If you’ve been living with symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, you deserve some effective, easy-to-access help. Symptoms of depression, such as low mood, low energy, sleep issues, and even suicidal thoughts and feelings put you through the wringer. But, many find relief through medication management with antidepressants.
At Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC, we’re focused on your peace of mind. Led by Dr. Ronald P. Winfield, our team of psychiatric and mental health specialists provide medication management and other forms of mental health care to new and existing patients from around the North Chelmsford, Massachusetts area.
Sometimes, Dr. Winfield’s patients report initial concerns about taking antidepressants, often based on common myths and misconceptions about this type of medication. When you know the truth, not the myths, you can make the right decisions for your mental health care.
Let’s take a closer look at five common myths about antidepressants, and the truth about medication management for depression.
The truth is, it takes a lot of strength to reach out and seek treatment for depression. Ongoing depression saps your energy and hopefulness, and can even reduce your executive function. So, if you’re thinking about treating your depression through medication, you should be congratulated on your strength!
It’s not weak to need support from antidepressant medication in order to overcome your depression symptoms. And, antidepressants won’t solve all of your problems.
But, when you benefit from the right medication management plan, you’re empowered to reach inside yourself for your inner strength. Without the burden of depression symptoms, you may be amazed at how much you can accomplish.
In fact, depression is what changes your personality. The right antidepressants help you get back to being your real self, complete with positive emotions, normal energy levels, and renewed interest in your goals, hobbies, and social life.
That said, it can be the case that antidepressant side effects cause emotional numbing. This may only last briefly, while you adjust to the medication. Or, it may be a sign that you need to try a different antidepressant.
Either way, if you don’t feel like yourself while taking your medication, talk to your provider at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates before making any changes with your meds.
Some people struggling with depression also create wonderful works of art. If you’re a creative person, you may fear that taking antidepressant medication may make it harder, or even impossible, for you to create.
However, the truth is that your art comes from you. When you’re physically and mentally well, your art shines through more brightly, not less. You don’t need to be depressed to be creative. Taking antidepressants can actually support you in your creative endeavors, increasing your confidence, persistence, resilience, and energy.
While some antidepressants can result in side effects of weight gain, that’s less and less true with evolving newer medication options. Expert medication management seeks to address unwanted symptoms of depression without harmful side effects.
Your provider at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates can switch you to a different medication option if your antidepressant causes weight gain that you don’t want. Or, you may benefit from combining your medication for depression with a rigorous exercise program, or with other medications to mitigate weight gain side effects.
With modern-day pharmacogenetic testing options like the Millennium PGT pharmacogenetic test, the team at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates learn more about the right drugs and dosages for you. Instead of trial and error, you can head right for the best antidepressant option for you.
For compassionate, effective medication management support to relieve your depression symptoms and help you achieve remission of your mental health condition, contact Dr. Winfield at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone now.
