 pm:

I have clinical depression and I'm no more embarrassed by that fact, than I am about having diabetes. They are both illnesses that I'll have the rest of my life, and take medication to control. If people view me as strange, I consider it their problem, not mine. I have lots of people in my life who don't judge me by my illnesses. They are the people I want in my life. The others are welcomed to stay away.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 12:38 am:

AMEN!! Well said Bea. I feel the very same way... The people that judge are often the people that need the most help....