This may be stupid, so my apologies, but I was unaware that some people spend extended lengths of time, and even their entire lives, on medication for depression. I have seen some posts by people referring to this and it is something I have never heard about before. I was always under the impression that you aren't supposed to be on them for more than a few years...although I was told by a doctor when I was 13 that I "should really consider coming off the meds because [I] can't be on them forever, you know," so he very well may have put that idea in my head,

Likewise, though, I am not too fond of the idea of being on meds for that long anyways. Have people spent long periods of time on meds and are you planning on staying with them for a long time?

Just curious and a little confused I guess.

-boo

depression can be a chronic relapsing disorder and the best way to avoid relapse if you are well on meds is to stay on them. most people will not be happy about that and will want to at least try and come off them. most docs would keep you on meds for about 9 months after you get well for your first episode, maybe 2 years for your second and third and then probably recommend you stay on them forever after that. it is of course ultimately up to you because they can't tell how you will go without them whether its your first, second or fifteenth episode, they only have your past history and that of others to attempt to predict it.

for me, i feel so well on meds that i do attempt to come off regularly because it is so far from how i feel when i am sick that i can't imagine it happening again, but it always does. so this time i have kept a journal and will read it regularly when i want to come off LOL. i am resigned now to stay on long term, as long as they don't poop out!

The length of time you are on meds is up to you and your pdoc. Some people do not need long term med therapy and others do. In my case, I will be on them for the rest of my life.

It is best that you check with your pdoc regarding your meds. BTW, have you called one of the referrals that your old pdoc gave you?
Sheepwoman

No...It's totally my fault, I am being so immature about it, but I cannot bring myself to do it. I am seeing my counselor here at school on Friday and maybe I will talk it over with her. My father does know that I am taking myself off my meds and of course his main concern was that I don't currently have a doctor monitoring it. I need to get my act together, but because I am so stubborn it isn't happening...thanks so much for caring, though

-boo

This is always a difficult choice to make, but as for myself each time I wean off or try too, the depression returns and I spend months and months in hell trying to get back to being able to function. I will stat on what I consider a maintainence dose, the smallest dose that keeps me stable.

Some people need to be on meds for life in order to function and remain in the community, working and managing a family. Medication has turned their life around and the days of large instutitions are gone (UK)

So it is a personal choice and sometimes a necessary decision to stay on for long term mental health conditions.


Jim Bow

I've been on meds now for over 25 years and will be the rest of my life. It all depends if you have something that will go away or not.
Max