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How do you know when an antidepressant is working?


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I've been really, really bad about taking my meds for ages, and I have finally realized that in order to feel better and lead a normal life, I am going to have to start taking them religiously. Unfortunately, that means that my meds have not had time to "work." Which means I'm going to have to wait for them to start working over the next bit. I know it can take upwards of several weeks before you feel a difference, but what exactly should I be expecting to feel? If you're on an antidepressant that's doing what it's supposed to, how do you know?

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I know mine are working when I can make plans that extend beyond what I will have for dinner and this ability comes back natually without feeling like I'm medicated. I also begin to smile more when the meds start to work.

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For me, an antidepressant is working when life no longer seems hopeless. I stop lying on the couch all day and crying at every little thing that happens to me. I'm interested in all my usual hobbies and I enjoy reading books, instead of feeling like I don't want to do anything except stare at the ceiling.

olga

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I know my antidepressants are working when I don't lie awake for five hours every night feeling guilty about every little thing that could possibly be my fault, when my hobbies seem interesting instead of pointless, when I can get up and talk to people and smile without having to force myself to do every tiny little thing. For me it was sort of more of a feeling like "I can fight this, and it's worth fighting."

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...when I arise from bed before 2 PM

When I open the curtains to bring in the light.

When I answer the telephone.

When I engage in personal hygiene every day.

When my clothes are clean and in good repair.

When I purposefully engage in activities outside the confines of my darkened room.

When I can engage in conversation with my husband without crying over his ever word.

When I do no feel as if I am dying, inside and out.

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