depression - when to take anti-depressants?

[em1400]

I am a 22 year old female and have only recently been diagnosed with depression. I have been seeing a therapist for the past 6 weeks and am finding it helpful although sometimes I feel worse about myself.
I am still feeling depressed, guilty, ashamed and have incredably low self-esteem. At times I hate myself. I used to binge/purge when I was 20. Recently my parents separated and the problem has re-emerged. I constantly dream that I am someone else. I still work, see my friends and manage to go out although I dont get excited about these activities as I used to. Sometimes I have to force myself out of the house. At times I have really strange/ weird thoughts. While I know I would never act on any of them it's really scary.
Just wondering whether I should continue with the therapy or when I should try anti-depressants?
Any suggestions of ways to overcome this depression?

[spikerusty]

i'd suggest possibly started a course of medication, along with continuing with your therapy as you've said that you feeling some benefits from it. Your age is irrelevant here as if your feeling somewhat low, depressed and having "strange thoughts which oyu find scary" i think that having the confidence to open up with your Doctor about "these" and how your really feeling will indeed help. You'be been under a lot of stress yourself as Parents going through the throes of separation is tough. I would say try to continue to do as much as you can in order to try and lift your mood, just be it from getting some daylight by leaving the house as well as attending your yoga classes as that will help and lead you not to become a further "prisoner" of your illness. The medication will be given at a normal starting off dose as it's important to understand that these meds do not work immediately as take on average 4-8 weeks to begin working. Your Dr will see you right here as your doing the right thing by asking things and importantly wanting to get better. Try to keep yourself safe and speak to your Dr about these deeply personal fears and experiences as they will be able to more locally advise you as you are not "mad", just in a very poor personal space at the minute.

[lilymoon]

Studies show that usually the most effective way to overcome depression is to combine meds and therapy...
lily

[grannienannie]

hello your too young to be that depressed...I wish i was your age again...you need to take yoga classes that will be better and relaxing for your mind...only you can make it out your depression..its your will..and your energy...you dont need to put yourself in thoughts of things that fear you..dont beat your self up, go to yoga classes, you need to regain you and your mind..

[RainLover71]

That does sound like classic depression although you can turn it around.I don,t know if anti-depressants are the answer because they don,t work for everybody and they wear off over time.Therapy is good if you are getting results.Get out of the house,because staying inside will just fuel your depression.One of the best ways to defeat depression from my own experience was to do activities that occupied my mind.All the best.