I've tried SSRIs while not depressed and noticed mind-altering effects and physical side-effects immediately. This idea that SSRIs don't do anything at all until several weeks in just isn't true, even though that's how it works for most clinically depressed people.
I've tried SSRIs while not depressed and noticed mind-altering effects and physical side-effects immediately. This idea that SSRIs don't do anything at all until several weeks in just isn't true, even though that's how it works for most clinically depressed people.
Who said anything about not doing anything? You'll notice the most side effects in the first week, including mind altering ones. The most potentially beneficial effects of those that occur immediately can be expected to be in reducing any obsessive negative thoughts. Rather it is the symptoms of depression that start to alter only over the longer time scale.
My girlfriend suffers serious depression. She has sleep disorder, anorexia, chronic pain, problems to concentrate, low selfesteem, daily low mood, listlessness and is very indecisive. On the other side she considers herself very happy apart from the "depression periods" and we have a great time together. We already consulted a psychotherapist, but there is waiting time about one month. I buyed her fishoil capsules, because she eats no fish and there is mild evidence that it helps treating depression (I don't think this will affect her depression greatly, but fishoil seems like an overall good idea). We often go on walks to catch some sunlight and get her some exercise.
She says she never want's to take antidepressants because she fears to get dependent from them. I think she might change her mind if there are very good arguments in favour of them. She is quite rational in spite of not knowing the LW-stuff. Does anybody of you know if there is any information of the succes rate of medicamentous (and psycho therapeutic) treatment available?
I highly appreciate any advice.
Furthermore i want to call attention to the topic of depression. A huge share of the population suffers at least once in their lifetime under depression (~20% in Germany). Sadly it's often not taken serious and a big taboo to speak about. Many people see it as self-inflicted. My girlfriend's mother doesn't believe in depression as a disease (see diseased thinking). It's a paradigm of irrationality that hurts people.