The responses to this thread seem overwhelming to me, as someone who has struggled with burnout/depression.
I think these are the important takeaways:
* Talk to a medical professional, like a doctor / GP
* Keep talking to your therapist if it helps. Look for a new therapist if your current one isn't a good fit.
* Work with your "care team" (therapist, doctor, loved ones) to create a treatment plan. Agree on ways to check in / track, so you can adjust the plan.
"Treatment plan" might include medication, but also combination of diet/exercise/practices like journaling.
Mental health and wellbeing is a spectrum. Nothing about health is permanent; it all requires upkeep.
You probably take lots of other supplements without thinking about it, like enriched flour or fortified milk. SSRIs supplement insufficient serotonin production (the causes of this are very complicated).
The contraindications, lifestyle changes, side effects that accompany SSRIs are not trivial. Your fears are valid.
Remember that you're in control of your treatment plan though. If you feel worse or decide the trade-offs aren't worth it, you can keep tweaking or remove mediation entirely.
Thanks for the advice/encouragement, it's appreciated.
This got a lot more responses than I anticipated but by and large they have been very informative, supportive and I'm very grateful for everyone that has shared their journey.
I think these are the important takeaways:
* Talk to a medical professional, like a doctor / GP
* Keep talking to your therapist if it helps. Look for a new therapist if your current one isn't a good fit.
* Work with your "care team" (therapist, doctor, loved ones) to create a treatment plan. Agree on ways to check in / track, so you can adjust the plan.
"Treatment plan" might include medication, but also combination of diet/exercise/practices like journaling.
Mental health and wellbeing is a spectrum. Nothing about health is permanent; it all requires upkeep.
You probably take lots of other supplements without thinking about it, like enriched flour or fortified milk. SSRIs supplement insufficient serotonin production (the causes of this are very complicated).
The contraindications, lifestyle changes, side effects that accompany SSRIs are not trivial. Your fears are valid.
Remember that you're in control of your treatment plan though. If you feel worse or decide the trade-offs aren't worth it, you can keep tweaking or remove mediation entirely.
Don't give up!