Need some advice, new to this!!!

[gillianl1985]

i have been on and off fluoxetine for the past 2 years but have never stuck to it 100% for more than 2 months.  How long do i have to be on this before i start feeling better about myself?

i've had a good Christmas with my partner, son and family, but now feel totally drained and emotional again, i get upset easily which is why i have gone back onto my fluoxetine tonight, i came off it a month ago and knew i shouldn't have but thought i was feeling okay.  I've had this long before i was pregnant so i know this is not post natal depression as i was diagnosed at 18 and thought it was all a joke and never seeked proper help for it.

I just want to feel "normal" no crying, emotionally drained, i get upset when my son cries because i feel i don't knowwhat to do even though i know i'm a good mum.  i'm fed up feeling useless

[4Maddie44]

Well done.  You have made the right decision, and I do hope you feel better soon.  I am sure by the time your dear little son has his 1st birthday, you will feel much better.

Take care

[gillianl1985]

Thank you very much, i started back on them yesterday and my partner is going to cut down his overtime with work as i'm not coping on a day to day basis on my own, my son is becoming a handful which i'm fine with but i'm on my own what feels like 24/7, i need help again just until i feel better again, i never wanted to feel like this again over the Christmas period, hoping for my son's 1st birthday in Feb i'll be back to my old self again

[4Maddie44]

You can't go on and off anti-depressants.  Please make sure you take one every day for a long period.  It is only then you will feel better.  Every time you come off them, you have to start all over again.  Your body will get very confused.

You may think you feel OK, but I think the anti-depressants do help if you keep taking them.

[jtorvend]

Please talk to your doctor about not feeling like the meds are working.  When I started to take  my meds I felt a lot better in about 14 days.  You may take longer but the point is depression is a disease and not a choice.  diabetics have to take insulin to feel good, people with depression need their medication to.  

[Anneinside]

For meds to work you have to stay on them, taking them every day. Since antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks to start working you really aren't going to stick to your meds then they won't work.