Depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, chronic pain, and various other psychiatric disorders and health conditions can be treated with anti-depressants.In the United States and Canada, antidepressants can only be obtained through prescriptions from your healthcare provider.If you need antidepressants, you can visit your doctor and get a prescription.
Step 1: You should make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
If you feel you need to be treated for a health condition, you can have an examination by a Psychiatrist or family physician.Since psychiatrists specialize in mental health disorders, have more experience working with antidepressants, and can prescribe the antidepressants that will work best for you, meeting with a Psychiatrist is usually ideal.You can set up an appointment by phone or online if you research the psychiatrists who are covered by your insurance plan.You can get a referral from your primary care physician or you can use a website like ZocDoc or Thero.org.
Step 2: When describing your symptoms, be specific.
Giving your doctor as much information as possible can help them diagnose your disorder and prescribe the right type of antidepressants.Someone with anxiety disorder may need a different type of medication than someone with bipolar disorder.Mention the symptoms of depression such as insomnia, lack of energy, and sadness.
Step 3: Discuss the causes of stress and depression.
Identifying the cause of your stress and depression can help your doctor properly diagnose and treat your condition and prescribe the right type of medication.Tell your doctor if there are any stressors in your life.You may be in a toxic relationship that has caused you to become depressed.Mention it to your doctor.
Step 4: Inform your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms.
Let your doctor know how long you have been feeling depressed.People who have been experiencing long-term stress are the best candidates for antidepressants.Being separated from a partner or being laid off from work can cause short-term stress and depression.
Step 5: Take any steps you have taken to treat your symptoms.
Let them know if you take vitamins and birth control.This can help your doctor better understand which treatments work and which don't.Inform your doctor of any drugs or medications you have taken in an attempt to treat depression, as well as whether you've been exercising more frequently or eating healthier foods.Some of the drugs you are currently on might be causing your depression or anxiety and your doctor might prescribe you a new kind to alleviate the symptoms.
Step 6: Suggestions and questions are welcome.
After doing some research on different forms of antidepressants, come with some suggestions and questions for your doctor.Ask questions about the side effects of the drug and tell them what medication you are interested in.Find out which antidepressants their patients have had the best experiences with.
Step 7: You should get a prescription from your doctor.
Most antidepressants can be obtained from a licensed pharmacy.Before you leave the doctor's office, make sure you get a prescription from your doctor or someone from the office.You can find out more about the cost of your medication and whether it will be covered by your health insurance provider.The cost of certain antidepressants may be higher than other types of prescription drugs, and many generic forms are cheaper.
Step 8: You can get your prescription filled at a pharmacy.
You can fill your prescription at any drugstore or pharmacy that is open seven days a week.If you want your prescription filled, you need to bring in your paper prescription note.If the medication isn't in stock, you may have to wait a few hours before you can pick it up.
Step 9: Follow your doctor's instructions.
You might have questions for your doctor after you get your prescription.Maybe you are taking the medication and it doesn't feel right.If you need to make a new appointment, contact your doctor to ask questions.You can leave a message or email them if they aren't in.
Step 10: When necessary, get a second opinion.
Some doctors are hesitant to write a prescription for an anti-depressant because they think the patient may be able to improve their symptoms through other lifestyle changes.If you feel that your depression, anxiety, or other disorder is disabling, you can seek a second opinion.Make an appointment with a doctor or Psychiatrist in your area.
Step 11: Take your medication according to your doctor's instructions.
The risk of side effects and other health problems can be increased if you take less or more than the recommended dose.If you feel the need to increase your dosage to better treat your depression, you should consult with your doctor first.Before taking any new drugs or supplements, contact your doctor.
Step 12: Stay on your medication.
It can take several weeks for antidepressants to start working.If you have an alarm on your phone, you can remember to take your medication.If you still feel that the medication isn't working after a few months, you should talk to your doctor.
Step 13: You should know the side effects of your drug.
The drug that you are prescribed will affect the side effects.Information about the drug and potential side effects should be given to you by your doctor and the pharmacy who fills your prescription.Do your own research if you think it's necessary.Do you know what you can do to reduce the occurrence of these side effects?
Step 14: It's also a good idea to get therapy as well.
Depression drugs work well for you, but they don't work as well with therapy.Professional counseling can help you work through your issues if you can afford it.
Step 15: Meditate.
It has been shown that meditation reduces stress and improves the mood.According to some, it is more helpful than antidepressants in treating mental illness.You can spend a lot of time in a quiet place focusing on your body and breathing.Headspace and Calm are two meditation apps that you can download.
Step 16: It's a good idea to exercise.
The benefits of exercise include improving your physical and mental health.It gives you time to rest and focus on your body.Go for a run, join a gym, or walk around the neighborhood.
Step 17: Change your diet.
The diet has been shown to be connected to mood.Foods with high levels of sugar or fat are more likely to cause symptoms of depression or anxiety.Cut out fast food and sweets for a month and see if your mood improves.
Step 18: Cut stress.
Determine how you can manage or cut areas in your life that are causing stress.If you are rushed to get your child to school every morning, you can either send them on the bus or have your partner take them.Small changes can make you feel better.
Step 19: Spend time with friends.
Try to stay out of the way during this difficult time.You should hang out with your friends at least once per week.You can go see a movie, have dinner, or chat.Don't hang out with people who are negative.
Step 20: Get enough sleep.
Maintaining emotional stability requires a good night's sleep.It's important to get at least seven hours of sleep per night.Taking a warm bath or having some hot tea will help soothe you to sleep.Try to go to bed at the same time each night.